Category: Blog

Things To Do in Zadar

Feel the pulse of Zadar, the heart of Croatian seaside! Walk its historical streets, discover its amazing sights, legends and modern attractions, enjoy the most beautiful sunset in the world, be a part of the exciting buzz of the city. When in Zadar, don’t miss the chance to:

Take a walking tour

Up and down, then all around! Go down Široka ulica, locally referred to as Kalelarga, to imagine what life once was like and experience it as it is today.  Then walk along the city’s defensive walls and past its historical gates, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find refreshment in Croatia’s first public park, Jelena Madije Park, near Land Gate and Five Wells Square.

Find a favourite square

Do as the Romans did two millennia ago, and imagine what the ancient Roman Forum must have been like back then. Have a break at People’s Square (Cro. Narodni trg), a charming medieval square and the centre of public life for centuries. Discover the archaeological site at Petar Zoranić Square, which is also a popular venue for different performances together with the adjacent Five Wells Square.

Appreciate the interaction of man-made art and nature

Experience the magnificent colours as painted in the evening sky by the setting sun. After all, Zadar is famous for the sunset. When combined with a truly unique light show as displayed by the Greetings to the Sun with the sound of the Sea Organ in the background, you are in for exceptional holiday moments you will never forget.

Go up for a great view

Count to 183! That’s how many steps you need to take to reach the top of the Belltower of St Anastasia’s Cathedral. But it’s worth it. The view of the city and Zadar Channel is simply fabulous.

Pick your favourite museum

Go back in time by visiting the Archaeological Museum just opposite St Donatus’ Church. For a touch of gold see the Permanent Exhibition of Religious Art, also known as The Gold and Silver of Zadar at the Benedictine Convent of St Mary’s Church. At the Museum of Ancient Glass, not far from the Bridge Gate, you can find an impressive collection of glassware and exceptional souvenirs. Nearby you can also step into the world of mind tricks at the Museum of Illusions.

Experience Zadar buzz

What better way to witness authentic interaction than to visit the bustling of the city market? Or simply join in the merrymaking that mark the end of the working week with Friday Feast (Cro. Feštica petkom), all summer long at the historical peninsula. To experience the tradition and customs of the city and the region, visit the Fishermen’s Night in Petrčane or the Night of the Full Moon in Zadar, both in the second part of July.

Zadar as a present

Walk & rest. Walk & relax. Walk & refresh yourself. It’s the best way to truly appreciate the charm of Zadar, one of Dalmatia’s most attractive places. It’s a holiday present (Cro. ‘za dar’ – as a present) you will always cherish and want to experience, over and over again.

Visit Petrčane in Croatia: A Small Coastal Village for a Great Holiday

Breathe in the refreshing Mediterranean air. See the bottom of the crystal clear sea in a sheltered bay. Listen to the seagull’s cry of joy. Taste the most delicious flavours of Dalmatian cuisine. Discover the charm of a Dalmatian village, discover Petrčane!

Location: pinpoint the heart of the Adriatic sea

Escape from everyday stress to peaceful Petrčane! Situated between two peninsulas, Punta Skala and Punta Radman, its excellent geographical position and mild climate make it an exceptional place not only for holidays but also to live in. The village is located roughly halfway between the historical town of Nin in the north and the city of Zadar in the south.

History: more than a millennium of charm

A walk down the history lane in Petrčane leads to prehistoric times even though the oldest reference of the settlement dates back to 1071. Since the Roman period it has formed a part of the wider Zadar area, and has always been a favourite spot for holiday homes. In the last few decades its people gradually moved from traditional olive and wine production as well as seafaring towards tourism, but being a popular holiday destination hasn’t affected Petrčane’s irresistible Dalmatian charm.

Sights: follow the traces of history

Go back in time to the Middle Ages by visiting Kulina, previously known as the Church of St. Bartol, dating back to late 12th century. The parish church of Our Lady of the Rosary, dating back to the 18th century, is located in the centre of the village. During the Austrian rule, wells were set up in the village as well as quarantine facilities, which have been preserved to date.

Beaches: pick your favourite

Beautiful sea and beach, as far as the eye can see. Stretching over 5 km, the beach in Petrčane caters to all generations and tastes – it is partly pebbly and rocky, partly concrete with docks as well as sandy. With shallow parts where kids can swim free of care, thick shade of the fragrant pine trees and access for people with disabilities, a lovely day at the beach is a dream come true for everyone. The most popular choice in Petrčane is the beach on Punta Radman peninsula, near Pinija Hotel, which also offers a number of fun beach activities.

Activities: be active on holiday

See the sights. Swim & snorkel. Sunbathe & do sports. Walk & jog, early in the morning by the calm sea or at the most wonderful sunset you have ever seen. Ride a bike to get to know the region. Do activities to keep or become fit or simply to add some adrenaline to your holiday.

