Hotels in Zadar: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 31 July 2026 · 128 real hotels
Zadar's Old Town is the top choice for first-time visitors, placing you steps from the Sea Organ, Roman Forum, and the best restaurants. Beach lovers and families do well in Borik or Petrčane, while Brodarica and Arbanasi offer a quieter, residential feel with easy access to the centre.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Mandolina Apartments ★★★ | Brodarica | ★ 4.7 | 69 €/nuit |
| Hotel Porto ★★★ | Zadar | ★ 3.7 | 80 €/nuit |
| Zaton Holiday Resort Apartments ★★★★ | Zaton | ★ 4.2 | 87 €/nuit |
| Villa Gravić ★★★ | Zadar | ★ 4.7 | 93 €/nuit |
| Apartments & Rooms Petra ★★★ | Zadar | ★ 4.7 | 95 €/nuit |
| Guverna New City Accommodation ★★★ | Arbanasi | ★ 4.3 | 97 €/nuit |
| Apartment Teny ★★★ | Appartement entier | ★ 4.7 | 98 €/nuit |
| Villa Valentina ★★ | Zadar | ★ 4.8 | 105 €/nuit |
| Villa Nika ★★★★ | Bibinje | ★ 3.5 | 111 €/nuit |
Zadar sits on a narrow limestone peninsula jutting into the Adriatic, surrounded almost entirely by water. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Croatia, with a Roman Forum, Byzantine churches, and Venetian city walls still standing in daily use. Unlike Dubrovnik, it draws a crowd that leans toward the curious rather than the purely touristic, which keeps the atmosphere grounded and the prices more reasonable.
The city punches above its weight for a place of around 70,000 people. Alfred Hitchcock once called its sunsets the most beautiful in the world, and the architect Nikola Bašić turned that light into an installation with the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation on the waterfront promenade. Add a thriving food scene, a functioning local port, and fast ferry connections to the Dalmatian islands, and Zadar becomes a genuinely compelling base for a week on the Croatian coast.
Which area to stay in Zadar?
- Old Town (Poluotok): Best for first-time visitors and culture seekers. Everything worth seeing is within walking distance, the restaurant density is high, and the evening atmosphere along the Riva promenade is hard to match. Teatro Verdi Hotel (4★, 217 €/night, rated 4.8/5) sits right in this historic core.
- Borik: A pine-shaded resort district about 4 km northwest of the centre, built around a long pebble beach and a marina. Good for families and adults-only stays. Falkensteiner Hotel Adriana Adults Only (4★, 312 €/night, rated 4.6/5) is based here, as is Hotel Kolovare (4★, 256 €/night, rated 4.2/5).
- Petrčane: A small coastal village roughly 15 km north of Zadar, quieter and more exclusive. Home to the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera (5★, 423 €/night, rated 4.6/5), it suits travellers who want a full resort experience with spa facilities and a private beach.
- Brodarica: A quiet neighbourhood just north of the Old Town peninsula, close to the main city beach and the ferry terminal. The Hyatt Regency Zadar (5★, 347 €/night, rated 4.8/5) is located here, offering five-star comfort with a short walk or ride to the historic centre.
- Arbanasi: A residential area on the eastern edge of Zadar, less touristy and calmer than the Old Town. Miramare Hotel Zadar (4★, 258 €/night, rated 4.8/5) is here, appealing to guests who prefer a local neighbourhood feel.
- Central Zadar (city side): The modern mainland districts directly across from the Old Town offer practical, well-priced accommodation. Hotel A'mare (3.5★, 184 €/night, rated 4.6/5) and Demar Residence (4★, 174 €/night, rated 5/5) are solid options for budget-conscious travellers who still want quality and a short commute to the sights.
Good to know
- Getting around: The Old Town is pedestrianised, so a car is more hindrance than help once you arrive. City buses connect Borik, Brodarica, and the suburbs to the centre regularly. For Petrčane and outlying areas, taxis or a rental car make more sense.
- Best season to book: June and September offer the best balance of warm weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable rates. July and August are peak season with higher prices and busy beaches. April, May, and October are good for sightseeing at a slower pace, though some resort properties may be partially closed.
- Ferry connections: Zadar's ferry port links directly to the islands of Ugljan, Pašman, Dugi Otok, and further south. If island day-trips are part of your plan, staying in or near the Old Town keeps logistics simple.
- Book early for summer: The city's hotel stock is not enormous, and the best-rated properties fill up from April onward for July and August dates. Waiting until June to book peak-season nights risks limited availability.
- Airport transfers: Zadar Airport (ZAD) is about 10 km east of the city centre. Shuttle buses and taxis cover the route in roughly 20 minutes. There is no direct train connection. Pre-booking a transfer is straightforward and adds predictability, especially for late-night arrivals.
What to know about hotels in Zadar?
What is the best area to stay in Zadar for a first visit?+
The Old Town peninsula is the most convenient base for a first visit. You can walk to the Sea Organ, the Roman Forum, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, and dozens of restaurants without needing transport. Teatro Verdi Hotel is one of the few hotels located directly inside the historic walls.
When is the best time to visit Zadar?+
June and September are the sweet spot: sea temperatures are warm enough for swimming, the main sites are open, and the crowds are noticeably thinner than in July and August. If you are primarily interested in culture and food rather than beaches, May and October also work well and offer lower accommodation rates.
How do I get from Zadar Airport to the city centre?+
Zadar Airport is located about 10 km east of the city centre, roughly a 15 to 20 minute drive. Shuttle buses run in connection with most flight arrivals and drop passengers near the bus station. Taxis and app-based rides are also available and typically cost between 15 and 25 euros depending on your destination.
What is the average hotel budget for a night in Zadar?+
Based on current availability, mid-range four-star hotels in or near Zadar run from around 174 to 312 euros per night. Five-star options at Hyatt Regency Zadar or Falkensteiner Iadera reach 347 to 423 euros per night. Budget and apartment options outside the listed hotels can bring costs down further, especially in the shoulder months.
Is Zadar a good base for day trips along the Dalmatian coast?+
Yes, Zadar is well-positioned for exploring the region. Plitvice Lakes National Park is about 90 minutes inland by car or bus. The Kornati Islands archipelago is accessible by organised boat tours from the harbour. Šibenik and the Krka National Park are roughly an hour south, making Zadar a practical hub for northern Dalmatia.
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