I’ve made the executive decision to continue my Croatia posts in order of location and make my way down the coast. We started in Zagreb and our journey ends in Dubrovnik. I may have ventured back and forth, up and down, wildly throughout the country, but it doesn’t mean you have to. Take out a world map, atlas, or an iPhone, and follow along.
Let’s keep it simple, shall we?
Zadar was a surprising little town on the coast of Croatia.
I say surprising in the context of, for me it was a surprise. It was no surprise, however, to the rest of the world.
Zadar has been elected the Best European Destination for 2016! I know. What?! Why didn’t I know this?
What I thought to be a hidden treasure in Europe, has already been very much discovered by fellow travelers. And rightfully so. Sure, like many other port towns in Croatia, the amount of things ‘to-do’ in the actual town of Zadar are limited to exploring the ‘Old Town’ and swimming in the beautifully clear Croatian waters. But there is so much intrigue to this town.
The two selling points for me include the Sea Organ and the really pretty light/circle/solar powered thing on the ground. I should google the technical name, but you can find it just as easily typing the prior mess of words. The Sea Organ produces a unique{?} sound, created by waves crashing into a set a stairs leading into the ocean. You can sit on these steps and listen as the sea sings it’s song. Sounding something like an out of tune violin. The concept is pretty stellar though. And something only found in Zadar.
Then there is the light thing on the ground. Powered from the sun shining on it all day, this huge circle comes to life with light once the sun sets. You can stand on it, dance on it. and run through people on it. That’s how big it is. I wish I could upload some amazing shots of this thing, but Eric and I missed it after enjoying our sunset on the pier a little too much. With a bottle of wine that was a little too big. By the time we finished drinking and chatting, we arrived too late for the lights to still be powered. Apparently there is only a small window of time to marvel at this light circle, so make sure you don’t miss it!
Another plus to the ‘Best European Destination of 2016’ includes the bell tower. If ever in Zadar, make your way to the top for stunning, panoramic views of the town!
And, and, and! For all of those health nuts out there {you know who you are} Zadar offers an entire raw food restaurant. With spectacular views! And, and, and! It turns into a bar/outdoor nightclub during the evenings! I mean…
Zadar was perfect. And a great place to not only pass through, but spend some time in. Eric considered it one of his top destinations in Croatia {like the rest of the world apparently}.
I plan to make my way back to Zadar at some point, maybe with my family eventually. Unlike Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar {which offer great nightlife, a younger crowd, and more tourists} Zadar provided a more laid back vibe that welcomed all walks of life.
I feel like these posts may become repetitive. You will see that many port towns and islands in Croatia look very similar and offer many of the same things. Of course they all have differences, and I hold special meanings to each one, but prepare for many bell towers, red roofs, and crystal clear water. Could be worse I suppose.
Next up, Split!