Privlaka

Privlaka is a charming tourist and fishing village located on a spacious peninsula in Zadar County, just a 15-minute drive from the historic city of Zadar. This idyllic place, first mentioned in written documents in 1296 as a wine-growing center, is now a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors with its rich history, beautiful beaches, and unique nature.

Natural Beauty

Privlaka is surrounded on three sides by crystal clear sea and beautiful sandy beaches. Northwest of the settlement stretches a vast sandy beach with a small forest, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sun. The beaches in the tourist settlements of Sabunike and Škrapavac are particularly well-known, suitable for families with children due to the shallow and clear sea.

Activities and Attractions

Water Sports: Sabunike is, alongside Bol on Brač, the most famous surfing destination in Croatia, thanks to favorable winds from Velebit. This is the perfect place for windsurfing enthusiasts, especially in September and October.

Walking Trails: A promenade begins at the small harbor, encompassing almost the entire peninsula, offering visitors an unforgettable view of the sunset.

Cultural Heritage: Privlaka is rich in historical landmarks. Visitors can explore the old wells of Privlaka, including the Sokolar well, mentioned in the first Croatian novel.

Gastronomy and Tradition

Privlaka is known for its rich gastronomic offerings based on local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy fresh fish and seafood, as well as traditional Dalmatian dishes.

The place is also known for a unique fishing technique called “ludar”, a tradition passed down from generation to generation.

Health Tourism

Thanks to clean air and healing black mud, Privlaka is an attractive destination for people with health problems such as asthma, rheumatism, and arthritis. Even during the hottest summer days, a light breeze mitigates high temperatures, making the stay pleasant for children and older people.

Privlaka, with its rich history, beautiful beaches, and unique nature, offers the perfect blend of relaxing vacation and active tourism. Whether you’re looking for a quiet refuge for a family holiday or an exciting destination for water sports, Privlaka has something for everyone.

Attractions of Zadar: Discover the Magic of a City on the Adriatic

Zadar, an ancient city located on the beautiful Croatian Adriatic coast, is a true gem offering a unique blend of historical landmarks, modern attractions, and natural beauty. This city, over 3000 years old, will enchant you with its rich culture, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning sunsets.

Historical Landmarks

  • Church of St. Donatus: This monumental 9th-century building is Zadar’s most recognizable symbol. Its unique circular architecture and impressive height make it an essential stop on any visit to the city.
  • Roman Forum: Walking through the remains of the largest Roman forum on the eastern Adriatic coast, you can step back 2000 years in time. This ancient square testifies to Zadar’s importance in Roman times.
  • Cathedral of St. Anastasia: The largest church in Dalmatia with an impressive 54-meter bell tower. Climb the tower for an unforgettable view of the city and surrounding islands.
  • City Walls and Gates: Venetian fortifications with beautifully decorated Land Gate tell the story of the city’s turbulent history. Take a walk along the walls and imagine how Zadar looked centuries ago.

Modern Attractions

  • Sea Organ: This unique architectural installation creates magical music using sea waves. Sit on the steps by the sea and enjoy a natural symphony.
  • Greeting to the Sun: Right next to the Sea Organ is this fascinating solar installation that provides an unforgettable light show at night. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Zadar’s sunset, which Alfred Hitchcock called the most beautiful in the world.

Cultural Institutions

  • Archaeological Museum: One of the oldest museums in this part of Europe. Here you can see artifacts dating back to the Stone Age.
  • Museum of Ancient Glass: A unique institution with exhibitions of ancient glass. Don’t miss the glass blowing demonstration!

Culinary Experience

Zadar is known for its excellent cuisine. Be sure to taste fresh fish and seafood in one of the local taverns. Don’t forget to try the famous Zadar Maraschino liqueur, made from local Marasca cherries.

Excursions to the Surroundings

Zadar is an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding islands and national parks. Visit Kornati National Park with its beautiful islets or head to Paklenica National Park for unforgettable hiking.

Zadar offers a perfect blend of history, culture, modern art, and natural beauty, making it an essential destination for any visitor to Croatia. Whether you’re a history buff, a culinary enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing holiday on the Adriatic, Zadar has something for everyone.

What You Must Visit in Zadar and Its Surroundings

Zadar, an ancient city on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, is a true gem offering a unique blend of historical heritage and modern art. Surrounded by stunning nature and islands, Zadar and its vicinity provide an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss during your stay in this magical city.

City Attractions

Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

These two modern installations have become symbols of Zadar. The Sea Organ, a unique architectural attraction, creates mystical melodies using sea waves. Right next to it is the Greeting to the Sun, a solar installation that provides a fascinating light show at night. The best time to visit is just before sunset when you can enjoy a spectacular sunset and light effects.

Church of St. Donatus

This monumental 9th-century building is Zadar’s most recognizable landmark. With its cylindrical shape and height of 27 meters, it dominates the city skyline and testifies to the city’s rich history.

Roman Forum

The main square of ancient Zadar, the Forum was the center of public life in the city. Today, you can walk among the remains of this impressive complex and imagine what life was like almost 2000 years ago.

Natural Beauty of the Surroundings

Paklenica National Park

Just an hour’s drive from Zadar lies Paklenica National Park, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. With beautiful canyons, dense forests, and impressive peaks of Velebit mountain, the park offers unforgettable hiking trails and spectacular views.

