We didn't get to swim in the sea on our birthday trip in the spring, so we decided to try again — this time in August, in Zadar. The weather certainly wasn't going to be a problem, and Zadar is supposed to have some of the most beautiful sunsets. So let's see what Croatia has to offer this time.

DAY ONE


first sunset


We arrived at a tiny airport where all we could see were private jets. It was probably the smallest airport I've ever been to. We looked for the bus that would take us to the old town and got off at the stop closest to our accommodation.


Old polished stones everywhere. We must be in the right place — this is the old town.

We dropped our suitcases at the accommodation and headed out to explore the surrounding streets. Orsi was probably more excited about exploring than I was, as this wasn't her first time here. She used to spend her summers in Zadar as a child because her father had a sailing boat here.

Unfortunately, I never got to see it — by the time I met her, it had already been sold.

Aerial view of winding dirt roads cutting through rugged mountain terrain.
Aircraft wing view over desert landscape against bright blue sky.
Small passenger aircraft parked on tarmac with mountains visible in the background.

When the trip is over can we go home with one of these, please?

The old town sits on a promontory on the Adriatic Sea, protected by ramparts and bastions. Our accommodation was right here, too, so all the main sights and beaches were within a 10–15 minute walk.

We took a longer walk down memory lane when we visited the harbour where their boat used to be docked.

Silhouette of person jumping into ocean at sunset with city skyline in background.
People gathered on coastal breakwater at dusk with lighthouse in distance.

Everyone was getting ready for the sunset

 

Sailboat silhouetted against dramatic golden sunset over rippling ocean waters.
Outdoor beachfront scene at golden sunset with silhouettes of visitors and structures.

A roasted corn vendor on the beach

Two silhouettes watching a golden sunset over rippling ocean waves at dusk.
Gentle ocean waves reflecting golden sunlight on dark blue waters at sunset.
Silhouettes of people watching sunset by a lighthouse with crowd gathered along the shore.
“The most beautiful sunset in the world is here”
Alfred Hitchcock is said to have remarked while
looking out from his hotel room in May 1964.
Ancient stone bell tower against deep blue sky with textured clouds.

St Donat's Church is the city's best-known symbol

DAY two


first beach


After breakfast, we went to the nearest shopping centre. We bought some sandwiches and soft drinks and headed for the beach. The GPS said it was 15 minutes away — and it was.

We found a good spot to sunbathe and went straight into the water. The sea was beautifully blue and the temperature was just right.

Basketball court by the sea with empty hoop and ocean view in the background.
Mediterranean coastal scene with boats anchored near historic stone fortification.
Blue sports motorcycle parked in shaded parking area with sunlight streaming through.

Pro tip: Cash is still very much king in Croatia, and you can't always do much with a bank card at the beach. I'm only saying this because I spent an hour trying to buy two soft drinks without any cash.

Cash is king.

People relaxing on a sunny concrete pier overlooking turquoise Mediterranean waters.

Meeting of religions and cultures

People playing basketball on an outdoor court with mountains visible in the background during sunset.
Swimmers enjoying crystal clear turquoise waters near coastal buildings on a sunny Mediterranean day.
Scenic coastal path with boats and mountains visible through tree branches.
Beachgoers relaxing on a rocky shoreline with blue waters and mountains in the distance.
Blue diving platform structure on the coast with pine trees framing the ocean view.
Silhouetted figures jumping from a multi-level diving platform against a sparkling ocean backdrop.

After a few hours, we'd had enough of the sun and the sea. What we really wanted was a beer and an ice cream — or an ice cream and a beer, in that order.

So we headed back to the old town. One of my friends had recommended an ice cream shop after I'd complained to him that we hadn't had a decent ice cream the night before.

The one he recommended was delicious. But what a price!

In general, Croatia has become quite expensive. I also spoke to some locals, who told me that prices had gone up dramatically over the past two years. You can certainly feel it wherever you go.

Ancient stone architectural detail showing decorative carved figure on historic building facade.

It was under Roman rule that Zadar acquired its current urban layout and there is evidence of this

Church bell tower with terracotta roof and ancient Roman column against bright blue sky.
Hand holding artisanal ice cream cone with wafer cookie in a polka dot cup on cobblestone street.

The most expensive ice cream I've ever had. I'm almost afraid to tell you how much I paid for it.

 

We went back to the hotel, had a shower and got ready for our second sunset.

