Forget the packed, noisy streets of Split: if you are searching for a Croatian coastal city that will fill up your senses with more tranquility, Zadar is the place for you! My favorite (non-visual) zen-sory experiences are listed below!
👂 SOUND: the Sea Organ
Wait, what? Can the Adriatic produce music?! Sure thing! The ‘Sea Organ’ is hands down my favorite acoustic experience in Croatia. Carved into the steps at the end of the main seaside promenade, this architectural sound object will make you want to sit along the sea for hours. It consists of 35 organ pipes, varying in size and length, that collectively catch the sound of the waves entering and escaping the hollowed out holes. The result is a unique soundtrack that is literally synched with the continuously changing rhythm of the sea. 🎶
Bonus tip: to amp up this natural concert, get some delicious ice cream and find yourself a spot an hour or so before the sunset. Oh, sea serenity…
🌊 TOUCH: riding the waves around the islands
Love the feeling of being in open water, dancing on the waves with the wind in your hair? Then Zadar will be an absolute treat. Its archipelago features 300 (!) islands, among which the 140 uninhabited Kornati islands (national park) and the elongated Dugi Otok (with the high, white cliffs of theTelašćica nature park). Book yourself a kayak, island hopping, snorkeling or any other water tour & let your internal water molecules vibrate with the flow of the waves.
Personally, I did two tours 🚢: one with a larger boat to the Kornati (see practical tips) and one with a smaller (speed)boat (10 people max) to the ‘sunken ship wreck’ and Sakarun beach. The latter especially was an incredible experience. I had never swum in such open waters before and even a blurred glimpse of that huge wreck below my tiny body made me feel like a real-life Ariel. To my delight, the wind was quite strong that day which made the boat ride feel like I was on a rollercoaster!
Be certain to embark on a speed boat tour in case you also enjoy these kinds of thrills! 🙂
👃 SMELL: freshly grilled corn on the cob
Whilst strolling along the seaside promenade, your nose will definitely pick up on this less expected, strong food smell: freshly grilled corn on the cob, sold at numerous street carts in the historic Zadar city center.
Although originally a Central-Mexican snack, grilled corn has become widespread in many countries and the people of Zadar sure seem to love theirs. The corn is sweet yet crunchy, with a smoky char from the grill.
Oh… and this big lump of knobs has the juice….! (any fans of the TikTok song?) 🌽
For more classic Mediterranean aromas, head over to the city park (Perivoj Jarula) that’s next to the main entrance to the old town (The Land Gate – built in 1543). It’s full of pine and other Mediterranean vegetation such as lavender and rosemary ready to caress your nostrils.
👅 TASTE: herbal juices & ice cream flavors
Did you know that Croatia is home to lavender fields just as pretty purply as in France? Croatian souvenir shops & markets are full of lavender-scented items. To visit the fields, take a ferry to Hvar island! To ‘taste’ them, have a lavender-infused drink at the city square of Zadar!
The Sok Juice Bar may be small in size; the flavors of its juices are nothing but grand! They are made without added sugars from a variety of fresh fruit, Mediterranean herb, milk types and come served in compostable packaging made from plants. Me likey! 🥤
Bonus tipt: pair your juice with a delicious ice cream! Croatia is of course very close to Italy and the influences are noticeable… Aside from good pizza the town offers an almost overwhelming amount of ice cream shops & flavors… try Bob Rock’s Ice cream shop or Slastičarnia Donat.
🌞 EXTRA! LIGHT PERCEPTION: the Greeting to the Sun
Not far from the Sea Organ at the Southern end of the waterfront, lies the equally impressive ‘Greeting to the Sun’. This remarkable circular monument, made up of 300 photo-sensitive glass plates, can be enjoyed by anyone with functional light perception. Its true magic comes after sunset, when the solar powered elements light up in an array of different colors and dance on the rhythm of the Sea Organ. A magical interplay of light and sound!
Bonus tip: Be sure to get there on time, because despite its 22 meters in diameter, it fills up before you know it. Plus: its lights are not too bright! Yay! 🌄
Practical Tips ✍️
→ Try to travel during the pre-peak season in the months of May or June. The weather is usually already nice and warm and the local people will be friendlier (not yet worn-out).
→ If you do wish to travel to Split, I would recommend taking a day-trip from another, smaller coastal town. Split becomes so crowded in the summer months that its small streets become difficult to navigate, especially with a cane. The smaller towns like Zadar provide similar activities & experiences.
→ In my opinion, you don’t necessarily need to stay within the (more expensive) Old Town. There is a lovely neighborhood right across the main bridge that connects the historic center to newer city areas.
→ Don’t go on the yellow “submarines” unless you have kids. It’s not worth the coin.
→ I did a day trip to the Kornati islands (worth it!) with one of the larger boat companies. You can easily secure a ticket at one of their stands along the main promenade. Don’t expect much from the lunch they serve during this day; this tour should be booked for its more affordable price. If you have the budget, I definitely recommend booking a Kornati tour with a smaller company as it will be a more intimate and customized experience (including more rest time at beaches, rock jumping, better food, less fellow passengers).
Accessibility 🐕🦺
→ The historic center of Zadar has narrow alleyways, but on average they are broader than those in Split.
→ The main seaside promenade is broad and straight and though unfenced, nice to walk on with a cane. There are several small stairs built into the promenade which allow you to enter the water.
→ Zadar has a port, so you could look into booking an accessible cruise which stops at the city.
