The best hotels in Zadar
Zadar has 3,000+ places to stay. Most not worth it. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Zadar
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik
Borik, Zadar
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boutique Hostel Forum | Old Town, Zadar | $45–75/night | 8.1/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Apartment Hotel Donat | Borik, Zadar | $65–95/night | 7.9/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Hotel Bastion | Old Town, Zadar | $120–185/night | 8.9/10 | Best Location |
| 4 | Hotel Zagreb | Borik, Zadar | $110–160/night | 7.8/10 | Family Friendly |
| 5 | Art Hotel Kalelarga | Old Town, Zadar | $140–210/night | 9.1/10 | Top Rated |
| 6 | Hotel Adriana | Old Town, Zadar | $130–180/night | 8.5/10 | Most Popular |
| 7 | Hotel Kolovare | Kolovare, Zadar | $115–165/night | 8.2/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 8 | Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik | Borik, Zadar | $160–240/night | 8.3/10 | Family Friendly |
| 9 | Hotel Niko | Diklo, Zadar | $255–370/night | 9/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Luxury Rooms Largo | Old Town, Zadar | $280–420/night | 9.3/10 | Romantic Stay |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Boutique Hostel Forum
This small hostel sits right next to the Roman Forum ruins in the heart of Zadar's Old Town. Private rooms are compact but clean, with good air conditioning for the summer heat. The common area is lively and the staff give genuinely useful local tips. Walking distance to the Sea Organ and the main ferry terminal. A solid choice if you want location without spending much.
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Apartment Hotel Donat
Located in the Borik resort area about 3 kilometers northwest of the Old Town, this property offers simple apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes. The beach at Borik is a short walk away and the area is quieter than the Old Town peninsula. Rooms are dated but spacious and well maintained. The bus to the Old Town runs regularly and takes around 10 minutes. Good for families or anyone who wants cooking facilities on a tight budget.
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Hotel Bastion
Hotel Bastion occupies a renovated 16th-century Venetian fortification on the edge of the Old Town walls, overlooking the city moat. The rooms blend stone walls with modern furnishings and the result feels genuinely special rather than gimmicky. The rooftop terrace has a clear view across the channel to the island of Ugljan. Breakfast quality is above average and the staff are attentive without being intrusive. One of the better hotel experiences available in Zadar at this price point.
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Hotel Zagreb
Hotel Zagreb is a large socialist-era hotel in the Borik area, recently refurbished with updated rooms and facilities. The hotel fronts directly onto a pebble beach and has an outdoor pool, making it popular with families during summer. Rooms facing the sea are worth requesting and do not cost much more. The restaurant serves reliable Croatian seafood dishes. The Old Town is accessible by a pleasant 30-minute coastal walk or a short bus ride.
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Art Hotel Kalelarga
This small design hotel is built into a historic building on Kalelarga, the main pedestrian street of the Old Town. Each room is decorated differently with local artwork and the attention to detail throughout is noticeable. The location means everything in Zadar is walkable, from the Church of St. Donatus to the Sea Organ on the waterfront promenade. The breakfast spread is excellent with local cheeses and fresh pastries. One of the most consistently well-reviewed places to stay in the entire city.
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Hotel Adriana
Hotel Adriana sits on Obala Kralja Tomislava, the main waterfront promenade of the Old Town, with direct views over the Zadar channel. Sea-view rooms book out early in summer so reserving in advance is essential. The hotel is modern and comfortable without being exceptional, but the setting does a lot of heavy lifting. Sunset views from the seafront here are among the best in Dalmatia. The Greeting to the Sun light installation is literally steps from the front entrance.
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Hotel Kolovare
Hotel Kolovare is a mid-size hotel in the quiet Kolovare beach neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from the Old Town along the coast. The hotel has its own beach access and an outdoor pool, which makes it a calmer alternative to Old Town accommodation. Rooms are straightforward and clean with no real character but good comfort. The coastal path to the Old Town is scenic and well-maintained. Prices are noticeably lower than comparable Old Town hotels for what is essentially the same city.
