Here is your ultimate guide on where to stay in Zadar! My guide has the best 5-star hotels all the way to private accommodation and hostel options to suit every budget.
How do I know which are the best? I live in Zadar, the Croatian beauty on the Adriatic Sea.
This is one of the main ports of entry to this land of history and culture. You’re planning to visit Zadar and have already made your list of things to do in Zadar. Now comes the part where you’re looking for the best places to stay in Zadar, Croatia, for your trip.
If you’re staying just a night or two, staying in the Old Town of Zadar is best. You’ll have easy access to all the Zadar restaurants and cafes once you’re done seeing the famous Sea Organ, the ruins of the Roman Forum, Saint Anastasia’s Cathedral, and the People’s Square.
But staying in the heart of Zadar city may be slightly noisy at night and cost more. So, if you’re looking for peace and quiet, try finding accommodation near the harbor.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
Zadar Neighborhood Guide
1. Old Town
What is the appeal?
- Rich History: Abundance of historical landmarks, including the Roman Forum, St. Donatus Church, and the Sea Organ
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, all within walking distance
Who is the area best for?
History Enthusiasts, Couples, and Solo Travelers
2. Borik
What is the appeal?
- Beaches: Offers some of the best beaches in Zadar, including pebble and sandy ones
- Relaxed Ambiance: A less bustling atmosphere compared to the Old Town
Who is the area best for?
Families & Beach Lovers
3. Puntamika
What is the appeal?
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and Zadar’s coastline
- Luxury Stays: Home to several upscale hotels and resorts
Who is the area best for?
Luxury Travelers & Honeymooners
4. Voštarnica
What is the appeal?
- Proximity to the Center: Within walking distance to the Old Town and its attractions
- Local Experience: Possesses a local neighborhood feel, with traditional markets and eateries
Who is the area best for?
Budget Travelers & Food Enthusiasts
5. Diklo
What is the appeal?
- Seaside Recreation: Offers various water sports and beachside activities
- Calm and Peaceful: A quieter area providing a relaxing environment
Who is the area best for?
Adventure Seekers & Those Seeking Tranquility
Find Your Place To Stay In Zadar
Wondering where to stay in Zadar for the first time or the 10th? Find the best areas in the charming old town or opt for the bustling beach bars and restaurants north of Zadar, ensuring you’re close to everything, including the main beach in Zadar.
Choose the best accommodation from the most popular hotels a short walk from the old city center and old town, perfect for enjoying lazy beach days.
5-Star Luxury Hotels In Zadar, Croatia
Let’s start this lengthy guide to Zadar accommodation with the best of the best! If you want a piece of luxury in Zadar, then these are the perfect places to stay in Zadar and play.
1. Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera – Where I Stay In Zadar
The Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera is not on the list of Zadar luxury hotels because it’s 12 kilometers out of Zadar, in Petrcane. But this is the perfect place to be if you’re looking for a luxury hotel only a 20-minute drive away.
The hotel has a private beach on the Punta Skala Peninsula. Some of the suites and rooms have breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. And if you prefer to swim in a pool, you can swim outdoors or indoors. The Acquapura Spa is perfect for a massage or a Turkish Hamman bath. And if you want to stay fit while traveling, the hotel has seven tennis courts, three multi-sports courts, two beach volleyball courts, two padel courts, and more.
The onsite restaurants, lounges, and beach huts offer various Alpine-Adriatic cuisines to satisfy everyone in your family.
The rooms look perfect in their navy-style linen and furnishings. Every room has a flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, laptop safe, minibar, study desk, free WiFi, and air conditioning. The balconies have views of the sea day or night. Pick these above-the-park view rooms!
The Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera is 23 km from the airport, making it an excellent location for holidays in Zadar.
2. Falkensteiner Family Diadora Hotel – Best Hotel For Kids
Located in Punta Skala, the newly renovated, 5-star Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora is close to Zadar, just 14 km from the historic Old Town.
Rooms feature free WiFi, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, sofas, safety deposit boxes, and minibars. If you are visiting with family, opt for the family rooms, which can accommodate two adults and two children under 12. Meals include Mediterranean and international buffets, with free wine and beer during meals.
Enjoy access to a gym, spa, softball, tennis courts, outdoor and indoor swimming pools (with free swimming lessons for your children), and more.
