Is Buying Property in Zadar a Good Idea?

The Dalmatian region is home to the city of Zadar. Located in northern Dalmatia, close to the Velebit mountain range, Zadar has traditionally been a less prominent tourist destination than southern Dalmatian cities such as Makarska or Dubrovnik. Zadar and its surrounding hinterland suffered significant damage during the war from 1991 to 1995, traces of which can still be seen in some nearby settlements.

Over the past 15 years, however, Zadar has become increasingly popular thanks to improved road connections and the development of Zadar Airport. The historic Old Town is located on a small peninsula surrounded by medieval fortifications.

This charming coastal city and its surrounding area are becoming increasingly popular among property buyers, so your interest in property in Zadar comes as no surprise. Fortunately, the Zadar property market is diverse, and Eurovilla has a wide selection available.

Below, we highlight some of the most interesting properties in Zadar, together with attractions, activities and destinations that will be within easy reach if you decide to buy property in the area.

Properties in Zadar

As mentioned, properties in Zadar come in many different forms and stages of development. Eurovilla’s agents thoroughly enjoy exploring the properties available in the area, and the wide selection makes Zadar one of Croatia’s most interesting and attractive property markets.

Here are some of the main property types worth considering.

Apartments

The first type of property available is apartments in Zadar. This is often a popular choice among first-time property buyers for one simple reason: apartments tend to be more affordable.

Maintenance costs are generally lower, and the property itself is usually easier and less demanding to maintain.

Villas

Arguably the most attractive type of property in Zadar is the villa.

Fortunately, Zadar and the surrounding area offer a wide selection of villas, many of which can be found in Eurovilla’s portfolio. Contemporary architecture, luxury and energy efficiency are just some of the features that make these properties so desirable.

This option is generally more expensive, but it offers a level of comfort and luxury that traditional houses or apartments may not provide.

Houses

If you are the type of investor who prefers houses to apartments but a villa is currently outside your budget, traditional houses in Zadar could be the ideal option.

Charming traditional architecture, often influenced by the region’s Venetian heritage and set along Zadar’s stone streets, offers a sense of history and character that can work equally well as a holiday home or a property for commercial use.

Building or agricultural land

If you are an imaginative investor who enjoys planning a project from the ground up, purchasing building or agricultural land could be an interesting option.

Land in the Zadar area is available in a variety of sizes, giving investors plenty of choice when planning their next project. Eurovilla’s portfolio includes numerous plots that may suit different investment ideas and objectives.

View the full selection of properties in Zadar and the surrounding area here.

Things to do in Zadar

In addition to the property itself, investors usually want to know what amenities and activities are available nearby.

These are important for your own enjoyment, but if you are purchasing a property to rent out, you will also want to offer guests plenty to experience beyond the accommodation itself.

Here are just a few of Zadar’s many attractions and activities.

Sea Organ

The Sea Organ is one of Zadar’s most impressive attractions.

It is essentially a giant musical instrument powered by the movement of the sea. There is no magic involved, of course, but rather an ingenious architectural and artistic concept.

The waves create sounds that can be heard along the waterfront by pushing air through 35 underwater pipes stretching across approximately 70 metres.

Designed by Croatian architect Nikola Bašić, the Sea Organ is an elegant combination of nature and contemporary architecture. The attraction can be experienced throughout the year.

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Greeting to the Sun

The Greeting to the Sun consists of 300 multi-layered glass panels arranged in a circular installation measuring 22 metres in diameter.

Designed as a large-scale installation, it is surrounded by stone elements representing the planets of the Solar System and their orbits.

The spectacular light display is one of Zadar’s most popular family attractions. Both the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun were created by the same architect, Nikola Bašić, and both are well worth visiting.

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Roman Forum

The Roman Forum in Zadar has long been one of the city’s most popular gathering places.

These ancient Roman remains, dating from between the first and third centuries, now form an open-air archaeological site. An earthquake in the sixth century destroyed many of the surrounding structures, but several elements, including stone seats and altars, have survived.

Take some time to explore this historic area beside the Church of St Donatus.

Church of St Donatus

The remarkable circular Church of St Donatus was built in the Byzantine style and dates from the early ninth century. It was named after the bishop who commissioned its construction.

It is an especially significant cultural monument and one of the few surviving buildings from the early period of the Croatian monarchy.

Inside its simple, largely undecorated interior, visitors can see two complete Roman columns taken from the nearby Forum. Other Roman stone elements were also incorporated into the building.

The church has not been used for regular religious services for more than 200 years and today frequently serves as a concert venue and exhibition space.

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Cathedral of St Anastasia

The largest church in northern Dalmatia is the Cathedral of St Anastasia, also known as Zadar Cathedral.

Its façade, with circular windows and decorative arches, has a distinctive Romanesque character dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. Inside the basilica is the altar of the Blessed Sacrament, decorated with marble columns.

The cathedral’s bell tower was constructed over several centuries and finally completed in the 1890s. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy peaceful, unobstructed views across Zadar and the Adriatic Sea.

The best beaches in Zadar

Zadar County is home to numerous beaches, including several lesser-known gems.

Here are a few that will be close by if you decide to buy property in Zadar.

Kolovare

Kolovare Beach is one of Zadar’s best-known public beaches.

It offers all the facilities you are likely to need, including showers, toilets, changing rooms and sun loungers, while beautiful pine trees provide welcome shade when the summer sun becomes too intense.

The beach is clean and has been awarded Blue Flag status, reflecting the quality of its water and facilities.

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Families with children or teenagers will particularly appreciate Kolovare thanks to the range of water sports and activities available.

Visitors can play beach volleyball or table tennis, try parasailing or pedal boats, or even take a short trip by catamaran or yacht.

Thanks to the proximity of the Old Town, shops, bars and restaurants are also within easy reach.

Borik Beach

Borik Beach is located around four kilometres from Zadar’s Old Town.

Part of the Falkensteiner Resort area, it is one of Zadar’s most popular family-friendly beaches.

The beach offers plenty of activities suitable for children. It has a sandy seabed and relatively shallow water, making it particularly attractive to families.

Borik also provides all the facilities needed for a full day by the sea, including food and drinks, toilets, changing areas and showers.

Diklo Beach

West of Borik lies Diklo Beach.

Diklo is actually a collection of several pebble beaches along the coast. Visitors will find cafés, restaurants and various food and drink options spread throughout the area.

Many people particularly enjoy the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere here, as Diklo generally feels less touristy than Borik.

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Gastronomy in Zadar

We are fairly certain that anyone considering buying property in Zadar will also be interested in the local food scene.

Here are several regional dishes and restaurants worth discovering.

Restaurant Bruschetta

Restaurant Bruschetta combines Dalmatian and Mediterranean styles of cooking.

For a starter, try the squid or prawn risotto or a cold seafood platter. As one of Zadar’s well-known restaurants, you can expect attentive service and an enjoyable dining experience.

Restaurant Proto

Proto offers contemporary cuisine together with a broad selection of vegetarian dishes.

Popular choices include black and white tuna, salmon pâté and spinach gnocchi. And if you happen to be craving something more familiar, the menu even includes a beef burger.

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Pet Bunara Restaurant

At Pet Bunara Restaurant, you can try pašticada, one of Dalmatia’s best-known traditional beef dishes.

Take some time to explore the menu or ask your waiter for recommendations, as the restaurant specialises in traditional Croatian and Dalmatian cuisine with a distinctive contemporary twist.

More creative dishes may include black squid stew with chickpeas or ravioli served with figs.