Ahoy, DIY cruisers! If your ship is making a stop in Zadar Cruise Port, Croatia, you’re in for a treat. Zadar Old Town has unique & stunning architecture, including the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun – two of the most unusual public attractions I’ve visited on my cruising adventures.
Zadar Old Town is compact and incredibly easy to navigate independently. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the options for getting from Zadar Cruise Port to Old Town on your own, and there is to see in Zadar Old Town for a memorable DIY adventure in Zadar Cruise Port. Let’s dive in!
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On This Page
- Zadar Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎 (Do-able but Needs Hustle)
- Zadar Cruise Port: Where is it?
- Zadar Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need To Know
- Zadar Cruise Port Map
- Getting from Zadar Cruise Port to Zadar Old Town: Your Options
- Can You Walk Into Zadar From Cruise Port?
- Must-See Attractions in Zadar's Old Town
- Day Trips to Plitvice Lakes & Krka Waterfalls
Zadar Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎 (Do-able but Needs Hustle)
Zadar, to my surprise, only earned a solid 😎😎😎 out of five for DIY ease. Here’s why:
- Limited Public Transport from Cruise Port: Getting from cruise port to Old Town is tricky. It’s not often that I have to recommend you using the cruise line’s shuttle service!
- Compact Old Town: Old Town is walkable and easily navigable once you get there! The Sea Organ is unique, so don’t miss it!
- Gorgeous Coastline but too bad a bit of hustle is needed to see more of it.
Zadar Cruise Port: Where is it?
Zadar Cruise Port Address: Gaženička cesta, 23000, Zadar, Croatia – see location marked on my Zadar Cruise Port Map below 🗺️📌👇
Important Note: Zadar Cruise Port, aka Port of Gazenica (Gaženička) is 4km (2.5 miles) from Old Town. Some online sources state that Zadar cruise port is in the heart of Old Town – this is not the full story. Large ships dock in the new cruise port 15-20 mins’ drive from Old Town, which opened in 2019.
For example, the Norwegian Pearl and the Celebrity Constellation – both of which will stop at Zadar Cruise Port in their 2024 itineraries, will definitely dock at the “new” Zadar Cruise Port at Gazenica. This is because they are too long and will not fit in the dock near Old Town.
Small ships, such as Azamara’s and Silversea’s ships can be accommodated at the dock near Old Town. But there is only room for ONE ship to be docked near Old Town.
July 2024 Update: I arrived in Zadar on the Azamara Pursuit in July 2024. I thought that the Pursuit will dock in Old Town but we did not. The Pursuit instead docked in the new cruise port at Gazenica. It turns out we were at port the same day as the Seabourn Encore, the Silver Moon (Silversea Cruises) and the new Ritz Carlton Evrima. The Evrima took the docking space near Old Town.
So be aware that even if you arrive on a small ship, you may get “bumped” to the Port of Gezenica (aka the New Zadar Cruise Port), depending on which other ships are at port on the same day as you!
Zadar Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need To Know
- Currency: Euro
- Croatian Kuna is no longer accepted as legal tender. Croatia changed its currency to the Euro on January 1st, 2023.
- Language: Croatian
- Official websites: Zadar Cruise Port Authority, Zadar Tourist Board, Zadar Local Bus Authority Liburnija has info on bus routes
- Recommended Transport App: You’ll mainly walk, once you get into Zadar Old Town. Use Google Maps to help you navigate from one attraction to another
- eSIM for roaming in Croatia: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout
Zadar Cruise Port Map
- On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
- On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps.
Getting from Zadar Cruise Port to Zadar Old Town: Your Options
1. Cruise Line Operated Shuttle Bus
If your cruise line is operating a shuttle bus to Zadar Old Town, then I would recommend this as the easiest option. This is because the public bus – Option 2 below – doesn’t operate that frequently. The drive into Zadar Old Town takes about 15 minutes.
The shuttle drop off point may vary between cruise lines. When I visited in July 2024, all the cruise line shuttles stopped by the Sea Organ and The Greeting to the Sun, as there’s space for large coaches to park for pick up and drop off.
2. Bus #9 from Cruise Port (not easy nor frequent!)
This is not the easiest DIY port transfer! But I thought I’ll let you know that the option is available. If you can time it well with your disembarkation time, then it’s a less awkward transfer. Otherwise, you may lose some valuable sightseeing time! This bus service is geared towards those travellers using the ferry terminal, next door to Zadar Cruise Port. The bus times may be set to suit the ferry schedule.
- Bus Stop is right outside the cruise port, see location marked on my map above.
- Bus #9 to main Bus Station: Bus #9 will take you to the main bus station “Kolodvor”
- Timetables: Click to see (PDF). Buses depart the port roughly every hour.