Your kids can enjoy the Falkyland amusement park, the children’s arcade called ‘Las Vegas,’ a toddler’s garden, a swimming pool, a library, a climbing wall, and a cinema.
The hotel is a perfect vacation spot for every member of your family!
4-Star Zadar Hotels
Don’t let the lack of the 5th star put you off these Zadar hotels. When looking for accommodation in Zadar, these places hit that sweet spot between luxury and affordability. I am sure you will find a 4-star hotel to please.
3. Miramare Hotel, Zadar
This brand-new addition arrived in Zadar in 2023, a luxurious boutique hotel with 32 rooms and four suites.
Design rooms feature king-sized beds, contemporary decor, and windows you can open, along with all the other modern amenities typical of hotels.
Enjoy the lovely courtyard pool and the onsite restaurant, which offers a rotating menu designed by a local chef and serves up traditional meats, fish, and wines sourced from the surrounding area.
4. Hotel Bastion, Zadar – In The City Center
This boutique hotel, Zadar by Relais & Chateau, is situated on the Venetian Castellum in the Zadar Peninsula. The area known as the Kampo Kastel has been an essential part of the city since the 12th century.
Built on the remains of the medieval Kastela, Hotel Bastion has two lovely terraces that serve Mediterranean cuisine. The Kirtal aperitif bar serves cocktails and a buffet breakfast, while the famous Kaštel restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
The rooms are well-equipped with ‘smart room’ technology and feature unique handmade art deco furniture. They feature satellite TVs, bedroom safes, a minibar, free WiFi, and air conditioning. The hotel’s hot tub and sauna are perfect for relaxing.
Getting around is easy with the Arsenal, The Sea Organ, Luka Zadar, the Roman Forum, and Greeting to the Sun, all less than 300 meters away.
5. Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel
Right in Zadar’s old town, this boutique hotel offers you a modern place to rest near the city’s historic and cultural hub.
Apartments and rooms have standard amenities (flat-screen televisions, free WiFi, luxury toiletries, hairdryer, etc.) and delightful garden views. A daily continental and à la carte breakfast, along with the option to order room service, will keep your hunger at bay.
Nearby, enjoy Maestrala Beach, Kolovare Beach, The Greeting to the Sun, and the Sea Organ – all points of interest that should be on your Zadar itinerary!
6. Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel And DéPendance – Top Zadar Restaurant
This Zadar accommodation in Old Town will not disappoint. The Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel and Dépendance are excellent in Zadar if you’re looking for easy access to the attractions. It’s located less than 100 meters from the Church of Our Lady of Health and The Sea Organ. It’s also 250 meters from St. Donatus Church, the Roman Forum, Greeting to the Sun, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia.
The rooms include free WiFi, a safety deposit box, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and a minibar. The larger rooms have a seating area.
The hotel also features a garden and terrace, while the onsite restaurant serves a sumptuous buffet breakfast.
7. Art Hotel Kalelarga – Best For The First Time In Zadar
As the name suggests, Art Hotel Kalelarga is a modern, chic art-design hotel located on the most famous street in Zadar: Kalelarga. You will feel pampered in luxury while staying in one of the hotel’s ten rooms, each designed with the idea that functionality, color, shape, and stone can coexist. The stone found in the rooms is meant to resemble that of Kalelarga Street, bringing harmony to the atmosphere of your stay in Zadar.
Enjoy room service of fresh pastries and coffee when you want to relax in bed or opt for packed lunches while exploring nearby Five Wells Square, the Sea Organ, or the Cathedral of St. Anastasia.
Unwind with hand-selected wines in the evening while enjoying conversation on the hotel’s restaurant terrace—a perfect combination of artsy charm in the heart of the old city.
8. Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik
Near the Borik Marina is this beachfront Zadar hotel with a pool, the Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik. Don’t miss this hotel if you’re looking for an all-inclusive stay with your family or partner!
All rooms are spacious and air-conditioned and have free WiFi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and a minibar. The rooms also include slippers, towels, bathrobes, hairdryers, and a tumble dryer. Although all rooms have balconies, the seaview rooms have picture-perfect views of the Dalmatian Coast.
If you are traveling with the whole family, book a family room that can accommodate two adults and up to 3 children under 11.
Taste delicious snacks and cocktails at the pool bar, or enjoy a range of dishes from Croatian and international cuisine with the all-inclusive meal plan.
