Zadar, Croatia

So, there I was. Sitting and researching where to go which would be good for both my heart and my pocket. I was super excited when I found the perfect formula of Ryanair Flights to reach Croatia. Now of course the trip was tiring, especially because my health has not been so great these days. I am so happy that I went, though. It was a life altering experience and I met some of the best people ever.  My host was an awesome dude and I would say that we connected on a spiritual level. Plus, with the recent introduction of Croatia in the Schengen Union, they now use the Euro. Many locals are not happy about this as it means increased prices for nearly the same wages. However, I was told by a person that I met at the airport that all Croatian people at one point were under a communist reign and hence all of them at one point had houses. Those people by ancestral rights, still do have houses. So, Croatia has one of the highest home ownership percentages in the world. It stood at 90.5% people owning homes as of 2021. That is pretty cool. 

Zadar has 2 parts. One of them in the old town which is a tourist attraction and the other one is the city with more modern infrastructure and such. The old town is honestly, such a vibe. It is so beautiful and so peaceful. 

My host and his dog

The best parts of my trips are always the connections I make along the way rather than the places. Here, the place was especially awesome but what was better was my host and his dog. My host was an absolute sweetheart, a true gem. We hit it off instantly and he had such homely vibes. Whatever praise I can give of him will NOT be enough. He made me feel so much at home that he even allowed me to sleep in his room and he slept outside. The dog was such an innocent boy, so calm and when I was babysitting him, I had a friend for the day. I am just going to take this time to say my thanks to my host and his dog for making my trip a success. 

The Adriatic Sea

Oh my god! Seems as though every romantic fairy tale is right and that the Adriatic sea is an absolute banger. It is so blue, I have never seen something so blue! The Adriatic sea has a very interesting history in Croatia. What's more? You only have access to this sea in 4 countries. I feel so lucky to have been able to travel to it! It is not too cold like the Atlantic and not too hot either. It is just right. I could write a love letter directed solely to the Adriatic. 

The City Bridge

Along with a few other glittering beauties, this bridge makes for a wonderful entrance and entrancement in the old town of Zadar, especially at night! I remember passing by here with a couchsurfer who was guiding me through the town and showing me the important parts. It definitely made me stop and take a photo!

Narodni trg city square

This is the old square present within the old town and it is full of architecture and life! This makes you feel as though you are lost in an old romantic movie in the Victorian Era. It it really special. They also have cute little places where you can eat.

The Old Town Lanes

The old town is such an incredible beauty and it has wonderful narrow lanes just like venice that make it all the more charming. We can totally get lost in these lanes and always stumble upon something new and different!

Church of Saint Donatus

Located right next to the adriatic sea, this beautiful cylindrical structure is definitely something to see! It is one of the only buildings that survived the Mongol invasion of the 13th century. It has not been used as a church for about 200 years but its used as an exhibition sight or a concert hall!

St Mary's Church

This is such an old church! It was founded in 1066 and almost destroyed during world war 2 when this town was still a part of Italy! It was then rebuilt after the war. It is super cool to be in this area and such totally soak in the history and the culture of the place.

Ruins of the Roman forum

Its really cool to think that this town used to be an important part of the roman empire and that is evidenced by the ruins that mark typical roman architecture. The forum in zadar is the largest in croatia and if you are a huge fan of the Roman empire, this is definitely worth checking out!

Cathedral of St. Anastasia

This is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Zadar and the largest church in the costal region of the town. It is so wonderful to look at. 

St Krsevan Church

Yet another Roman Catholic church in the city! It dates back to the 17th century. The architecture is of Romanesque style and really cool to look at!

St peters and St Andrews church

Today, this church doubles as an art gallery! It is the cutest little church that dates back to 12th century. These are 2 small interconnected churches. 

The Views of the Boats at the Sea Gate

These are absolutely marvellous! I have not seen similarly incredible views anywhere else except maybe Marseille. The sea gate is once again old timey architecture and just breathtaking!

Just wonderful. You stop of bridges and you see... this!

Five Wells Sqaure

In 1574, this square was built and holds the 5 wells that used to be the point of water supply for the town of Zadar!

Imperial fountain

This monument has one of the best locations that I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. It is really cool to visit and be in! It is right next to the sea and there is even a pathway leading directly to the sea! It used to be a point of water supply to ships and the local population. 

Local Chickpea delicacy

My host and I went to try this rich and beautiful dish that had chickpeas and scallops. Yum!

Bonus: A double rainbow

My host and I saw this double rainbow while watching the sunset and it was just gorgeous. 

That was my beautiful and amazing visit of Zadar. It taught me so many lessons and helped in expanding me a lot. I am super grateful to have had this experience.

Aditi's Recommendations

• Spend a lot of time beach hopping and get one of the pebble protector shoes to completely enjoy swimming at the beach without fearing cuts and bruises!
• Walk! Zadar is entirely walkable or cycle-able!
• Try the local fish delicacies.
•  I could not visit the other towns but the people there said they are worth visiting! (Split, Zagreb etc.)

Thank you for reading so far! Until next time!