- Tickets: €2.65 for return tickets. Each one-way ticket is valid for 50 minutes, so will be good for your transfer to Old Town. There is a ticket booth at the stop. Buy tickets there before boarding.
- Change to Bus #2 or #4: At main bus station, change to Bus #2 (every 30 minutes) or Bus #4 (roughly hourly services). Both will take you into Old Town.
- Timetables: #2 timetable (PDF) and #4 timetable (PDF)
- Old Town Stop is at Poluotok, marked on my Zadar Cruise Port map 🗺️📌👆
3. Uber and/or Taxis
An Uber to Old Town is about €10-€12 each way, though of course surge pricing may be active, especially during peak disembarkation time in the morning. There are also taxis at the cruise port. I saw some taxis were selling “seats” at €5 each, so if you’re single or a couple, it may work out cheaper for you. (I did not try this!)
Unfortunately, Zadar is one of those ports where it is best to negotiate the price first before hopping into one, as Zadar is developing a reputation for overcharging tourists!
Below is the “recommended” taxi rates (July 2024), displayed on a poster at Zadar Cruise Port. No one likes to be fleeced, so hopefully this is helpful 👇
Can You Walk Into Zadar From Cruise Port?
Everything is possible! But I honestly won’t recommend it. It’s a 4km (2.5 miles) walk. Even if you’re a keen walker, doing the walk during summer months, when it’s not unusual to be 30C (~90F) by mid-morning means you’re expending valuable energy that’s better spent enjoying Old Town.
Plus, the walk is not along the coast. So there really isn’t much to see. Other than some big supermarkets and highways!
Must-See Attractions in Zadar’s Old Town
Once you get yourself into Zadar Old Town, all the following attractions are within walking distance of each other. I start my list of must-see attractions with the Roman Forum not because it’s the most worthy thing to see in Zadar but because it is the easiest to spot landmark in the middle of Zadar Old Town for a DIY excursion.
If you’re taking the cruise line shuttle to Zadar Old Town, then the Roman Forum is mere minutes walk away along the harbour promenade area.
1. Roman Forum
Constructed between 1st century BC and 3rd century AD, this Roman Forum was once the epicentre of social, political and economic life in the Roman colony of Jadera (Zadar’s Roman name). It was Julius Caesar who established Jadera back in 59 BC and the Venetians called it Zara.
Only remnants of its former glory remain but you can still trace the outlines of temples, colonnades and other buildings. It is the largest Roman Forum in Croatia. It’s free to walk around.
How to Orient Yourself From Here: See the photo above. The rotunda shaped church is St. Donatus. The bell tower next to St. Donatus belong to St Anastasia’s Cathedral – see below for opening hours and tickets. On the left, you’ll see the Pillar of Shame and the smaller bell tower of Church of St. Elijah, an Orthodox Church. The Pillar of Shame was used as place of punishment in the Middle Ages.
2. Church of St. Donatus
Dating back to early 9th century, the church’s cylindrical form, towering 27m (~90 feet) high is inspired by Byzantine architecture. Its double interior space features a central rotunda surrounded by a gallery. The church was built upon the foundations of the Roman Forum and repurposed Roman columns and materials into its design. This is supposedly the most famous monument in Zadar and many local songs are dedicated to it.
- Opening Hours: 9am to 7pm daily from April to October, till 9pm during July and August
- Tickets: €3.50 for adults & kids aged 10+. Combined tickets with the Archaeological Museum is €7
- My Take: I found the interior plain and much smaller than I expected. From the outside, there’s an illusion that the church is grand but in fact, the space belongs to St Anastasia’s Cathedral, since the two churches are so close together. When I visited, it was set up as a summer concert venue, which may have taken away much of the awe. If you only visit one church in Zadar, then I would recommend that you visit the St Anastasia’s Cathedral instead.
3. St Anastasia’s Cathedral & Bell Tower
Originally built in the 12th century, St Anastasia’s Cathedral was badly bombed during WWII and has been reconstructed since. The church’s interior is richly decorated, laid out in a three-nave configuration. On the left of the altar lies St Anastasia’s relics. Climb the Bell Tower for the best views of Zadar Old Town.
- Opening Hours: 9am to 9:30pm Monday, Thursday – Sunday. 12 noon to 8pm on Tuesday – Wednesday, during summer tourist season.
- Tickets: Cathedral €3, Bell Tower €4. Combined cathedral and bell tower ticket is €5. Free for kids under 7.
4. Sea Organ
The Sea Organ is a unique fusion of art, architecture, nature and a musical instrument! It consists of 35 polyethylene tubes of varying lengths and diameters, hidden beneath a set of marble steps that descend into the sea.
