Hotels in Zadar: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 1 July 2026 · 81 real hotels
Zadar's Old Town (Poluotok) is the top choice for first-time visitors, offering walkable Roman ruins, the Sea Organ, and a dense selection of heritage hotels. Travelers seeking resort-style comfort with pool access should look toward Borik or the Brodarica waterfront. Budget travelers and those with cars may prefer apartments just outside the historic peninsula.
Your stay in Zadar, in one conversation
Charlize builds hotels, activities and dining around your wishes, dates and budget.
Where to stay on any budget?
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Porto ★★★ | Zadar | ★ 3.8 | 102 €/nuit |
| Apartments Gardelin in Zadar | Brodarica | — | 113 €/nuit |
| Apartment Teny ★★★ | Location de vacances | ★ 4.5 | 118 €/nuit |
| Villa Valentina ★★ | Zadar | ★ 4.8 | 127 €/nuit |
| Zadar Apartment Sweet Life | Location de vacances | — | 134 €/nuit |
| Villa Anton B&B ★★★ | Zadar : à 12,3 km | ★ 5 | 134 €/nuit |
| Apartments Donat Zadar ★★★ | Vieille ville de Zadar | ★ 4.6 | 144 €/nuit |
| Zadar Luxury Rooms ★★★ | Vieille ville de Zadar | ★ 4.6 | 156 €/nuit |
| Shabby chic rooms ★★★ | Vieille ville de Zadar | ★ 3 | 167 €/nuit |
Zadar sits on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Adriatic, which means the city is genuinely compact: the old Roman forum, the waterfront promenade, and the famous Sea Organ are all within a short walk of each other. That density makes it one of the most rewarding small cities on the Dalmatian coast, particularly for travelers who want culture and coastline without the cruise-ship crowds of Dubrovnik or Split.
The surrounding area adds useful variety. North of the center, the Borik resort zone offers beaches and pine shade. Across the channel, the island of Ugljan is a half-hour ferry ride away and makes for a relaxed day trip. The city also serves as a practical base for the national parks of Krka and Plitvice, both reachable in under two hours by car or organized bus tour.
Which area to stay in Zadar?
- Old Town (Poluotok): The historic peninsula is the best address in Zadar. It holds the Roman forum, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, and the Sea Organ. Most heritage hotels and boutique rooms are here, and you can walk everywhere without a car. Ideal for couples, culture travelers, and first-time visitors.
- Borik: A resort area roughly 4 km northwest of the Old Town, developed around a small beach and a marina. Better suited to families or travelers who prioritize outdoor space and swimming pools over central location. A bus connects it to the center in about 15 minutes.
- Brodarica: A quiet residential and waterfront neighborhood just north of the Old Town peninsula, close enough to walk in but slightly removed from peak tourist traffic. The Hyatt Regency Zadar is located here, overlooking the channel.
- Diklo and Puntamika: Suburban coastal neighborhoods further north along the Zadar Riviera, popular with Croatian vacationers. Quieter and more local in feel, best suited to travelers with a rental car.
- Zadar City (mainland side): The modern part of the city, connected to the peninsula by a bridge, houses transport links, supermarkets, and apartment accommodation at more accessible prices. A practical base for budget travelers or those arriving by car.
Good to know
- Arrive without a car if you are staying in the Old Town: The historic peninsula has very limited and expensive parking, and most of it is reserved. Buses from Split and Zagreb stop at the main bus station on the mainland side, a short walk from the peninsula gate.
- Book early for July and August: Zadar is popular but smaller than Split or Dubrovnik, so quality heritage hotels fill up fast in peak summer. Shoulder season (May, June, September, early October) offers lower prices, thinner crowds, and still very swimmable sea.
- Use the catamaran for island access: Zadar is a ferry and catamaran hub for the Kornati archipelago and islands such as Ugljan, Dugi Otok, and Silba. Check the Jadrolinija timetable before you arrive and plan any island day trips around it.
- Carry cash for smaller restaurants and markets: While cards are widely accepted in hotels, smaller konobas (taverns) and the open-air market near the forum often prefer cash. ATMs are plentiful in and around the Old Town.
- Check the Sea Organ at dusk, not midday: The Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun light installation on the waterfront are best experienced at sunset when the light is right and the promenade comes alive. Visiting at midday in peak season means crowds and harsh light.
What to know about hotels in Zadar?
What is the best area to stay in Zadar?+
The Old Town peninsula (Poluotok) is the most convenient and atmospheric area for most visitors. Staying here puts you within walking distance of every major sight, the waterfront, and the best restaurants. If you prefer a larger hotel with resort facilities, the Brodarica waterfront or Borik are solid alternatives.
When is the best time to visit Zadar?+
Late May through June and September through early October offer the best balance of warm weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable hotel prices. July and August are peak season with higher temperatures, full hotels, and the busiest beaches. Winter is mild by northern European standards but many waterfront businesses reduce hours or close.
How do you get from Zadar Airport to the city center?+
Zadar Airport (ZAD) is located about 8 km east of the city center. A shuttle bus operates in coordination with flight arrivals and drops passengers near the main bus station on the mainland side of the peninsula. Taxis and ride-hail apps are also available and typically cost between 15 and 25 euros for the journey, depending on traffic and time of day.
What is the average budget for a hotel in Zadar?+
Based on available listings, prices range from around 120 euros per night for a 3-star apartment property to over 380 euros per night for a 5-star waterfront hotel. Mid-range heritage hotels in the Old Town tend to fall between 140 and 330 euros per night. Shoulder season prices are generally lower than peak summer rates.
Is Zadar a good base for day trips in Dalmatia?+
Yes. Zadar is one of the best-positioned cities in Croatia for excursions. Krka National Park is roughly 70 km to the south, Plitvice Lakes National Park is about 130 km inland, and the Kornati Islands are accessible by day-trip boat from the harbor. The city also connects to several Adriatic islands via regular Jadrolinija ferries and catamarans.
Plan your stay in Zadar
Tell us your wish, your dates and your budget. Charlize puts together hotels, activities and tables in one conversation.