As an experienced travel journalist and digital nomad who always keeps Croatia close to my heart, my goal is to give you all the essential navigation information for Zadar, to make sure you get the most out of your stay here.
I’m creating this article with the traveler’s needs in mind, focusing on providing practical advice and insights alongside the various maps of Zadar shared here.
(Note: If you enjoy maps just as much as I do, make sure to check out, after you’re done with this article, the Map of Croatia, the tram and bus maps of Zagreb, or the maps for the best rafting spots in Croatia).
The General Map of Zadar
Drawing from my visits to Zadar over the years, I’ve come to know its streets, landmarks, and local secrets like the back of my hand.
Therefore, I know that when planning a trip to Zadar, having a detailed map is crucial for orientation.
It highlights key areas such as Zadar’s Old Town, Cape Borik, the main hotel district (check out my Zadar accommodation guide here), the Old City Port, and Gazenica – the new ferry port of Zadar.
While I still enjoy using a paper map every now and then, I have to give technology what it deserves – and I always turn to Google Maps for help. Make sure to download it in advance, so you can access it online and you will have no worries.
Check out the map of Zadar below and above, focusing on the Old Town and helping you navigate its streets. These is where you will find the main attractions in the city and much more.
The map offers a clear view of the Old Town on the peninsula, a 400 by 1000 meter area bordered by the Adriatic islands and the Old Town port.
The Old Town features a maze of narrow, cobbled streets, squares, and courtyards, traffic-free and partly enclosed by remnants of city walls.
Kalelarga, also known as Siroka Ulica (Wide Street), is the main thoroughfare and commercial hub of the Old Town, stretching from People’s Square (Narodni trg) to the Roman Forum. A pedestrian bridge connects the peninsula to the mainland at Obala Kneza Branimira.
The Riva, Zadar’s scenic promenade along the Old Town peninsula, offers breathtaking views of the sea and islands, complemented by the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun art installations – two of the main attractions the city has to offer, and attractions I can never have enough of. I am sure you will feel the same.
Map of Zadar County
Zooming out a bit, we can check out the entire Zadar County.
Zadar County lies in Northern Dalmatia and includes 17 islands, with Dugi Otok (Long Island) and the majority of Pag and Ugljan islands being notable mentions. Interestingly, Pag Island is split between Zadar County and Lika-Senj County.
The county also encompasses parts of the Paklenica and Kornati National Parks.
Covering 7,486.91 km², the county is home to approximately 170,000 people, with Zadar, Benkovac, Biograd na Moru, Nin, Obrovac, and Pag as its largest towns.
Map of Zadar Ferry Connections
Zadar’s harbor serves as the main ferry gateway to the islands in the Zadar archipelago. Notably, in 2015, the ferry port was relocated from the city center on the peninsula to Gazenica.
This move shifted all ferry services, excluding passenger ships and high-speed catamarans, to the new location.
The Zadar ferries network map is a valuable resource for understanding the complex connections between the myriad of small and large islands from Zadar – but make sure to double-check for ferry options and connections, as these tend to change from season to season.
I recommend checking out the Ferry connections of Ferry Croatia or go straight to the national ferry company, Jadrolinija for their offer.
Wrapping up
This article offers not just various maps of Zadar that you will find useful during your stay and my personal insights and discoveries. This way, you also get the essence of Zadar, from somebody who is not just a visitor, but who has walked its paths and sailed its seas.
But if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to ask them down below and I will replay and help ASAP. If not, make sure to check out my previous article detailing how to visit Zadar on a budget.