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Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik
This large Falkensteiner resort in Borik is purpose-built for families and delivers on that promise with multiple pools, a waterslide, kids club, and direct beach access. The all-inclusive option is worth considering given the number of dining outlets on site. Rooms are modern and comfortable with good soundproofing between units. The Old Town is a short taxi or bus ride away but the resort is self-contained enough that many guests barely leave. Service is efficient given the scale of the property.
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Hotel Niko
Hotel Niko sits in the Diklo area on the northern edge of Zadar, with a private beach and panoramic views across the water toward the Zadar archipelago. The hotel recently underwent a full renovation and the rooms now have a clean, contemporary design with high-quality finishes. The restaurant focuses on fresh Adriatic seafood and is considered one of the better dining options in the broader Zadar area. The spa is small but well-equipped. A good choice for couples or anyone wanting a quieter, upscale experience away from the Old Town crowds.
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Luxury Rooms Largo
Luxury Rooms Largo occupies a beautifully restored stone building just off the Forum in the core of the Old Town, with only a handful of suites available. The interiors combine exposed medieval stonework with premium modern furnishings and the rooms feel genuinely luxurious rather than just expensive. Each suite has its own distinct character and the larger ones include private terraces with rooftop views. Service is highly personalized given the small number of guests at any one time. This is the most refined small accommodation option currently available in Zadar.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Zadar
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Stay on the Old Town peninsula for direct access to every sight
Art Hotel Kalelarga on the main pedestrian street, Hotel Bastion at the Old Town walls, Hotel Adriana on the seafront promenade, and Luxury Rooms Largo near the Forum are all within a 5-minute walk of the Sea Organ. There is no good reason to base yourself in Borik unless you have small children who need a resort environment.
The Old Town peninsula is compact and all the key sights are within 10 minutes on foot of any hotel within the walls.
The Sea Organ sunset is a non-negotiable activity
Go to the Sea Organ 30-45 minutes before sunset and sit on the marble steps. The combination of the ambient pipe sound from the sea, the Greeting to the Sun activating as daylight fades, and the view across the channel to the island of Ugljan is one of the best free experiences in Dalmatia.
The Greeting to the Sun installation lights up the ground with shifting color patterns from sunset until midnight. The area is usually busy at sunset but calms down within an hour after dark.
Kornati boat trip requires full day booking
The Kornati National Park has 89 islands spread over 300 square kilometers. Day boat trips from Zadar run May-October, cost 400-600 HRK per person, and typically include stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch at a local island konoba.
Book through reputable operators from the Zadar marina or via your hotel. Trips run 10-11 hours. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sea sickness prevention if needed. The clearest water is on the outer islands furthest from the mainland.
Plitvice Lakes day trip: leave by 7am from Zadar
Plitvice is 90 kilometers inland and one of Croatia's most visited sights. Arriving at opening time (7am) avoids the worst of the tour bus crowds that arrive from 9am. From Zadar, leave by 7am to be there at 8:30am for opening.
The lower lakes circuit takes 2-3 hours and covers the most dramatic waterfalls. A boat crosses the main lake. Entry costs 200 HRK in off-season and 300 HRK in peak season. The electric boat and shuttle bus are included in the ticket price.
Borik resort area: only worth it for families with young children
Borik is 3 kilometers northwest of the Old Town with beach access and larger resort hotels. The Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik is purpose-built for families. The Hotel Zagreb is the budget family option with a beach.
For any adult without small children, staying in Borik means a 10-minute bus ride or 35-minute coastal walk to reach every Old Town sight. The Old Town has far more atmosphere. Only choose Borik if the family resort infrastructure is genuinely what you need.
The Church of St. Donatus is Zadar's most important sight
The Church of St. Donatus, built in the 9th century over a Roman Forum, is one of the best examples of pre-Romanesque architecture in Europe. The interior is stark and extraordinary, with massive columns taken directly from the original Roman buildings.
Opening hours vary by season. Entry costs around 30-40 HRK. The combination of the church, the adjacent Forum ruins, and the Archaeological Museum nearby makes this the densest concentration of historical interest in Zadar. Allow 2 hours for the whole complex.
