But Zadar is more than just a destination for a short city break. It is a perfect base for an (adventurous) vacation in Croatia. Around the city, you will find beautiful natural parks, islands full of authentic villages, and special historic cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I myself visited Zadar twice and as a result, I got to discover several beautiful places around the city. In this article, I will tell you all about the best destinations for a day trip from Zadar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best day trips from Zadar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to do in the area of Zadar? There is plenty of beauty to see! This is an overview of the best day trips from Zadar, from beautiful destinations to adventurous activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ugljan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
During my first visit to Zadar, I combined city life with island life. And this is incredibly easy thanks to the fine island of Ugljan, which is just a half-hour boat ride from Zadar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This island is known for its olive groves, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches. For example, visit the charming town of Preko or explore one of the many bays. Ugljan is perfect for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Travel time<\/strong>: 35 minutes by ferry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fun thing to do<\/strong>: Ugljan is a great island to explore by bike. From Zadar, you can book a self-guided bicycle tour<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Learn more<\/strong>: Ugljan island: Croatia\u2019s hidden gem<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Beach](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Strand-in-Preko-Ugljan-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Fort](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Fort-Saint-Michael-op-Ugljan-2-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kornati National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Kornati archipelago consists of as many as 140 islands and islets and has been declared a national park (Nacionalni park Kornati). The best way to explore the park is to go on a boat trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enjoy the azure sea, hidden caves, and pebble beaches. Because it is a protected nature reserve, you will find rich marine life. This makes it a perfect place for snorkeling or scuba diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Good to know<\/strong>: the best way to visit Kornati National Park is to join one of the many tours that depart daily from Zadar. One of the best rated tours is this day trip on a traditional wooden sailboat<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nPowered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Dugi Otok<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
During my last visit to Zadar, I took the ferry to Dugi Otok, one of the most beautiful islands in the region. Dugi Otok, which means “long island,” is the largest island in the Zadar archipelago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On this island you will find beautiful nature, such as pine forests, olive groves, and vineyards. Be sure to visit the natural park Tela\u0161\u0107ica with its beautiful bay and special salt lake. You will also find some beautiful beaches on Dugi Otok, such as Sakarun Beach. My favorite spot on the island was Veli Rat lighthouse, the perfect place to enjoy the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Travel time<\/strong>: Between one and a half and two hours by ferry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make it easy<\/strong>: With this tour from Zadar<\/a>, you will discover some of the most beautiful places on Dugi Otok in one day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Read more:<\/strong> 12 Fun things to do in Dugi Otok<\/a><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Brbinj\u0161\u0107ica](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Brbinjscica-Bay-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Veli](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Vuurtoren-Veli-Rat-1-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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Krka National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Croatia is known for its magnificent national parks, of which the Plitvice Lakes<\/a> is undoubtedly the most famous. A close second is Krka National Park, and let it not be so far from Zadar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This park is known for its breathtaking waterfalls and verdant nature. Take a boat trip on the Krka River, hike on wooden platforms along the waterfalls, and take a refreshing dip at the Skradinski Buk waterfall. In this park, you can wander around for hours and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Travel time<\/strong>: 1 hour drive<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pro tip<\/strong>: You can also book a day trip by<\/a> coach from Zadar to National Park Krka. Then you will have six hours of free time to explore the park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Nationaal](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Nationaal-Park-Krka-foto-via-Unsplash-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPhoto: Milada Vigerova<\/a> | Unsplash<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vrana lake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vrana Lake is the largest lake in Croatia and is a short hour’s drive from Zadar. The water in the lake is brackish, which means it is both fresh and salty. Indeed, on one side fresh water enters from the river, but there is also a connection to the ocean thanks to a canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What makes the nature reserve so interesting is that it is a breeding ground for dozens of different bird species. It is also a fine recreational area; in addition to bird watching, you can hike, mountain bike, kayak, and swim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most beautiful viewpoint of the lake is next to Konoba Kamenjak, an incredibly nice place for a snack and drink. It is at an altitude of 260 meters, so from here you can see not only the lake very well, but also the Adriatic Sea full of islands. Would you like to kayak? You can rent them at this place<\/a> (link to Google Maps).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Travel time<\/strong>: 45 minutes drive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Vrana](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Vrana-meer-in-Kroatie-2-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Vrana](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Vrana-meer-in-Kroatie-1-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Mountain](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Mountainbiken-in-de-omgeving-van-Vrana-Lake-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zrmanja Canyon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For adventurous travelers, a trip through the Zrmanja Canyon is a must. Carved by the Zrmanja River, this impressive gorge offers spectacular scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most fun way to explore the canyon is by kayak. Together with a guide, you will descend the river for a few kilometers, and paddle along the steep rock faces, a green environment full of butterflies, and over rapids and small waterfalls. An exciting and unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Travel time<\/strong>: 1 hour drive to Ka\u0161tel \u017degarski, this is where the kayak tours start.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Good to know<\/strong>: Not so adventurous? You can also admire the canyon by taking a little road trip. You can see the canyon itself very well from Pari\u017eeva\u010dka glavica<\/a> (link to Google Maps), this is where the movie Winnetou was shot a long time ago.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make it easy<\/strong>: You can book the kayaking trip with departure from Zadar<\/a>, that way you don’t have to arrange anything yourself. They’ll drive you to the place where the tour starts and they will also bring you back to Zadar afterwards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n ![\"Zrmanja](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Zrmanja-canyon-Winnetou-uitzichtpunt-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Zrmanja](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Zrmanja-canyon-min.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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Pag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Did you know that you can also just drive onto an island from Zadar? In fact, the island of Pag is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Pag his is another great destination for a day trip from Zadar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The island is best known for its lunar-like landscape, sheep cheese, and salt production. You can enjoy a day of sightseeing here. For example, visit the town of Pag with its old town center and lace costumes. Or head to Ru\u010dica beach for a relaxing beach day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Travel time<\/strong>: 40 minutes drive<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fun thing to do<\/strong>: Discover the most beautiful spots (including beaches and a cave) along the coast on a kayak tour<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Fun thing to do<\/strong>: Discover the most beautiful spots (including beaches and a cave) along the coast on a kayak tour<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Good to know<\/strong>: Not so adventurous? You can also admire the canyon by taking a little road trip. You can see the canyon itself very well from Pari\u017eeva\u010dka glavica<\/a> (link to Google Maps), this is where the movie Winnetou was shot a long time ago.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Travel time<\/strong>: 1 hour drive to Ka\u0161tel \u017degarski, this is where the kayak tours start.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pro tip<\/strong>: You can also book a day trip by<\/a> coach from Zadar to National Park Krka. Then you will have six hours of free time to explore the park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Make it easy<\/strong>: With this tour from Zadar<\/a>, you will discover some of the most beautiful places on Dugi Otok in one day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Travel time<\/strong>: Between one and a half and two hours by ferry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fun thing to do<\/strong>: Ugljan is a great island to explore by bike. From Zadar, you can book a self-guided bicycle tour<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n