Travel Higlight: Chasing Hitchcock’s ‘Most Beautiful Sunset’: A Weekend Escape to Zadar

Zadar is one of those places that works perfectly for a short escape. The old town sits on a small peninsula, so you’re almost always a few minutes away from the water, a café, or somewhere to swim.

And if you have two days, we’d spend one of them in Zadar and the other at Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok.

It gives you the best combination: one day of old town, sunset and dinner, and one day of turquoise water and doing very little.

Where to stay

For a short trip, stay either in Zadar Old Town or just across the pedestrian bridge.

The Old Town is the easiest option if you want to walk everywhere: restaurants, cafés, Roman ruins, the waterfront and sunset spots are all close.

If you prefer something quieter, look around Kolovare or Borik. Both give you easier access to beaches while still keeping you close enough to the centre.

For a weekend, the best rule is simple: choose somewhere within walking distance of the Riva, the waterfront promenade. It makes the whole trip easier.

Day 1: Zadar Old Town, sunset and dinner

Start by walking into the Old Town through the Land Gate, then continue past Foša Harbour and Five Wells Square. You don’t need to rush this part. Zadar is better when you just walk and let the streets take you somewhere.

From there, make your way to the Roman Forum and the Church of St. Donatus. The mix of old stone, open squares and sea air is what makes Zadar feel special.

If you want a view over the city, climb the bell tower of St. Anastasia’s Cathedral. From the top you can see the terracotta roofs, the sea and the islands in the distance.

Later, walk through Kalelarga, the main street of the old town. Stop for coffee, gelato, or just sit outside for a while. 

In the afternoon, go for a swim. Kolovare Beach is the easiest option, but you can also swim from the platforms near the Sea Organ if you want to stay close to the old town.

Before sunset, walk along the Riva towards the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. This is probably the one “touristy” thing we’d still say is worth doing. The Sea Organ plays with the movement of the waves, and at sunset the whole promenade fills with people sitting by the water.

For dinner, go to 4 Kantuna in the Old Town and enjoy seafood, pasta, Dalmatian dishes, a relaxed terrace and a nice evening atmosphere. 

Day 2: Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok

For the second day, go to Sakarun Beach.

It takes a bit more effort than staying in town, but that’s what makes it feel like a proper escape. Take the ferry from Zadar to Dugi Otok, then continue towards Sakarun, near the village of Verunić.

Sakarun is known for its white sand, pine trees and very clear turquoise water. It’s often called the “Caribbean of the Adriatic”, which sounds exaggerated until you actually see the colour of the sea. Swim, lie under the trees, walk along the bay, get something cold to drink, go back into the water. The sea stays shallow for quite a while, so it’s easy to spend hours there without thinking about time.

Try to arrive early enough to enjoy the beach before it gets too busy, especially in summer. And leave enough time for the ferry back to Zadar in the afternoon.

If you don’t go to Sakarun

If the weather is not good or the ferry timing doesn’t work, you can keep the second day easier.

Spend more time at Kolovare or Borik Beach, take the ferry to Ugljan for a relaxed island day, or book a boat trip to Kornati National Park if you want something more adventurous.

But if the sun is out and you only have one full beach day, we’d choose Sakarun.

What to pack

Comfortable shoes for the old town streets, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light layer for the evening and something easy for the ferry.

Zadar doesn’t need much. That’s part of the charm.