Zadar is one of our most favorite cities in Croatia and, although we don’t spend as much time as we would like to in it, we always look forward to traveling to Zadar. It’s a city located on the northern border of the Dalmatia region with a lot of beautiful natural wonders surrounding it. And with natural wonders comes the great opportunities for adventure too. This article will be all about the best adventurous things to do in Zadar area.
I was a kayaking/rafting guide for a season on the Zrmanja RIver, which is not so far away from Zadar, and in that season I got the chance to explore all the natural wonders of this region. We’ll cover some of these in this article too. If you are looking for activities that are strictly organized in Zadar, this article won’t give you much information. But if you’re looking for great adventures just a bit outside of the city, stick until the last lines and find out the best activities in Zadar area.
1. Kayaking at Zrmanja River We’re starting this list of best things to do in Zadar area with our most favorite river in Croatia – the Zrmanja River. It’s a bit subjective since I spent a whole season kayaking down this river, but it’s definitely among the most beautiful rivers in Croatia. It’s located close to Zadar and there are several adventure activities you can do on the Zrmanja River ranging from rafting and packrafting to kayaking or safari tours through the lower canyon.
Why Choose It?
Kayak down the Zrmanja River , regarded as one of the most beautiful rivers in Croatia.
Experience crystal-clear waters of this river, pass gentle rapids, and observe stunning canyon landscapes as you paddle down the stream.
What to Expect:
The Zrmanja kayaking tour usually covers a 10-14 km stretch of the river and it’s suitable for beginners and families visiting Croatia.
The route includes easy rapids , calm sections, and opportunities for swimming and relaxing by the river.
Professional guides provide safety instructions before the tour and lead the way as the tour progresses.
Tip:
Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture the beautiful landscape and fun moments on this remarkable river.
2. Krka Waterfalls Tour from Zadar If you’re visiting Croatia, we suggest visiting at least one of its national parks during your stay. For this occasion, we chose to put the nearby Krka National Park on the list since it’s one of the closest national parks to Zadar. Yes, there is Paklenica National Park and Kornati nearby as well, so we suggest checking them too, especially if you’re into hiking or sailing, since these 2 parks are perfect for these activities.
Experience Nature’s Beauty:
Visit the famous Krka National Park , known for its cascading waterfalls , natural pools, and lush vegetation.
The tour from Zadar to Krka typically includes a visit to Skradinski Buk , the park’s largest and most famous waterfall.
Highlights:
Walking on the wooden trails that are built over the water and are surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife.
Many of these tours include a stop in the town of Šibenik , where you can explore historical sites like the St. James Cathedral .
Enjoy free time for swimming and exploring at your own pace.
Good to Know:
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring swimwear if you want to take a swim in the Krka National Park.
3. Dugi Otok Full-Day Kayak Adventure For the 8 years we were kayaking guides in Croatia and we used to run our own adventure agency in the city of Ploče in southern Croatia. Croatia is a kayaking paradise and with more than 1000 islands and such a beautiful coastline, there is a lot to explore. This kayaking adventure is organized in the Zadar area and takes you to one of the nearby islands.
Why It’s Special:
Discover the beauty of Dugi Otok , an island known for its stunning cliffs and secluded bays.
This kayaking tour offers the best way to explore the coast of this island, including the famous Sakarun Beach .
What to Do:
Kayak along the coast and stop at secluded beaches.
Combine kayaking with snorkeling and swimming in the Adriatic Sea .
Many of such tours include a break for lunch and free time to relax on the beach.
Additional Perks:
Kayaking equipment, snorkeling gear, and safety instructions are included in the tour. Each tour is also accompanied by a professional guide.
4. Photo Safari Through the Lower Zrmanja Canyon Returning back to the roots. We’re in the Zrmanja River Canyon once again, but this time we explore its lower part. When it comes to the best adventurous things to do in Zadar area, you can see that Zrmanja holds 2 places on this list. This is simply because it’s the paradise for all kinds of water-based adventures. Zrmanja River Lower canyon is perfect for safari tours through which you can enjoy one of the most stunning river canyons in Croatia.
A Unique Experience:
Venture on a photo safari tour through the Lower Zrmanja Canyon and enjoy its unique landscapes.
The tour is done by boat so you can experience the canyon from the best perspective there is.
Highlights:
Perfect for photography lovers, with many opportunities to document canyon landscapes and unique rock formations.
Parts of the famous Winnetou movie were filmed in this part of the Zrmanja Canyon.
Best For:
Nature lovers and photographers looking to experience one of the most beautiful canyons in Croatia.
This tour is perfect for families visiting Croatia because it’s not physically demanding.
5. Mountain Quad Tour at Tulove Grede We’re ending this list of the best things to do in Zadar region with Tulove Grede, an unique rock formations of the nearby Velebit mountain. Majstorska cesta (Master’s Road) is an old gravel road that passes by the Tulove Grede and it’s the best place for ATV tours near Zadar.
Feel the Adrenaline:
Take a quad bike tour through the unique landscape of Tulove Grede , part of the Velebit Mountain Range .
The area is known for its rock formations that were also used as a filming location for Winnetou movies .
What to Expect:
Ride along mountain roads and enjoy the natural beauty of the Velebit Nature Park .
These tours include a stop at historical and natural landmarks.
Professional guides that accompany each tour provide safety instructions and ensure a safe experience.
Safety Tips:
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.
Follow all safety instructions provided by the guide and drive carefully. These tours are more for enjoying the landscape and nature than for wild ATV driving.
What to Bring for These Activities Adventurous activities are best enjoyed in comfortable clothes. Here’s what else to bring for such tours:
Active Wear: Comfortable clothing is best for each of these activities. If you opt for a water-based activity in Zadar, don’t forget to bring a swimsuit too.Footwear: Proper shoes for hiking and water shoes for kayaking are a good idea. Some tours include the water shoes, so check that before booking.Protective Gear: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essentials that are going to protect you from a harsh Mediterranean sun.
Additional Tips for Enjoying Zadar’s Best Activities That’s it, you’re almost ready for adventure. Think about these additional tips before you book:
Stay Hydrated: Outdoor activities might drain you fast and you need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.Check the Weather: Some activities may be affected by the weather, so expect cancellations in the case of bad weather. Be flexible and do the tour some other day if possible.Book in Advance: Some of the most popular things to do in Zadar area can book pretty fast, so we suggest reserving your spot as soon as possible.Follow Safety Instructions: Adventure activities come with risks, make sure you follow your guide’s instructions and enjoy it in a safe manner.
Before You Try Any of these adventurous things to do in the Zadar area If you came all the way to this section, we want to thank you for staying with us. We appreciate it. We also hope this article provided you with the useful insight on some of the best things to do in Zadar area. Have you been able to find the best activity for you? Make sure you explore a bit more too, since the Zadar area has much more beautiful places and we have written about some of them in our Croatia Travel Blog section. Finally, we wish you a great vacation in our beautiful country.
Enjoy your adventures!
