Zadar

The world's first sea organ — architect Nikola Bašić's extraordinary installation of 35 pipes built into the marble steps of the old-town waterfront, playing continuous unpredictable music powered entirely by the Adriatic waves.

A stunning 22-metre circular solar panel installation next to the Sea Organ that absorbs sunlight all day and explodes into a choreographed light show after dark — Alfred Hitchcock called Zadar's sunset here the world's most beautiful.

The largest Roman forum on the eastern Adriatic coast, dating from the 1st century BC, at the heart of Zadar's old town — anchored by the striking pre-Romanesque rotunda of St Donatus Church, built from repurposed Roman stone.

Dalmatia's largest and most important Romanesque cathedral, begun in the 12th century — climb the campanile (bell tower) for panoramic views over the old town and the Adriatic islands.

Zadar's compact old town sits on a narrow peninsula connected to the mainland by a single bridge — the entire circuit of Renaissance walls and Venetian gates can be walked in under 45 minutes, passing sea views at every turn.

UNESCO-listed cascading lakes of impossible turquoise and emerald hues connected by wooden boardwalks through ancient forest — Croatia's most spectacular natural wonder and one of Europe's most beautiful national parks.

A day trip by speedboat through the Kornati archipelago — 89 uninhabited limestone islands of extraordinary beauty rising from transparent Adriatic water, with snorkelling, swimming stops, and a fish lunch on board.

A world-class collection of Roman-era glass vessels, perfume bottles, and jewellery housed in a restored 19th-century palace — over 3,000 pieces spanning the Adriatic coast's 2,000-year glassmaking tradition.

A beloved old-town konoba (Croatian tavern) tucked in a medieval lane, serving grilled fish, lamb peka (slow-roasted under a bell), and Dalmatian pašticada beef stew with gnocchi.

A refined Dalmatian restaurant on the old town's Five Wells Square, specialising in creative seafood — local sea bream carpaccio, black risotto with cuttlefish ink, and grilled dentex with Istrian truffles.

Zadar's covered fish market on the old town's waterfront edge sells fresh Adriatic catch every morning — the best seafood in town at a fraction of restaurant prices, with local vendors and small snack stalls.

Zadar is the birthplace of Maraschino — a clear cherry liqueur made from the rare Marasca cherry grown only in this region. Distillery shops on the old town streets offer free tastings.

A legendary open-air bar perched on the old city walls with a direct view of the Sea Organ and the Adriatic sunset — co-founded by UB40's James Brown, it remains the best spot for a sunset drink in Zadar.

A relaxed, low-key bar in the old town popular with local students and young professionals — good local craft beer, decent coffee, and a shaded terrace for afternoon drinks.

Zadar's closest pebble beach just south of the old town — crystal-clear Adriatic water, a paved promenade, beach bar, and views back to the old city walls from the water.

A sheltered sandy lagoon north of Zadar at the village of Zaton — shallow, warm water ideal for families, with a long sandy bar and views across to the Ugljan island ferry route.

A classic Croatian coffee house in the old town serving strong espresso, fresh pastries, and local walnut strudel — the morning ritual of strong coffee and a croissant is serious business in Zadar.

A stark, lunar-landscape island connected by bridge to the mainland — famous for its extraordinary Paški sir sheep's cheese (a PDO product), salt pans, and medieval walled town.

The most atmospheric public square inside Zadar's old town — five ornate 16th-century well heads that once supplied fresh water to the entire city, now surrounded by cafés, the Captain's Tower, and lime trees.