Sakarun Beach

This beautiful sandy beach on Long Island (Dugi otok) is often ranked among the most beautiful in Croatia. With crystal clear sea and white sand, Sakarun is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun.

Activities and Excursions

Panoramic Flight

For an unforgettable experience, take a panoramic flight over Zadar and the Kornati archipelago. The view of the old town, islands, and azure sea from the air is simply spectacular.

Kayak Safari on Zrmanja River

Adventure seekers will enjoy a kayak safari on the Zrmanja River. Sailing through the emerald green river, passing rapids and waterfalls, provides excitement and an opportunity to enjoy unspoiled nature.

Trip to Kornati

Kornati National Park, with its unique archipelago, is a must-visit for all Zadar visitors. A boat ride through this labyrinth of islands and enjoying the crystal clear sea is an unforgettable experience.

Gastronomy and Culture

Don’t miss tasting local specialties in one of the traditional taverns. Fresh fish, Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese, and the famous Zadar Maraschino liqueur are just some of the flavors you must experience.

Zadar is a city rich in culture, so be sure to visit some of the numerous museums, such as the Museum of Ancient Glass or the Archaeological Museum.

Whether you’re looking for history, natural beauty, adventure, or simply relaxation, Zadar and its surroundings have something for everyone. This city will enchant you with its unique atmosphere, and you’ll certainly want to return again.

The 12 most beautiful beaches in Zadar and its region

ZADAR, a Croatian town in northern Dalmatia that is known for its history, architectural and cultural heritage and beautiful beaches. 

Here is the list of 12 most beautiful beaches in Zadar and its region:

1. Kolovare

Photo: Mariusz Prusaczyk / Dreamstime.com
It is the best known and largest of the beaches in Zadar. This municipal beach is located south of the city just 500 m from the center. The sea is very clean, the nature is preserved, labeled Blue Flag beach. It offers sports fields, possibility to rent equipment, many bars. Kolovare is the beach for all age groups as there is shade too. This beach is also suitable for the disabled. It is followed by smaller and more intimate beaches.

2. Puntamika

Photo: Xbrchx / Dreamstime.com

Puntamika is a pebble beach in the center of Zadar which offers one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world! The sea is not very deep and there is a small restaurant near the beach. From the beach you have a splendid view of the romantic Lanterna lighthouse and the old part of Zadar.

3. Borik

Photo: Xbrchx / Dreamstime.com

Borik is one of the best known beaches in Croatia. This pebble beach stretches along a peninsula. The beach offers a lot activities (jetski, parasailing,
pedal boats…), cafes and restaurants. Access to it is charged.

4. Ljubac Beach

It is a sandy beach located in Ljubač, a small village in the municipality of Ražanac, 15 minutes away from Zadar. The sea is transparent and the atmosphere there is heavenly. The beach Ljubač is huge and little known, attractive to those who like to enjoy untouched nature and solitude. The sea is shallow and there is no equipment to rent.

5.Queen’s beach / Kraljičina plaža

Photo: Xbrchx / Dreamstime.com


It is located in Nin, a former Croatian royal town, 18 km from Zadar. Queen’s beach is an extraordinary beach with fine white sand, with turquoise water and a great view of the islands and on the mountain. The clear blue water here is shallow and the beach is suitable for families with children. Many activities
are offered: spas, treatments, badminton, volleyball, windsurfing. At waterfront there are many small restaurants. A part of the beach there is covered with medicinal mud because the water there is very rich in minerals.

6. & 7. Petrcane and Pinija beaches


They are located in Petrčane, 12 km from Zadar. These are pebbled beaches, with shallow crystal clear sea, pine tree forest and many facilities for an active holiday. Pinija beach belongs to the hotel Pinija, but access is possible. These beaches are suitable for families.

8. Sabunike

Sabunike is a beautiful sandy beach in Sabunike, village 18 km away from Zadar. It is very long and suitable for children and families.

9. Zaton

Photo: Goran Šafarek / Dreamstime.com

This sandy beach is located within the campsite „Zaton Holiday Village“, in Zaton, 12 km from Zadar. It spreads over 1.5 km and it bears the Blue Flag ecolabel thanks to a clean sea and preserved nature. Zaton beach allows you to practice many sports activities: tennis, picigin, volleyball, mini-golf and table tennis and it is adapted for people with disabilities. It is an ideal place for families with children.

10. Vrsi Mulo

 

It is located in Vrsi Mulo village, near Nin. This wild beach is about thirty kilometers long and spreads along a forest. There are pebbled, rocky and sandy parts of the beach. It is suitable for those who enjoy relaxing in full untouched nature.

11. Zukve Beach

Photo: CRO destinations


It is located in Zukve village, near Nin. A part of the beach is sandy, and the other part is pebbly. There is even a concrete platform. You can rent equipment on the beach and cool off in one of the bars. It is a family beach, especially suitable for children and non-swimmers.

12. Duboka Draga



Duboka draga is a wonderful beach in a narrow rocky bay that penetrates deep into the continent. It is just a 10 minute walk away from the center of Vrsi, a town around Zadar. It is a pebble beach, a paradise for those who love untouched Mediterranean nature.

Source: https://crodestinations.com