As the waves rolling and out, they push air through the tubes, thus creating a blend of tones and chords. The resulting music is ever changing, echoing the rhythm and intensity of the waves. It’s a fun experience at any time of day but if you’re still around at sunset, it’s an especially beautiful spot to watch the sunset. It’s free to visit.
Spoiler Alert: If you’re keen to hear what the Zadar Sea Organ sounds like, here’s a recording that I took in July 2024. It’s recorded using my phone, so please excuse the background noise!
5. The Greeting to the Sun
Adjacent to the Sea Organ, this solar-powered light installation is truly mesmerising. It consists of 300 multi-layered glass plates are arranged in a 22-metre (72 feet) diameter circle. The plates are embedded with solar modules to power the light show starting at dusk.
You’ll see that the glass plates are arranged to scale, with each representing a planet or the sun itself. During the day, the plates reflect light, so you can still see some interesting reflections and patterns 👇. It’s free to visit.
6. Five Wells Square (Trg Pet Bunara)
Wedged between the old City Walls of Zadar and Queen Jelena Madijevka Park, the Square’s most distinctive feature is its row of five decorative stone wells, which are lined up in a row and date back to the 16th century. These wells were originally part of a larger cistern system designed to provide fresh water to the city during times of siege. The Park is a great spot for a rest stop.
7. Island Hopping to Ošljak and Preko Islands
Old Town sightseeing can easily be done in an hour or two, so if you’re aiming to maximise your port day, go island hopping!
Ošljak Island is a true hidden gem – it’s the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic, with fewer than 50 people living there. Escape the crowds and wander through the olive groves and pine forests, or just relax and take a dip. Preko is a larger island known for its beautiful beaches and its 15th century Franciscan Monastery.
How to Get There: A half-day private boat trip leaving from Old Town is your best bet.
Note: Though there is a public car ferry that runs from Zadar’s ferry terminal (next to the Zadar cruise port) to Preko. While the car ferry takes foot passengers, I would not recommend it. As it is a car ferry, it drop you off at the Preko Pier, which is not close to the scenic parts of Preko.
Day Trips to Plitvice Lakes & Krka Waterfalls
I often see Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls, both very well known tourist attractions in Croatia, advertised as day-trips from Zadar. I’ll do the big reveal now. If you want to visit these, book an excursion through your cruise line.
Both are 1.5 – 2 hours’ drive each way, making most third party (non cruise line) operated tours 9-10 hours long including pickup and drop offs. Unless your ship has a 12+ hrs scheduled at Zadar, it’s cutting it too fine for my taste. But nonetheless, I’ll cover these here, so you can see whether they interest you.
My DIY Excursion Attempt: I tried to organise a DIY excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park for my July 2024 cruise and failed. I thought I’ll share this, as I spent hours trying to figure out whether a DIY excursion would work and it didn’t, even when my ship was scheduled to dock in Zadar Cruise Port for 14 hours.
- Third Party Tours leave too early: To my dismay, most non-cruise line third party operated tours or transfer service leave Zadar town centre between 7am and 8am. I could not find one that left Zadar later, nor was there one which would pick me up from Zadar Cruise Port.
- DIY Coach Transfers: Coaches do leave from the central bus station but the bus times were either too early or too late. There were 2 departures at 8am and 8:30am, arriving at Plitivice Lakes entrance around 10am and 10:30am. Both departures are too early for cruisers docked at Port of Gazenica. There were also departures around noon but that didn’t leave me much time to enjoy Plitvice Lakes.
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park and a UNESCO heritage site. Renowned for its unique geological formations, it is nearly 300 square kms (116 square miles). It is located in the mountainous region of Lisa, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina – about 90 minutes drive away from Zadar.
The park’s most striking feature is its series of 16 terraced lakes, interconnected by cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation. These lakes, formed over thousands of years create turquoise-coloured waterfalls.
2. Krka Waterfalls
Krka National Park is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls, especially the magnificent Skradinski Buk. This cascade of 17 waterfalls spills into natural pools along the Krka River. There are also smaller waterfalls, canyons and rich variety of flora and fauna to explore. Krka National Park is about a 1.5 hour drive away from Zadar.
Note: Swimming has not been allowed in Krka Waterfalls since Jan 2021 but there are places elsewhere in the National Park where swimming is permitted.
Featured Photo by DeLuca G
Considering its impact size, Zadar is not the easiest town to organise a DIY excursion. But I hope that this guide has shown you the highlights and the alternative choices that you can add to a personalised itinerary that suits your interests. If you found this blog post helpful, I would appreciate you sharing it with fellow cruisers in your roll-call groups. Happy Cruising!
