The second stop on the P&O Mediterranean cruise was Zadar, Croatia
Zadar is the oldest city in Croatia that has been continuously inhabited. It is located in the west of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea.
Now if you only have a limited time visiting Zadar you are most likely going to spend the majority of that time in the old town. It is a pedestrianised peninsula with hundreds if not thousands of years worth of history at every corner.
The ferry port where our cruise shipped docked was outside the main city, roughly a 20 minute shuttle bus away. Luckily the shuttle bus dropped us right within walking distance of the main attractions of Zadar.
Must See Places of Zadar:
1. Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)
If I lived in Zadar, after a day of work and the sunset setting on the horizon I would comfortably sit here for the rest of the day. It is truly such a relaxing place. Using a combination of pipes and steps and using the power of the wind and waves it creates sounds. Its not a perfect harmony but it is nature harmony that makes this truly special.
2. Bell Tower
Located to the side of the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia is the Bell Tower which in my opinion gives the best views of Zadar and the surrounding areas. I could’ve spent longer at the top just admiring the 360 degree views. It cost €5 per person (Cash Only) to go up when we were there. It is not staffed and you have to enter using an unconventional turnstile. It is unlike any other bell tower i’ve been up with a variety of staircases that spiral up to the viewing platform. It is well worth the 180 or so steps to the top. The viewing platform goes all the way round and is quite narrow in places but the views are spectacular!
3. Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu)
Just behind the Sea Organ is Greeting to the Sun which is a wide solar panel installation which uses the suns energy during the day to power a light show after the sun has set. If you are lucky enough to be spending the night in Zadar then during sunset/after dark make the trip to experience this. Unfortunately I was unable to experience this as we were only in Zadar during sunlight hours however i’ve seen enough pictures and videos to see its definitely worth it.
4. Perivoj Vladimira Nazora Park
Located between the old town and the more modern districts of Zadar is the beautiful Perivoj Vladimira Nazora park. It is a really pleasant place to walk around, have a sit and just enjoy the peace and variety of Mediterranean flora on display.
5. The Old Town
It was such a joy walking through the streets of Zadar. There is so much history everywhere you look. The waterfront along from the sea organ extends the length of the Old Town that is easily walkable and a popular place! You can even walk along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed stone walls that wrap around the old town which is a lovely way to see the city from a different perspective. I encourage you to just get lost in the streets, explore the smaller side streets and enjoy what Zadar has to offer.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Zadar and unlike the more popular hubs of Split it provides a more relaxed Adriatic escape that is well worth the visit.
I have put together a short video some of the highlights of Zadar.