Last year, like many other Australians, I looked to escape our winter by planning a five-week trip to Europe during their summer.
For months, I obsessed over researching destinations, reading articles online, and perusing TikTok for the perfect places to visit. Of course, there were some spots I knew I had to see: the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Alps in Switzerland.
However, no place surprised me more than Zadar.
A Croatian city located on the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar provided me with both adventure and a much-needed dose of relaxation. I found myself wishing I'd spent more time there.
Most might prefer to head to better-known cities like Dubrovnik or Split, but after exploring Zadar, I would recommend everyone add it to their itinerary.
I instantly noticed how friendly the locals were
As a tourist, I'm usually desperate not to draw too much attention to myself. If I need directions or recommendations, I default to looking them up on Google Maps or even social media before asking someone.
In Zadar, though, I was surprised to find that locals were ready to offer up advice without me even asking.
At the end of one tour, an operator offered to help any of us with food or activity recommendations, specifically mentioning that she was a local and was happy to suggest some of her favorite restaurants.
Then, when my partner and I were walking along the water, someone noticed us trying to snap a selfie and offered to take one for us, even pointing out the best angles for a photo.
Sure, these are small moments, but when you're away from home, they can add a bit of warmth to your trip.
If you love the water, it's the perfect European stop
When I was planning my itinerary, I wanted to go somewhere warm with a body of water ready for me to dive into. Zadar absolutely delivered.
If you're craving adventure, you can take a boat tour to neighboring islands. Some tours will stop at a beach's coast for water lovers to jump in, cool off, or go snorkeling.
I went on a boat tour to a small nearby village called Kali off the coast of Zadar for fresh fish and other local cuisine. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
If you want an activity that's a bit closer, Kolovare Beach is about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town and is a calm getaway with public restrooms and water fountains.
I visited the beach just after the peak summer season, which meant thinner crowds and, crucially, unrestricted access to an ocean diving board.
It was the first European city where I felt like I could slow down
In European cities like Rome, London, and even Dubrovnik, I've noticed a sense of go, go, go. I felt pressure to book our activities and reservations weeks, if not months, in advance.
However, in Zadar, I could — and would — wake up with no plan for the day, which was extremely refreshing. Some mornings, I'd wake up, eat some breakfast, and go for a walk along the Old Town, either checking out the Roman ruins or going to the farmers market.
One day, I walked to a park in the Old Town, then took a boat ride from Port Saint Chrysogonus across the waters surrounding Zadar. From there, I watched the sunset while listening to the city's famous Sea Organ, a waterfront architectural instrument that transforms the Adriatic's waves into natural music through a series of pipes.
If you want to see some sights while winding down, Zadar is the perfect destination. Every corner and lane offers something new, from historic ruins and beautiful architecture to fresh seafood and water activities.
Best of all, it's easy to do it all at your own pace.
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Emma Ruben is a freelance writer based in Australia. When she is not on holiday, she is obsessing over pop culture, reality TV, and her labradoodle.
