Zadar Ferries

The port of Zadar plays a key role in the ferry network of Croatia, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 4 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Zadar serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Zadar, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Silba - Zadar, Susak - Zadar, Pula - Zadar connecting Zadar with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Krilo Kapetan Luka run regular services from Zadar, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Zadar offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Zadar is easily accessible via multiple transportation options. The city connects to Croatia's highway network, making it a 3-hour drive from Zagreb and 1.5 hours from Split. Train services link Zadar to major Croatian cities, while Zadar International Airport welcomes flights from across Europe, just 20 minutes from the ferry port. Local buses regularly shuttle between the main bus station and the ferry terminal. If arriving by car, several parking facilities are available near the port area, though summer months require arriving early to secure a spot.

Nestled on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, Zadar blends ancient Roman ruins with innovative modern attractions in a captivating seaside setting. This 3,000-year-old city serves as an important ferry gateway to the stunning islands of the Adriatic. Visitors arriving by sea are greeted by Zadar's distinctive skyline of church towers and its famous waterfront promenade where nature and art create unforgettable experiences.

Zadar enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The prime visiting period runs from May to October when temperatures range from 22-30°C (72-86°F) and ferry services operate at peak frequency. July and August bring the warmest weather and largest crowds, while May, June, September and early October offer pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists. The Zadar Summer Festival (July-August) features outdoor performances throughout the historic center. Spring and autumn visits provide more affordable accommodation rates while still offering comfortable conditions for exploring.

Zadar serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Croatia's stunning islands. Regular ferries connect to Ugljan (just 25 minutes away), offering peaceful villages and olive groves. The nature-lover's paradise of Dugi Otok can be reached in about 1.5 hours, home to Telašćica Nature Park and the dramatic Sakarun beach. The Kornati archipelago, a stunning national park comprising 89 mostly uninhabited islands, makes for an unforgettable day trip. Pag Island, famous for its moonlike landscape, cheese production, and summer festivals, is accessible via a scenic 2-hour ferry journey.

Zadar's waterfront boasts two remarkable attractions: the Sea Organ, where ocean waves create haunting melodies through underwater pipes, and the Sun Salutation, a solar-powered light display that comes alive at sunset. The Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church showcase the city's ancient heritage, while the Museum of Ancient Glass houses delicate artifacts from antiquity. For culinary adventures, sample fresh seafood at the fish market or try local Maraschino liqueur, originally produced by Zadar's Dominican monks. The charming streets of the Varoš neighborhood offer authentic restaurants serving Dalmatian specialties like peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables under a bell-shaped lid).

Alfred Hitchcock once declared that Zadar offers the world's most beautiful sunset, even surpassing those in Key West, Florida. The city's Sea Organ won the prestigious European Prize for Urban Public Space in 2006, recognizing its innovative fusion of art and nature. Zadar claims the title of Croatia's oldest continuously inhabited city, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 9th century BC. The famous Croatian tie (cravat) has connections to Zadar, as Croatian mercenaries from the region introduced neckwear to French fashion during the Thirty Years' War.