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Zadarska Županija

Zadarska Županija, Croatia

Escape to Zadarska Županija: Where Ancient History Meets Azure Waters Sun-drenched islands, dramatic mountain ranges, and a coastline studded with charming towns – welcome to Zadarska Županija, a region of Croatia that e…

#coastal region#historical sites#Mediterranean cuisine#sunny weather#Adriatic Sea

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Zadarska Županija.

Top Hotels in Zadarska Županija

Top Flights to Zadarska Županija

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Zadarska Županija.

Tours

Explore Zadar's Historical Core

Wander through Zadar's ancient streets visiting historical landmarks such as the Roman Forum, St. Donatus Church, and the Sea Organ.

Shopping

Zadar City Guided Shopping Tour

Discover local boutiques, artisan shops, and traditional markets in a guided shopping tour through Zadar.

Outdoor

Kornati National Park Adventure

Embark on a boat tour to explore the stunning Kornati Islands, known for their unique karst formations and crystal-clear waters.

Velebit Mountain Hiking

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Velebit Mountain with trails suitable for all skill levels.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Zadarska Županija.

Currency

kn | HRK | Croatian Kuna

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Zadarska Županija, Croatia, is '0.17 million'.

Languages

Croatian, Italian

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Zadarska Županija.

What people love

Zadarska Županija, or Zadar County, is a picturesque region located in Croatia along the Adriatic Sea. There are several pros to traveling to this area:

Stunning Natural Beauty: The region is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including a rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and numerous islands. The Kornati National Park, a stunning archipelago, is a must-see for nature lovers and offers excellent opportunities for sailing and diving.
Rich History and Culture: Zadar, the main city in the county, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Croatia. It features a wealth of historical sites, including Roman ruins, medieval churches, and the unique Sea Organ and Sun Salutation installations. The city offers a vibrant mix of history and modern culture.
Delicious Cuisine: The region is known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, local wines, and traditional dishes such as peka (meat or seafood cooked under a bell-shaped lid) and pašticada (a stewed beef dish).
Outdoor Activities: Zadar County provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking in the nearby Velebit Mountains, swimming and sunbathing on beautiful beaches, or exploring the numerous islands by boat.
Cultural Events and Festivals: The region hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from classical music to local folklore. The Zadar Summer Theatre Festival and the Musical Evenings in St. Donatus are particularly popular.
Accessibility: Zadar is well-connected by road, sea, and air, making it an easily accessible destination. The Zadar Airport offers flights to major European cities, and the city serves as a convenient starting point for exploring other parts of Croatia.
Affordable Travel: Compared to some other popular European destinations, Zadar County can be quite affordable, offering a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.
Friendly Atmosphere: Visitors often remark on the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, which enhances the travel experience.

Overall, Zadarska Županija offers a rich combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational activities, making it an attractive destination for travelers.

What to know

Zadarska Županija, located in Croatia, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastline, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage. However, like any other travel destination, there are some potential cons to consider when visiting Zadarska Županija:

Crowds: During the peak tourist season, Zadarska Županija can get quite crowded with tourists, especially in popular areas like Zadar and the surrounding coastal towns. This can lead to long lines at attractions, crowded beaches, and difficulty finding accommodations.
High Prices: Due to its popularity, prices for accommodations, dining, and activities in Zadarska Županija can be higher compared to other regions in Croatia. Visitors should be prepared for potentially higher costs during their stay.
Weather: While Zadarska Županija enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, it can also experience occasional rainfall and strong winds, especially in the shoulder seasons. Travelers should be prepared for changing weather conditions during their visit.
Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, visitors may encounter some language barriers when interacting with locals, especially in more remote or rural areas. Having a basic understanding of Croatian or using a translation app can be helpful.
Transportation: While Zadarska Županija is well-connected by road and ferry networks, public transportation options may be limited in some areas, making it necessary to rent a car to explore the region fully. Traffic congestion can also be an issue during peak tourist season.

Overall, while Zadarska Županija offers stunning landscapes and cultural attractions, visitors should be aware of these potential cons to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Zadarska Županija, or Zadar County, is located in the central part of the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Its history is rich and varied, marked by numerous significant events, historical figures, and landmarks.

Ancient History

Liburnians: The area around Zadar was originally inhabited by the Illyrian tribe known as the Liburnians. They were known for their seafaring skills and established a series of settlements along the coast.
Roman Period: In 59 BC, the region came under Roman control. Zadar, known as Iadera or Iader in Roman times, became an important urban center with developed infrastructure, including a forum, basilica, and aqueducts.

Medieval Period

Byzantine Rule: After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Zadar became part of the Byzantine Empire. It was during this period that many early Christian churches and structures were built.
Croatian Kingdom: In the 9th century, the area became part of the medieval Croatian state. Zadar played a significant role in the kingdom, serving as a major port and cultural center.
Venetian Rule: From the 12th century, Zadar was frequently contested between Venice and the Croatian-Hungarian Kingdom. In 1409, it came under Venetian control, which lasted until the 18th century. During this time, Zadar flourished as an economic and cultural hub.

Modern Era

Napoleonic Wars and Austrian Rule: After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, Zadar was briefly part of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy and then the Illyrian Provinces. Following the Congress of Vienna in 1815, it became part of the Austrian Empire.
Italian Occupation and World War II: After World War I, Zadar was assigned to Italy and remained under Italian control until World War II. During the war, the city suffered heavy bombing and significant destruction.
Post-War and Socialist Yugoslavia: After World War II, Zadar became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The city was rebuilt during this period, with a focus on industrial development.

Croatian Independence

Homeland War: In the early 1990s, during the Croatian War of Independence, Zadar was again a focal point due to its strategic location. The city and surrounding areas experienced significant conflict and damage.
Modern Day: Today, Zadar County is a vibrant region known for its tourism, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. It is one of Croatia's key tourist destinations, attracting visitors with its historic architecture, national parks, and coastline.

Significant Landmarks

Church of St. Donatus: Dating back to the 9th century, this pre-Romanesque church is one of Zadar's most famous landmarks.
Zadar Cathedral: The Cathedral of St. Anastasia, originally built in the 4th century, is the largest cathedral in Dalmatia.
Sea Organ and Sun Salutation: Modern installations that attract tourists; the Sea Organ uses sea waves to create music, and the Sun Salutation is a solar-powered light installation.
Roman Forum: An archaeological site in Zadar that dates back to the 1st century BC.

Historical Figures

Simeon (St. Simeon): The relics of St. Simeon are housed in a silver sarcophagus in the Church of St. Simeon in Zadar.
Petar Zoranić: A notable Croatian writer from Zadar, known for his work "Planine" (Mountains), the first Croatian novel.

Zadar County's rich history and cultural heritage are reflected in its architecture, traditions, and the resilience of its people throughout the centuries.