Zadar's best neighborhoods
Zadar's Old Town sits on a narrow peninsula jutting into the channel. The Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun installations are on the western tip. Hotels on the Kalelarga pedestrian street and near the Roman Forum put you at the center of everything. Borik resort area, 3 kilometers northwest, has a beach and is good for families. Diklo, further north, has a quiet upscale hotel on the water.
Old Town Peninsula 6 vetted hotels The historic heart with Roman ruins, Sea Organ, and Zadar's best hotels
The historic heart with Roman ruins, Sea Organ, and Zadar's best hotels
The Old Town is compact and entirely walkable. Kalelarga, the main pedestrian street, runs the length of the peninsula from the Land Gate to the seafront. Art Hotel Kalelarga, Hotel Bastion, Hotel Adriana, Hotel Kolovare, and Luxury Rooms Largo are all within the Old Town boundaries or directly adjacent.
The waterfront promenade along Obala Kralja Tomislava has the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun at its western tip. Ferries to nearby islands depart from the port terminal near the Land Gate.
Borik Resort Area 3 vetted hotels Family beach resort area 3km northwest of the Old Town
Family beach resort area 3km northwest of the Old Town
Borik has several large resort hotels directly on the beach. The Falkensteiner Club Funimation is the best family resort with multiple pools and a waterslide. Hotel Zagreb is the budget family option. Both have beach access.
The Old Town is accessible by a 10-minute bus ride or pleasant 35-minute coastal walk. Borik suits guests who want a beach resort base rather than a cultural immersion.
Diklo (Northern Coast) 1 vetted hotel Quiet upscale area north of Borik with private beach views
Quiet upscale area north of Borik with private beach views
Diklo is north of Borik on the Zadar channel coast. Hotel Niko has a private beach, full renovation, and panoramic views toward the Zadar archipelago. The restaurant focuses on Adriatic seafood.
The setting is quieter than the Old Town and better suited for couples or visitors who want a relaxed upscale stay without a city-center location.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Zadar.
Culture and History
The Roman Forum in the Old Town dates to the 1st century BC and the Church of St. Donatus above it is 9th-century pre-Romanesque. Art Hotel Kalelarga puts you on the main pedestrian street (30 HRK entry to St. Donatus). The Sea Organ on the western waterfront is the world's only sea-powered organ instrument. All free or under 40 HRK.
Romantic
Luxury Rooms Largo near the Forum has a handful of suites in a medieval stone building from $280-420/night. The Sea Organ sunset walk is genuinely beautiful and free. Hotel Niko in Diklo has a private beach and panoramic channel views from $255/night. Hemingway Bar on the waterfront is the best evening cocktail spot.
Beach
Falkensteiner Club Funimation in Borik has a beach, waterslide, and multiple pools directly on the sea. The Kolovare neighborhood beach is 10 minutes from the Old Town with fewer people than Borik. The clearest water for swimming is on the nearby islands of Ugljan (15 min by ferry) or Pasman.
Family
Falkensteiner Club Funimation in Borik is Croatia's best pure family resort with waterslide, kids club, and beach access from $160-240/night. Hotel Zagreb in Borik is the budget family option from $110-160/night. Plitvice Lakes is 90 minutes away, excellent for all ages. The Old Town is completely safe for children to explore on foot.
Budget
Boutique Hostel Forum in the Old Town has private rooms from $45/night right next to the Roman Forum. Apartment Hotel Donat in Borik has apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes from $65/night. Bus to the Old Town from Borik costs under 20 HRK. Lunch menus (dnevni meni) at local restaurants in the Old Town run 70-90 HRK.
Foodie
The covered market on Petar Zoranica Square has local cheeses, olive oil, and fresh produce. Konoba Skoblar near the Forum does the best traditional pasticada in the city (100-140 HRK). The Old Town has several wine bars serving Dalmatian varieties from $5-10 per glass. The Zadar maraschino cherry liqueur is the best local souvenir under 100 HRK.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Zadar
When to visit Zadar and what to pay.