Enjoy a sauna, massage, or soak in the hot tub at the wellness center while your kids are let loose in Falkyland.
Play water sports, tennis, and volleyball, or spend some time reading in the solarium. Nearby, you will also have easy access to a wide range of water adventures, including surfing and diving.
With all its attractions, Old Town is just a short 12-minute drive away, making a stay at this hotel an excellent value-for-money deal.
9. Hotel Niko
This family-run hotel is just a ten-minute drive from the city’s center and only 150 feet from the nearby beach. It’s the perfect location if you want to both relax and explore the history of Zadar.
Rooms ranging from singles all the way to suites offer a variety of accommodation options for your group. The decor has an old-world charm while providing modern amenities. Some rooms also feature sea views for those looking to enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the water.
At the hotel, enjoy dining at the charming Mediterranean-style restaurant with various Croatian wines. In addition, there is a hotel bar for a cocktail between mealtimes.
A 24-hour help desk is also available during your stay.
10. Hotel Kolovare – Kolovare Beach
Hotel Kolovare is an excellent 4-star hotel choice, especially when it comes to location. Set right on the beach and along the seaside promenade, get ready to enjoy days in the sun or a 15-minute walk along the promenade to reach the historic heart of the city for sightseeing.
Rooms are fresh, modern, and bright, with balconies. Highlights of the hotel include seasonal outdoor pools with a pool terrace where you can enjoy delicious food along with wine from the hotel’s cellar, filled with a wide selection of local favorites.
11. La Vista Suites
If you’re looking for a little more room to spread out, definitely check out La Vista Suites.
Apartments and suites are stylishly modern and include terraces for enjoying the sea breeze at all times of the day. Some units also include equipped kitchens for nights when you want to cook at home.
La Vista Suites is a beachfront accommodation that also has an outdoor seasonal pool, so it’s perfect if you plan to soak in some sun and take a dip while in Zadar.
An onsite restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, and the hotel also offers an à la carte breakfast each morning.
Brands We Use And Trust
3-Star Comfortable Zadar Hotels
Want to save a little more but still get excellent value for money? Then, these hotels in Zadar are calling your name.
12. Hotel Porto – Zadar On A Budget
Looking at the Zadar map, you’ll find that Hotel Porto is one of the affordable places to stay in Zadar that are closest to the airport. Hotel Porto provides a free airport shuttle. They are a 10-minute drive from Zadar Town and within walking distance of the nearest bus stop.
This budget accommodation in Zadar has rooms featuring free WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning, and heating. The buffet breakfast at Hotel Porto is amazingly vast and delicious.
This Zadar accommodation with a pool is perfect if you are planning a budget trip to Zadar.
13. Hotel Donat, Zadar
If you’re still looking for where to stay in Zadar, you’ll find this one perfect. Located at the beaches near Zadar, about 3.5 kilometers from the Old Town, Hotel Donat is one of the hotels near Zadar that provides an all-inclusive service.
Their all-inclusive plan gives you a Croatian breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Add the free beer, wine, soft drinks, and water from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You’ll save on meals and have more to spend visiting Zadar Croatia attractions.
This cheap Zadar accommodation has rooms with WiFi, air-conditioning, and heating. If you snag a family room, you’ll also have a mini-fridge.
There is an outdoor pool and direct access to the beach. Water sports activities are available at a cost.
14. Hotel Delfin, Zadar
Located in Zadar’s Ziklo area, the 3-star Hotel Delfin will provide you with a comfortable en-suite room, including air-conditioning, satellite TV, and complimentary internet. Most rooms have a balcony with a sea view.
Located just ten meters from the Adriatic Sea, the covered outdoor restaurant terrace is a great place to rewind after a day of sightseeing. Simultaneously, the Zadar bus station is outside the front door and offers easy access to the Zadar city center.
If you’re figuring out where to stay in Zadar as a couple, this is a great choice away from the busy downtown. Previous guests recommend it as one of the best Zadar hotels for a two-person trip.
15. Hotel A’Mare
Located in the heart of the city, this 3-star hotel offers a convenient location for you to explore Zadar’s popular attractions.
Rooms are modern and stylish, with flat-screen televisions, calming color palettes, and large beds. Some rooms come with kitchenettes and mini-fridges if you are looking to have more meal flexibility.
