Excursions

The Paklenica National Park is located at the distance of only forty minutes north of Zadar. Situated on the coastal slope of southern Velebit, Paklenica consists of mountain peaks, vertically incised canyons of the rivers Mala and Velika Paklenica, forests and lakes, diverse fauna and flora. In a relatively small area, explore the richness of geomorphological forms and phenomena.

Head north and in an hour and a half you will find yourself in the oldest and most famous national park in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes, which always amazes with its uniqueness. The complex of naturally formed lakes by the deposition of sedimentary rocks, located in the heart of Lika, delights with its beauty and attracts visitors from all over the world time and time again.

Photo: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Only an hour away south of Zadar lies another national park, the Krka National Park. The river Krka, which flows through a deep and picturesque 75-kilometre-long canyon, forms roaring and unique waterfalls: Bilušića buk, Miljacka, Brljan, Rošnjak, Manojlovački waterfall, Roški waterfall and the famous Skradinski buk, which is the largest travertine barrier in Europe. Take a walk in the nature, explore cultural and historical monuments (the Franciscan Monastery on the island of Visovac as well as the Krka Monastery) or bathe in the cold water of the river at the foot of the waterfall.

If, on the other hand, you decide to go on a day trip by boat, a special group of the Kornati islands are a destination you absolutely must visit. According to the famous Nobel laureate George Bernard Shaw: "On the last day of Creation, God wanted to crown his work and thus he created the Kornati from tears, stars and breath." The Kornati National Park includes 89 islands, islets and cliffs, and especially stands out because of its great indentation. Dive into the crystal-clear sea and explore the richness of the marine ecosystem, and discover the reason why the Kornati are one of the most special national parks in Europe.

If you want to explore other islands and islets of the Zadar archipelago, you can always head from Zadar to Ugljan, Pašman, Silba, Veli Iž, Rava, Molat or Dugi otok. Good ferry connections with the city allow visitors to explore small island towns and swim in the clear sea. In only twenty-five minutes by boat from the peninsula you will reach a small town called Preko, from where you can see the city of Zadar. 

Photo: Preko Tourist Board

Experience the city of Zadar from a new perspective, explore the island of Ugljan by bike and the island of Pašman connected by a bridge, relax in small hidden coves and feel the spirit of the island. Likewise, Dugi Otok attracts visitors with its beauty. The very north of the island offers recognizable views of the lighthouse, but also one of the most famous sandy beaches of the Adriatic, Sakarun. Its azure blue sea is always a good choice for a day trip and a perfect beach day.

The Telašćica Nature Park is located in the very south of the island. The unique Telašćica bay is an area rich in contrasts, quiet and peaceful beaches and a flat coast on one side and wild, steep cliffs on the other, an area of Aleppo pine and holm oak on one side, and bare rocky areas on the other, a cultivated field covered with vineyards and olive groves, as well as the area of degraded forms of vegetation that cover dry habitats. As another natural phenomenon of this nature park, the salt lake Mir stands out with its healing properties. Between the north and south of Dugi Otok there are countless small bays and beaches and small island villages where you can still find and experience the indigenous spirit of the island.

The largest natural lake in Croatia, the Vrana Lake, is located at a distance of only forty kilometres south of Zadar. This protected ornithological reserve, as well as a nature park, delights visitors with its biodiversity and rare combination of wetland and karst. Explore the rich bird life, ride a bike or kayak and get to know a different side of Dalmatia. This nature park is especially interesting to all lovers of sports fishing, thanks to the diversity of the fish world.

Photo: Vrana Lake Nature Park

Zadar and the Zadar region are standing out as a favourite destination for all those who seek active tourism, cycling, hiking, trekking, rafting or mountain climbing. Experience the Zadar region by bike. Head to the small royal town of Nin, only 25 kilometres from Zadar, which is adorned with rich cultural heritage, ancient excavations and some of the earliest churches in Croatia, but also the famous sandy Queen's Beach and the healing properties of its mud. This is just one of many routes that can be found on the Zadar Bike Magic page, which were designed carefully in order to familiarize our guests with the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Zadar region, small towns at sea full of personality and their olive groves and vineyards.

If you are interested in hiking or climbing, the already mentioned Paklenica National Park is your ideal destination. Also, the canyon of the Zrmanja River and the Krupa River, not far from Zadar, offers a handful of opportunities for active tourism, from hiking, rafting to kayaking. The rapids of these clear rivers, as well as interesting attractions, such as the Kuda Bridge, are the perfect place for an active vacation, but also for swimming in a cold, clean river. For all those interested in hiking, there is another particularly interesting location, the Premužić trail within the Northern Velebit National Park, built of stone, and today considered a masterpiece among hiking trails.

There are also numerous attractive locations for our little visitors and family excursions, such as the Dalmaland Biograd, a theme park close to Biograd na Moru, where you can choose between theme attractions such as the Universe, the Pirate City or the Wild West. The Wild West experience is also offered by Buffalo Bill City, a replica of a cowboy town, where children have the opportunity to socialize with horses and other domestic animals.

Photo: Dalmaland Biograd