Spring (April-May)
April-May in Zadar is uncrowded and pleasant. The Old Town is at its most atmospheric without summer crowds. Sea temperature in May reaches 18-20C, cool for swimming but manageable. Hotel prices are 30-40% below August peaks. The Sea Organ works best in breezy spring conditions when the waves are livelier.
Summer (June-August)
June-August brings the best beach and swimming conditions with sea temperatures reaching 24-26C. The Old Town is busy but Zadar never reaches Dubrovnik crowd levels. August is peak season with highest prices. June is the sweet spot: warm sea, good weather, fewer tourists than July-August.
Autumn (September-October)
September is arguably Zadar's best month. Sea temperature stays at 23-24C through most of September. The tourist crowds drop from peak levels after mid-August and prices fall accordingly. October sea temperature is 19-21C, still swimmable for many visitors. Plitvice Lakes day trips are excellent in autumn colors.
Winter (November-March)
Zadar in winter is genuinely local with few tourists. The Sea Organ is worth hearing on stormy winter days when the waves are energetic. Hotel prices are very low. The bura wind can make the waterfront uncomfortable but the Old Town's cafes and restaurants are cozy. Good for budget travelers and those who want authentic local Croatia.
Booking Tips for Zadar
Insider tips for booking hotels in Zadar.
Art Hotel Kalelarga books out for summer much earlier than comparable hotels
This design hotel on the main pedestrian street of the Old Town is the most sought-after property in Zadar for independent travelers. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for July-August. The rooms are individually decorated with local artwork and vary significantly in character, so it is worth requesting a specific room type.
Buy ferry tickets to Ugljan from the Jadrolinija terminal, not tour operators
The local ferry to Ugljan island costs 30-40 HRK and takes 15 minutes. Ugljan has quiet beaches and a completely different pace from Zadar. Walk or rent a bike on the island. The ferry runs throughout the day and no advance booking is required for foot passengers.
Plitvice Lakes entry costs more in summer, book online to avoid queues
Entry to Plitvice Lakes costs 200 HRK (about $28) in off-peak season and 300 HRK in peak summer, with no queue. Arriving at opening time (7-8am) avoids the tour bus crowds that dominate from 10am. Book tickets online through the national park website to guarantee entry and skip the ticket window.
The coastal walk from Old Town to Borik is worth doing once
The path along the coast from the western tip of the Old Town to Borik takes 35-40 minutes and passes the Mestrovic gallery area, a swim beach at Kolovare, and the Queen Jelena Madijevka park. Do it in the morning before the sun gets too strong. It gives a much better sense of Zadar's geography than taking a bus.
Hemingway Bar for evening cocktails, not tourist bars
Hemingway Bar on the Riva promenade near the Sea Organ is the classic evening spot in Zadar with good cocktails and a local clientele. Avoid the tourist bars around the Forum area which charge 50-80 HRK for basic drinks. The Hemingway serves quality at similar prices but with a real atmosphere.
Reserve a Kornati boat trip through your hotel, not from the marina
Your hotel concierge in the Old Town can book reputable Kornati day trips through trusted operators at no extra cost compared to the marina. Trips include swimming stops, guide commentary, and a grilled fish lunch at an island konoba for 400-600 HRK all-in. Verify the trip includes Kornati National Park entry in the price.
Hotels in Zadar — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Zadar.
What is the best area to stay in Zadar?
The Old Town peninsula is the best base. Hotels on or near Kalelarga, the main pedestrian street, are within a 5-minute walk of every major sight. Art Hotel Kalelarga is the top design option on the street itself. Hotel Bastion and Hotel Adriana are within 2-3 minutes of the Sea Organ. Borik, 3 kilometers northwest, suits families with its beach access and larger hotels.
What is the Sea Organ and is it worth seeing?
The Sea Organ is a set of underwater pipes built into the Zadar waterfront that produce sound using wave energy. The result is an ambient, haunting tone that changes with the sea conditions. It is genuinely unique and worth 30 minutes sitting on the marble steps listening. The Greeting to the Sun, an 88-panel solar power installation directly next to it, lights up at night with shifting colors. Both are free. Go at sunset for the best experience.