The seaside promenade has two very special features: the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation. The Sea Organ (Morske orgulje) was built in 2005 by architect Nikola Bašić. Beneath the 70-metre-long marble steps are 35 pipes of different lengths that create different sounds depending on the movement of the waves.


The other attraction consists of 300 solar panels made of multilayered glass. They absorb the sun's energy during the day and turn it into a spectacular light show after sunset.

Silhouettes of people gathered at dusk on an illuminated surface with a blue sky backdrop.
Crowd silhouettes stand on a glowing grid floor against a vibrant sunset sky.

DAY three


nostalgia walk


The next day was unbelievably hot. I'm not a big fan of swimming, but I was really looking forward to getting back in the water. The plan for the day was simple: a long walk and a swim. It turned into an hour-and-a-half walk down memory lane. Orsi hadn't walked this route in more than 15 years, while everything was completely new to me. We headed to the old harbour, where their boat used to be docked.

Close-up of green olives growing on branches in natural sunlight.

Olives, what a delicious snack with an ice-cold beer

Red and white striped lighthouse tower against clear blue sky.

I'm sure it was repainted recently. The red is almost glowing.

Blurred motion shot of a white golf cart driving on a street.
Scenic waterfront view of coastal buildings and trees along calm blue waters.

On the way to the old harbour

Stone archway passage with vines growing on walls in Mediterranean architecture.

One of the entrance of the old town

Colorful striped beach umbrella by blue Mediterranean waters.
A lighthouse with spiral staircase and white canopy lounge area by the Mediterranean Sea on a sunny day.

DAY Four


Boat trip to the national park


It's going to be an exciting day — we're going on a full-day boat trip. The boat left early in the morning, so we had to get up really early. Rain clouds gathered for the first hour or so, but luckily the weather cleared up later. We visited the national park with several stops to swim in the sea. Breakfast and lunch were included in the price, which made the whole trip even better. A boat trip is definitely something we'd do again. If our next holiday takes us to the sea, we'll be looking for another one.

View from the bow of a boat sailing through blue waters with distant islands.

An all-day cruise, the cool breeze felt great in the heat.

Rear view of passengers enjoying scenic views from a boat deck in Mediterranean waters.

Listening to music and dancing while enjoying the view.

Sailboat anchored near an island viewed between two white boat posts.
Scenic beach cove with crystal clear turquoise waters and concrete pillars.

Serious fisherman

Fisher standing on rocky shoreline casting into crystal clear Mediterranean waters.

What kind of fish do you want to catch with that gun?

Traditional wooden cruise ship anchored in turquoise Mediterranean waters near rocky coastline.
View of a Mediterranean coastline through a ship window showing blue water and rugged terrain.
Ship's mast with Croatian flag against blue sky with white clouds.
Narrow walkway along the side of a boat showing maritime equipment and deck details.

Several boats joined forces to drop off their passengers on the island at the same time.

Coastal villa perched on rocky terrain viewed from boat deck with ropes in foreground.

Kornati island, we only had two hours here

White arched bridge spanning across blue water connecting two green shorelines.
Cargo ships docked near a green island coastline in bright blue waters.
Red life preserver and passengers relaxing on boat deck during Mediterranean cruise.

On the way back to the harbour everyone was enjoying the sunshine

Grand white historic buildings along the Mediterranean coastline with red-tiled roofs.

The famous coastal promenade from the ship

Seagull flying over a boat with the Croatian coastline visible in the background.

Hi guys, drop me some food

Coastal town skyline with church towers and buildings along a sunny Mediterranean waterfront.

St Donat's Church in the background

Stunning sunset over ocean waters creating golden reflections on waves.
Small red and white lighthouse on a rocky pier with a boat carrying passengers in the foreground.
Hand holding Ozujsko beer can against sunset ocean backdrop.

Let's enjoy the third sunset

Sunset silhouette of person sitting on seaside promenade watching the horizon.
People relaxing on a stone pier by the ocean at sunset.
Scenic sunset over mountain silhouettes with calm ocean waters.

The last sunset came, and it was time to say goodbye to Zadar.


It was a lovely holiday, and one of the best things about it was that it's only a 55-minute flight from home. I hope Orsi got to relive some happy memories from her childhood here.


We might end up back here again someday.


Bye-bye, Zadar. Doviđenja!

Vintage military aircraft parked on dry grass field with blurred foliage in foreground.

They are refuelling our plane, so it's time to head home. See you!

Wake patterns in turquoise Mediterranean waters with islands and blue sky in the background.





Doviđenja zadar