Tucked away on the northern Dalmatian coast this ancient city was the capital of Dalmatia for many years and is steeped in history.
It boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and modern attractions and its strategic location makes it perfect for a sailing holiday charter to the famous Kornati Islands and the various national and nature parks that surround it.
Zadar's historical charm is also a major draw; the old town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, ancient Roman ruins, and medieval architecture. Stroll along the city walls and immerse yourself in the rich history that surrounds you. Visit the Church of St. Donatus, a 9th-century masterpiece, or explore the Archaeological Museum to learn more about the city's past.
Zadar is an ancient city and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history dating back to Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian rule. Along the coast, you can discover numerous historical sites and cultural landmarks.
Zadar boasts a buzzing nightlife scene, with great bars, clubs, and restaurants where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and indulge in delicious local cuisine and drinks.
Zadar is the gateway to the stunning Kornati Islands, a national park of over 140 islands and islets in the Adriatic Sea. This sailing paradise boasts pristine waters, secluded coves, and rugged landscapes best explored on a sailing holiday.
The waters around Zadar and the Kornati Islands are known for their favourable sailing conditions, with consistent winds and relatively calm seas, making them ideal destinations for both experienced and novice sailors.
From Zadar, you can easily access several stunning national parks, including the Paklenica National Park, known for its towering limestone cliffs and excellent hiking opportunities, and the Krka National Park, famous for its breathtaking waterfalls and natural pools.
Zadar is famous for its breathtaking sunsets - on seeing it, Alfred Hitchcock is reported to have said it was the most beautiful in the world.
Along with the Kornati Islands there is also easy access to numerous nearby islands like Dugi Otok and Pag.
Zadar and it's close proximity to the Kornati Islands means that you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life on a sailing holiday charter away from the crowds.
Visit the picturesque island of Dugi Otok, famous for its stunning beaches, including Saharun Beach, which has powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Take advantage of a visit to Telascica Nature Park on the island's southern end, known for its dramatic cliffs, saltwater lake, and pristine natural beauty.
Spend some time exploring the historic Old Town of Zadar, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, medieval churches, and charming cobblestone streets. Be sure to visit the Sea Organ, an innovative art installation that produces mesmerising music using the natural rhythms of the sea.
Sail to Pag Island, famous for its lunar-like landscape, stunning salt pans, and delicious sheeps' milk cheese. Explore Pag's medieval architecture, visit local wineries and olive oil producers, and sample traditional Croatian cuisine at one of the island's many restaurants.
While not directly accessible by yacht, a short trip inland from Zadar brings you to Krka National Park. Marvel at the breathtaking waterfalls, explore walking trails through lush forests and take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Krka River.
Cruise to the historic city of Sibenik, known for its impressive UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, medieval fortresses, and charming waterfront promenade. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, visit the St. Michael's Fortress for panoramic views of the city, and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants serving fresh seafood and Dalmatian specialities.
Located on the southern part of Dugi Otok island, the Telascica Nature Park is a natural wonder not to be missed. Sail to the park's stunning salt-water lake, hike along the cliffs, and admire the breathtaking landscapes.
Located north west of Zadar this car-free island has beautiful beaches and
a relaxed atmosphere.
Sail to the stunning Kornati National Park, a collection of over 100 islands and islets known for their rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Explore hidden coves, snorkel in secluded bays, and hike to scenic viewpoints for panoramic views of the archipelago.
The season in Zadar runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors.
