Thinking about Croatia, probably the first city that comes to your mind is Dubrovnik. Even  though Dubrovnik is one of the most popular cities, there are so many Croatian cities worth exploring. One of the best places to visit in Croatia is Zadar, a beautiful historical city located on the Dalmatian coast, often referred to as the place with the most magical sunset in the world

It is one of the European historical cities whose identity is related to the UNESCO World Heritage. Zadar will mesmerize you with its hundreds of years-long stories and its friendly people, but also with the nearness of untouched nature, which makes it a perfect destination for your Croatia luxury yacht charter. It takes just a few steps from your superyacht to discover the magic of this charming Dalmatian city. 

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Zadar sunset - Puntamika lighthouse, photo by Boris Kačan

OLD TOWN 

One of the interesting things about Zadar is that there is a 152 meters long bridge that connects the old part of the city, peninsula, with the rest. Crossing the bridge awaits a completely different world, where every building and street tells its own story. Old town Zadar is a place with some of the most beautiful monuments of architecture and cultural heritage in Europe, but also a perfect place to enjoy the traditional Dalmatian cuisine in some of the restaurants with Michelin recommendation. 

Most common meeting point for all the citizens of Zadar is People’s Square. From there everything starts. It is filled with cafés and souvenir shops, and a perfect place to experience the Zadar lifestyle. Order a coffee in one of the cafés, make yourself comfortable and just watch around and enjoy.

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People’s Square, photo by Zadar Tourist Board

One of the symbols of Zadar is a street that starts from the People’s Square, Kalelarga. In the old documents referred to as Via Magna, Strada Grande or Ruga Magistra, Kalelarga (Calle Larga) is the main street in Zadar. But, Kalelarga is more than just a street. It’s a place that evokes memories of beautiful moments and events for all the citizens of Zadar. It is said that the love affairs of many generations in Zadar started and ended on that same street. Kalelarga is the lifeblood of the city, and as such, an inspiration for many artists. 

Kalelarga leads you to the main symbol of Zadar, the Church of St. Donatus. The use of this beautiful church from the 9th century has varied during its lifetime. During the rule of the Republic of Venice, it was a warehouse, as well as during the French occupation and under the Austrians. After the city was annexed to Yugoslavia, it served as an archaeological museum for a short period. The building is currently used as a concert venue because of its acoustics.

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The Church of St. Donatus, photo by Sam Barber

On the opposite side of the church is the Zadar’s Archaeological Museum, a place that keeps a treasure trove of relics from Zadar and the surrounding area, including an eight-foot, first-century statue of Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Just a minute walk from here you'll find the biggest church in Dalmatia, 13th-century Romanesque cathedral of St. Anastasia. St. Anastasia is very important for Zadar, because she is one of the patrons of the city, next to Zoilo, Chrysogonus and Simon. 

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The Cathedral of St. Anastasia

A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN GREET THE SUN & HEAR THE SEA SINGING 

What makes Zadar unique in the world are two innovative and modern installations situated on the seafront - Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Sea Organ, or as the locals call it Morske orgulje, is an architectural sound art object and an experimental musical instrument, which plays music by sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. It was made in 2005. by the architect Nikola Bašić, as part of the project to redesign the new city coast (Nova rive). It is located right next to another modern installation, the Greeting to the Sun. This contemporary installation is made of 300 multi-layered glass solar panels in the shape of a circle of a 22-meter diameter. Throughout the day, it collects the energy of the Sun and transforms it into electricity, which is then used by and around the installation throughout the night. The monument, also designed by Croatian architect Nikola Bašić, symbolizes communication with nature. It communicates with light, while the Sea organ communicates with sound.

UNTOUCHED NATURE ALL AROUND

Ideally located, with one side facing many incredible islands and the other the largest mountain range in Croatia, Velebit, Zadar is one of the best places to visit on your Croatia luxury yacht cruise. You don’t need to travel far to experience nature and wildlife, everything is just a short distance away. The fact that from here you can visit 4 out of 8 natural parks in Croatia says it all. 