A buffet and a continental breakfast are offered each morning, and meals are served throughout the day at the hotel’s onsite restaurant. The hotel also provides room service, airport transfers, and car rental services.
Private Accommodation In Zadar
Do you want more room to stretch out into during holidays in Zadar? Yeah, us too! We often stay in private accommodation now with the kids.
You should consider apartments when looking for places to stay in Zadar. Though flats are hit and miss, so do your research. Find vacation rentals through sites like Booking.com. Hosts are helpful and will give you local info, such as where to eat.
You can also find other cheap Zadar apartments for rent when you arrive, though all the good ones get booked up fast, so start with these options:
16. Luxury Residence Zadar
This luxury apartment in Zadar in the heart of the old town is the perfect setting for your Zadar holiday!
The air-conditioned and luxurious apartment is less than 200 meters from Greeting to the Sun, The Sea Organ, and the Church of Our Lady of Health. About a km away is the closest beach, the Uskok beach.
The balcony and even the bathtub have excellent views!
The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and a flat-screen TV. Free WiFi and free parking make it a steal.
17. Central Palace Apartment
Private accommodation in the heart of Old Town Zadar, this apartment is perfect if you are traveling with up to 4 people. This quaint apartment is modernly decorated and has excellent features if you are looking for a home away from home.
The beautiful, sandy Kolovare beach is just a short walk away, like the ferry port, Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, and other fabulous bars, restaurants, and a market in the Old Town neighborhood.
Air conditioning, free WiFi, a washing machine, a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher and all!) are available.
18. Suites One, Zadar
Clean and well-appointed, this accommodation in Zadar city center will steal your heart.
Less than 200 meters from St. Donatus Church, these Zadar apartments are a short distance from St. Donatus Church.
Seating and dining areas are present in all of the suites. The suites also include refrigerators, stoves, coffee machines, dishwashers, ovens, and more.
If you are bringing the whole family, larger family options are available.
19. Falkensteiner Senia Apartments
The stylish and modern Falkensteiner Senia 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom Zadar apartments are perfect for stays with your family.
Each apartment includes a flat-screen TV, microwave, dishwasher, stovetop, coffee machine, sofa, oven, wardrobe, refrigerator, and kitchenware. Some rooms have an outdoor seating area to enjoy that perfect breakfast.
Enjoy access to two heated outdoor pools and use the spa, sauna, and facilities at the nearby Falkensteiner hotels at a surcharge.
The apartments are a 25-minute drive from Zadar Old Town and within walking distance of the Petrcane beach.
If you’re looking for affordable privacy in the Punta Skala region, the Falkensteiner Senia Apartments are the place to be.
20. Modric Deluxe Apartment With Pool & Sauna – Zadar New Town
Located in the center of Zadar, just 900 meters from the old town, this modern, spacious apartment is an excellent choice if you’re looking to enjoy the comforts of home while on holiday.
Rent the entire space, which includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, an outdoor terrace, a pool, a jacuzzi, and a sauna.
With free parking at the property and close proximity to the airport (10 km away), it’s a great location if you want to rent a vehicle during your time in the city. However, it’s also within walking distance of local beaches and historic sites, so if you prefer to head out on foot, it is also an excellent space.
Zadar Hostels And B&B Zadar
For you super budget-conscious travelers, these cheap Zadar accommodation options are perfect.
21. Boutique Hostel Forum
In the heart of Zadar, Boutique Hostel defies just being a bed to crash on at the end of a long day.
Recently winning Best Hostel in Croatia offers you en-suite rooms with all the usual amenities free of charge. You can choose between dorms or private rooms- which come with their minibar and TV- this hostel has all the comforts of a hotel for a much cheaper price tag.
The building was built after WWII, and the outside looks very serious. The designers decided to combine this with a lively interior, and the size of the property meant some serious space issues. The building’s dimensions, measuring 75 by 5 meters, told fitting people in would take some genius. Luckily, they found that, and they took the time to make sure that you’d find your own space in this tiny building and socialize with others all at the same time.
Homage has been paid to the Roman Forum, with the room numbers in Roman Numerals and the grandstand in the Common Area. You have to see it to believe it! They made this hostel an architectural and design paradise using geometry, bright colors, patterns, and mirrors.