April to June and September to October are less busy, and the temperatures are lower, but they are perfect for those looking to get away for a quieter experience.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 12.2°C (54°F) | 5.9°C (43°F) | 2.1mm |  ESE |
| FEB | 11.8°C (53°F) | 3.5°C (38°F) | 1.6mm | E |
| MAR | 15.4°C (60°F) | 7.7°C (46°F) | 1.2mm | S |
| APR | 17.1°C (63°F) | 8.6°C (48°F) | 1.9mm | SSE |
| MAY | 23.0°C (73°F) | 14.6°C (58°F) | 3.8mm | SSW |
| JUN | 28.1°C (83°F) | 18.6°C (66°F) | 0.7mm | SW |
| JUL | 31.5°C (89°F) | 21.9°C (71°F) | 1.2mm | WSW |
| AUG | 30.5°C (87°F) | 20.9°C (70°F) | 0.6mm | WSW |
| SEP | 27.8°C (82°F) | 18.5°C (65°F) | 0.7mm | S |
| OCT | 23.5°C (74°F) | 16.0°C (61°F) | 1.5mm | S |
| NOV | 16.3°C (61°F) | 9.5°C (49°F) | 8.2mm | SSE |
| DEC | 13.8°C (57°F) | 7.1°C (45°F) | 2.1mm | ESE |
For Zadar, you can fly to Zadar Airport (ZAD), which has direct flights from the UK and European airports and is located 7 miles (11 km) from the town.
This is a well-served international airport, and visitors from the US and non-European visitors can pick up connecting flights from most European hubs.
The official language of Croatia is Croatian, and English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Croatia's official currency is the Croatian Kuna, abbreviated as HRK. ATMs are readily available, and major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
Tipping is a common practice in Croatia and is appreciated for good service; typically, you leave 10%.
You can't beat a monohull charter from Zadar on a sailing holiday for an authentic sailing experience and connection with the wind and water. Whether you're looking for a bareboat, skippered or fully crewed charter where you can sit back and relax, we've got all the bases covered.
Discover natural beauty in diverse cruising grounds, and soak up the local atmosphere in a wide variety of anchorages. We‘ll handpick a selection of yachts to suit your needs, so you can start planning a journey to remember.
A catamaran charter from Zadar on a sailing holiday is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A luxury yacht charter on a sailing holiday from Zadar is the epitome of opulence and comfort. Our boats have beautifully designed interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a supremely relaxing and luxurious experience.
Customise your itinerary according to the destinations, activities, and experiences you desire; your crew will be on hand to ensure a fully tailored and unique trip. Whether you're looking for gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, wildlife spotting around remote islands, glamorous nightlife, or swimming in secluded coves, contact one of our experts today to create a unique and unforgettable trip.
A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.
Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.
Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.
Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.
On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.
The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.
The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.
On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.
A bareboat sailing holiday with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Zadar and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our sailing holiday fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a sailing holiday you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Zadar and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered sailing holiday, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
A crewed sailing holiday from Zadar comes in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Croatia is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream sailing holiday via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
The Kornati National Park on Zadar’s doorstep consists of 89 breath taking islands and it is a must-visit destination.
A trip to Telascica Nature Park, on the nearby island of Dugi Otok which is known for its dramatic cliffs and saltwater lake (Mir), is not to be missed.
Zadar is also home to the world-famous Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. The Sea Organ, designed by architect Nikola Bašić, harnesses the power of the sea to create harmonious sounds that serenade visitors along the waterfront. The Sun Salutation, made up of giant solar panels, lights up the night in vibrant colours, offering a mesmerizing spectacle.
One of the loveliest features of Zadar is the stunning sunset views, regarded by some - including Alfred Hitchcock - as the most beautiful in the world. Take time to find a peaceful spot on your sailing holiday and witness the sky transform into a painting of vibrant hues. The combination of the sun setting over the Adriatic Sea and the enchanting sounds of the Sea Organ also creates a tranquil and unforgettable experience.
Zadar also offers easy access to the Kornati National Park, consisting of 89 breathtaking islands; a must-visit destination along with the Telascica Nature Park on the island of Dugi Otok which is known for its dramatic cliffs and saltwater lake.
Zadar is a special place for a sailing holiday charter, thanks to its combination of natural beauty, rich history and innovative attractions. Whether you are a lover of history, culture, nature or simply seeking an idyllic getaway, Zadar has something to offer everyone.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.