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47.5m luxury motor yacht Alalya in front of Zadar

Have an extraordinary experience by swimming under one of the biggest waterfalls in Europe on your private VIP trip to National Park Krka. Spend an afternoon at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or do a morning hike at National Park Paklenica. Hop on your yacht and be enchanted by the beauty of the Kornati archipelago, while visiting one of the most stunning Croatian National Parks, Kornati. Watch the dolphins dance on your way to explore the Northern Dalmatian islands, where you can visit one nature park, Telašćica. Your captain and the crew will show you all the hidden spots, so that you can enjoy your yacht holiday privately and away from the crowd. Imagine yourself sitting in the jacuzzi on the sundeck of your superyacht, drinking a glass of fine Croatian wine and gazing into the Sun that’s slipping away. Pretty good picture, right?

ADRENALINE TEST

If you prefer a more active and adrenaline-filled holiday, Zadar offers a lot of possibilities just around the corner. One of the best ways of boosting your adrenaline is by going rafting on Zrmanja river. Whether it is your first time holding a paddle or you have paddling experience, you will equally enjoy it. Rafting is the ultimate roller coaster ride, only it takes place in nature and it’s completely unpredictable. After this 12 kilometer rafting experience you will find out why Zrmanja is called a beauty, but also a beast. 

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Stunning Zrmanja canyon

If rafting is not enough for you, then we have another summer challenge - bungee jumping from the Maslenica bridge! Imagine that you are standing on a 56 meters high bridge, glazing at one of the most beautiful views of the Adriatic, as the vertical cliffs emerge from the sea, and the sky is reflected in the azure surface beneath you. If you ever wanted to do bungee, this is the perfect spot. On the other hand, if this is too high for you, but you still want to bungee, go crazy and do it while partying with the world's most famous DJs on Zrće Beach! Enjoy the party and dance the night away from the comfort of your yacht, away from the crowd. Just tell us your mood, and let our awesome crew create for you a memorable luxury yacht vacation.

BEST TIME TO CHARTER A YACHT IN ZADAR 

The best time to experience this astonishing city is between April and October. Zadar has a Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers, when there is almost no or little rain. July and August are the hottest months, with an average high temperature around 30 degrees Celsius (86 °Fahrenheit). August has an average maximum temperature of 28°C (82°F) and is the warmest month of the year, while July is the sunniest with an average of 350 hours of sunshine. During the months of May, June, September and October you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 26 degrees Celsius (79°F). 

Sailing conditions are good all year around, so if you are in search of a luxury sailing yacht, April to October would be the best period. For a luxury motor yacht, we recommend booking your yacht charter in Zadar for the period from June to September, to enjoy ideal weather conditions and get that perfect Mediterranean tan. Contact your yacht charter specialist to tailor your luxury experience of a lifetime. 

Your Dream Yacht for Charter in Zadar

Whether you are planning an island hopping, a relaxing vacation with your family, or partying with your friends, we have an extensive range of yachts for an unmatched tailored-made experience. 

QUANTUM, a 33m Sunseeker Predator 108, would be your perfect guide for an adventurous getaway. Based in Zadar, with 4 ensuite cabins, plenty of sunbathing lounges, a jacuzzi, a super sound and audio system, secure stabilizers, as well as generous aft deck with custom wet bar and a BBQ, is ideal for entertaining family and friends. 

QUANTUM Sunseeker Predator 108 for charter

DOMINIQUE, the 21m motor yacht from the popular Ferretti 681 series is fast, stylish, and ideally suited to a Croatia yacht charter. Based in Zadar, it accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins, consisting of a bright and airy full-beam master, a VIP, and two twin cabins. The yacht is built for entertaining, with three dining spaces across the yacht. With sporting impressive stability and a top speed of 34 knots, guests can explore the stunning Dalmatian coast in luxury.

DOMINIQUE Ferretti 681 for charter

Zadar is best described in 4 words: sea, nature, adventure and sunset. Adventurous getaway or relaxing charter holiday - it is up to you. Feel free to contact our yacht charter specialist for more details – our team of experts in this area will be pleased to arrange unforgettable personalized journeys for you.