Relax and breathe in the fragrant air in the shade of pine trees while lying on a sunchair. Let the sea rock you while you  lie on your water inflatable enjoying the sunrays. For even more pampering and feel-good moments, why not treat yourself to a day in a wellness centre, such as Marea Wellness & Spa centre in Pinija Hotel. Your body and mind will love it!

Trips to the region: from cultural-historical heritage to breathtaking nature

See the sights, admire the nature! Petrčane is conveniently situated in the proximity of many places of interest – from cities like Zadar and Šibenik with amazing modern and historical sights, some of which are on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites, to villages and smaller towns such as Nin and Pag, which tell a story of what life was once like on the coast. Apart from rich cultural-historical heritage of the region, beautiful wonders of nature are within easy reach as well – hike in Paklenica National Park, sail around Kornati Islands National Park with a stop in Telašćica Nature Park, swim under the waterfall in Krka National Park, cycle to Vrana Lake Nature Park and discover the remarkable scenery of Zrmanja river and canyon.

Places to eat: taste of culinary heaven

Try the golden liquids of Dalmatia – wine and olive oil. They are the two very important elements of Dalmatian cuisine, which happens to be among the healthiest in the world. Petrčane is famous for its tradition of olive and wine production, which goes back centuries. So, treat your palate to the amazing tastes of the Mediterranean in restaurants such as Pinija Hotel Restaurant, Konoba Pjero, Toka or Kraljevski Vinogradi, to name just a few.

Accommodation: find your perfect home on holiday

For a complete relaxation by the sea, without having to worry about anything and with a wide range of extra services at disposal, choose a hotel such as Pinija on Punta Radman peninsula. It’s not only a place to stay, but rather a perfect accommodation choice for a carefree holiday experience. Apart from hotels, holidaymakers in Petrčane can choose between apartments or campsites as well.

Arrival: cosy and fast

In a hurry to reach Petrčane, your lovely holiday destination? The fastest way to get there is by flying to Zadar Airport, which is roughly half an hour away from the village. More and more direct flights are available every year from many European destinations. Holidaymakers arriving by car can use the A1 motorway towards the south of Croatia and enjoy the amazing change of scenery along the way – hills, valleys and then finally the irresistible sight of the seaside. It is the cosiest arrival by road, even though there is also the D1 state road which is parallel to the motorway for travellers who want to take it easy and possibly even stop along the way.

Petrčane – your dream holiday destination on the Adriatic coast

Relax and recharge, in the cool fragrant shade of pine trees. Feel inspired by the crystal clear sea and the amazing scenery. Treat yourself to the exquisite tastes of Dalmatian cuisine and new experiences by going on a trip of discovery of the amazing places of interest nearby. Create everlasting memories of a summer holiday in the picturesque village of Petrčane, your dream holiday destination.

Discovering Zadar (Region) by Bike

Ride a bike because it’s good for you. Ride a bike because it’s environmentally-friendly. Ride a bike to get to know the beauty of Zadar (region) in all its diversity. Cycling, indeed, is one of the best ways to explore the stunning nature at the seaside and in the hinterland while adding a sense of adventure to your holiday.

Why cycle on holiday in Zadar region

Cycling is easy, adventurous, fun and Zadar region is a great place to experience it! Unlike hiking, riding a bike is faster and allows you to visit a lot more places while at the same time you don’t have to worry about possible traffic jams or parking in a city like Zadar.

Zadar region offers you a great choice of landscapes to explore with your family, friends or simply on your own and invites you to set yourself a challenge you will feel inspired to take on. You are the master of your tour so you can adjust your pace to your level of fitness, stop when you feel like admiring a spectacular view of the sea and beautiful nature around you or to chit chat with a local asking for directions.

Pick the right trail

Plan a cycling trip with your family and wish to see some sights along the way? Want to go off road and find your adventure in less famous places? Are you an experienced cyclist or just like to hop on a bike every now and then? By answering just a few simple questions like that and consulting Zadar Bike Magic, you are one step closer to finding the right choice of trails for your cycling trip.

Staying in Petrčane, you have an excellent position to try out quite a few MTB and road trails in addition to recreational routes perfect for families. You can also add some sightseeing in Zadar or Nin to your cycling adventure. For even more challenge, consider a tour of the islands, the nearest being the green island of Ugljan, or around Vrana Lake (Nature Park). Why not also feel the thrill of going up and down Velebit mountain, in Paklenica National Park and along Zrmanja river? 

Find a bike-friendly place to stay

Are you a true bike enthusiast? Or an occasional cyclist on holiday? In either way, choose a bike-friendly hotel like Pinija Hotel in Petrčane for your stay. Not only do we provide useful advice about cycling in the region as well as an excellent starting position for your trips of discovery, but we also offer bike services and rental.

Cycle it, feel it, love it!

You, your two-wheeler and Zadar region- a match made in heaven for some adventure, fun and inspiration on holiday! Rise up to the challenge and master the most difficult trails or simply enjoy a few scenic rides in beautiful scenery – go along the coast and on the islands, go uphill and down the mountain, go on and off road in Zadar region by bike!