22. Windward Hostel Zadar – Zadar
This hostel is located centrally in Zadar and is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and cafes for your evening’s entertainment. You are also within reach of many attractions too.
The yachting-themed hostel is small but clean and has excellent WiFi and onsite parking. Rooms are all air-conditioned and non-smoking, and there is a shared outdoor terrace for soaking up the sun and socializing.
Rooms are spacious; you can choose between dorms sleeping up to eight people (mixed) or a private room with a double bed. The shared bathrooms are clean and quite large. Private rooms book up quickly, so book ahead of time if possible.
This hostel is ideal for exploring the local area as a base and is a quiet and comfortable place to rest your head in the evenings.
23. Drunken Monkey
In the Arbanasi district, this hostel is not central, but it is incredible. It’s a 20-minute walk along the waterfront to the Old City Gates, but the sea is five minutes away. Being out of the Old Town, the hostel can accommodate you with lots of space, and it’s great for solo travelers, including women.
The dorm rooms are spacious and well thought out, with beds against the walls, giving you room to sort your things out in the middle of the floor. The Drunken Monkey has a bar open till midnight, serving hot drinks, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages but no food- you can visit the sister hostel, The Lazy Monkey, if you need breakfast.
The hostel has a garden with lounge chairs, a hammock, a barbecue, and a splash pool! Who doesn’t love when a hostel has a splash pool?
You could take a 5 minute walk down to the beach if you drag yourself back into the world. Being away from the central areas, this one isn’t overcrowded with tourists, and if you continue from there for 10 minutes, there is a fantastic and affordable beach bar!
24. Sky Hostel – Zadar
Sky Hostel is located within the city center, close to most major attractions. The local buses run close by, and Zadar Airport is just 11 kilometers away from the property also.
Rooms are either mixed dorms with four beds or female-only with four beds. The bathrooms are shared and very clean, and the property has free WiFi. Each room has a coffee machine, and some rooms have a balcony for chilling out. There is also a seating area in each room.
Breakfast is served at the hostel daily, and around the property, you’ll find countless bars and restaurants, along with other things to see and do too.
This hostel is an excellent choice if you want to stay somewhere that isn’t overcrowded but still has plenty of life.
25. Dandelion Boutique Hostel
Only 15 minutes from the city center, the Dandelion Boutique Hostel is an excellent Zadar accommodation for your backpacking trip or your solo adventure.
Accommodation is available in several 4-person dorms and a larger 10-person dorm. Each dorm has a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer.
Communal amenities include free WiFi, air-conditioning, and free parking. A complimentary breakfast is offered every morning, and you can buy fresh produce and other foods at the supermarket across the street.
One of Zadar’s most popular beaches, Kolovare, is about a kilometer from this top-rated Zadar hostel. The bus station is a similar, easily walkable distance away.
26. Zara Palace
In Zadar’s old town, you will find the Zara Palace – design rooms.
Zara Palace is on the list of great hotels in Zadar city center, with views overlooking the city. Every room has views of the city. The rooms are cozy and feature flat-screen TVs, heating, air conditioning, a safety deposit box, a minibar, and free WiFi. The rooms are also soundproofed and have coffee machines.
This Zadar hotel is within walking distance of Zadar People’s Square, the Museum of Ancient Glass, Knight’s Palace, the City Gate, Five Wells Square, the Museum of Illusions Zadar, the Captain’s Tower, Zadar Archaeological Museum, and the Old Port of Fosa.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Zadar, Croatia, within walking distance of all the main places of attraction, Zara Palace will not disappoint.
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Where Is Zadar Located
Zadar lies on the West coast of Croatia, on the Dalmatian Coast in South-Eastern Europe.
What To See In Zadar?
- See the Roman ruins and the pillar of shame
- Hear the mournful memories of the Sea Organ
- Visit St. Donat’s Church, which was built in the Byzantine style in the 9th century.
- See the World Heritage Venetian Walls
- Visit the Museum of Ancient Glass and see objects from Roman times
- Visit the ornate Zadar Cathedral
- See the stone land gate built in 1543
- See the Romanesque Church of St. Chrysogonus
- Enjoy Kolovare Beach or one of the many other Zadar beaches
- Visit Zadar Market
- See the famous Sea Gate
- You can find a massive list of what to do in Zadar here
So, now the only question is, where will you stay on your visit to Zadar?