How does Zadar compare to Split and Dubrovnik?
Zadar is significantly less crowded than either. It has comparable historic architecture and better proximity to the Kornati islands for boat trips. Alfred Hitchcock called it the best sunset in the world, which is overquoted but not wrong. Dubrovnik is more dramatic and photogenic. Split has a more dynamic restaurant scene. Zadar has better value hotels and a more authentic local atmosphere than either. If you are doing the Dalmatian coast, do not skip it.
How do I get to Zadar?
Zadar Airport has direct flights from many European cities including London Stansted, Brussels, and German cities. The airport is 10 kilometers from the Old Town. A taxi costs 130-160 HRK. Split is 160 kilometers south by road, about 2 hours by bus or car. Zagreb is 290 kilometers north, about 3 hours by bus. The coastal road from Split to Zadar passes through Sibenik and Primosten, worth stopping at.
What is the best time to visit Zadar?
May-June and September-October are ideal. The Old Town is genuinely beautiful in shoulder season without August's overwhelming crowds. Sea temperature in September is 23-24C, perfect for swimming. August is peak season with higher prices and more tourists, though still less intense than Dubrovnik or Hvar. The Sea Organ sunset is worth experiencing in any season.
What are the best day trips from Zadar?
Kornati National Park is the best boat trip from Zadar. The archipelago of 89 islands with dramatic limestone cliffs and clear water costs 400-600 HRK for a full day boat tour. Plitvice Lakes National Park is 90 kilometers inland, a 1.5-hour drive, and Croatia's most visited natural sight. Entry costs 200-300 HRK depending on season. The Paklenica National Park near Starigrad is a 30-minute drive with excellent hiking and rock climbing.
How do I get around Zadar?
The Old Town is 100% walkable. Everything from the Sea Organ to the Church of St. Donatus to the main ferry terminal takes under 10 minutes on foot. Local buses connect the Old Town to Borik and the airport. Taxis and Bolt (the Croatian ride-sharing app) cover wider Zadar and the coastal road. The coastal walk from the Old Town to Borik takes about 35-40 minutes and is pleasant in good weather.
What is the food scene like in Zadar?
The Old Town has good seafood and a mix of Croatian and Mediterranean options. Try pasticada (Dalmatian beef stew with gnocchi) at traditional konobas near the Forum for 100-140 HRK. The covered market on Petar Zoranica Square sells fresh produce, local cheeses, and olive oil. Petrus restaurant near the Church of St. Donatus is the best mid-range dinner option. Hemingway Bar on the waterfront is the classic evening stop.
Is Zadar good for families?
Yes, particularly if you stay in Borik. The Falkensteiner resort in Borik is purpose-built for families with a waterslide, kids club, multiple pools, and direct beach access from $160-240/night. Hotel Zagreb in Borik is the budget family option. The Old Town is walkable and safe for children. Plitvice Lakes is 90 minutes away and excellent for families with children of all ages.
What are the best luxury hotels in Zadar?
Luxury Rooms Largo near the Forum is the most refined small property with a handful of suites from $280-420/night. Hotel Niko in Diklo has a private beach and full renovation from $255-370/night. Both are significantly higher quality than the larger commercial hotels at similar price points. Book 3-4 weeks ahead in peak season.
Is the Old Town walkable at night?
Yes, the Old Town is safe and pleasant to walk at night. The Riva waterfront along Obala Kralja Tomislava is busy until midnight in summer with locals and tourists. The narrow interior streets of the Old Town are quiet after 10pm but well-lit and safe. The Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun are at their most impressive at night when the solar installation lights up. Bring a light jacket as sea breezes cool the evening temperature.
How many days should I spend in Zadar?
Two days covers the Old Town thoroughly: day 1 for the Roman Forum area, Sea Organ sunset, and Kalelarga exploring; day 2 for the Church of St. Donatus, covered market, and a afternoon boat to the Kornati or local islands. A third day suits a Plitvice Lakes day trip (leave early, 7am). If staying 4 nights or more, Zadar makes an excellent island-hopping base for the Kornati, Dugi Otok, and Ugljan islands.