Spring is the best period to be by the sea, you can spend all day in the fresh air. The sun is not so strong now but it’s still warm. Here are our tips for how to spend a weekend or a week enjoying Zadar.

Explore Kampo Kaštel

Discover Zadar Neighbourhoods

Located just north of Kolovare, Arbanasi is a historic district where Neolithic settlements, parts of a Roman aqueduct from Vransko Lake, and a Roman necropolis within the tobacco factory grounds can still be found.
Once an independent settlement, it gained importance in the 18th century when Albanian migrants settled there after fleeing the Ottoman Turks. Today, Arbanasi retains a gentle, village-like atmosphere, a peaceful contrast to the bustling city centre. A stroll here offers a glimpse of everyday life away from the tourist crowd.
In 2026, Zadar celebrates 300 years of the Arbanasi community (1726–2026). Throughout the year, exhibitions, concerts, and heritage events honour the legacy of this unique neighbourhood. Visitors are encouraged to explore the programme and experience a living piece of Zadar’s history.

Restaurants 

Visit Zadar’s markets

Culture Pass

As Zadar welcomes the month leading up to the Easter holidays, the city takes on a refined and contemplative rhythm. March is an ideal time to enjoy its rich classical music scene in stunning historic venues.

Must-see concerts in March:
5 March, 20:00 at University Grand Hall: Dialog 88, Vol. 1 – Piano recital by Paolo Marzocchi. 
Oratorium: Stabant Matres – Choral-orchestral performance by Ensemble ASMANGU and Zagreb Academy vocalists.
6 March, 20:00 at St Nicholas’ Church
Passion Heritage Evening – Mixed-choir concert celebrating sacred and cultural heritage.
12 March at St Simon’s Church
Youth in Palaces – Chamber music by Trio Aurea (violin, cello, piano).
17 March, 20:00 at Bersa Concert Hall
Zadar Chamber Orchestra – Orchestral programme with talented young soloists.
23 March, 20:00 at University Grand Hall

To complement your cultural journey, visit: Archaeological Museum in Zadar, Museum of Ancient Glass,International Centre for Underwater Archaeology.  All three feature permanent exhibitions that deepen your understanding of the city’s rich heritage.

Run

Spring offers cooler temperatures and clear air, perfect for combining exercise with scenic exploration.
Škraping International Trekking Race: 7 March, Island of Pašman. A demanding trek across rugged terrain and limestone cliffs, ideal for adventurous runners.
Dugi otok Trail: 14 March, Telašćica Nature Park. Scenic trails featuring cliffs, saltwater lakes, and pristine island nature, offering breathtaking views of the Zadar archipelago.

Get on your bike!

This lake, just south of Biograd, provided the water supply for Zadar since Roman times, and is a pristine Nature Park Vransko jezero, with a rich stock of birds and aquatic life. As such, it's a mecca for fishing and birdwatching. The later is only allowed outside borders of the Ornithological reserve which takes up the northern part of the lake. The park is encircled by more than 50 km of bike trails and thus popular among the bicyclists. Biking routes get hilly on the eastern coast of the lake.

 Nature Park Vransko jezero Archives
 

Discover Archaeology

At Asseria, near Podgrađe, 6km east of Benkovac are the remains of an urban settlement almost a kilometre long. Asseria was founded long before the Romans set foot on these lands. It was a powerful centre of the Liburnian tribe, whose territories stretched for miles along the eastern Adriatic coast. When the Romans later occupied these lands, Asseria grew to become a municipality with a governing council. The golden era of Asseria came to an end when Avar (and sometimes Slav) tribes swept across the plains of Europe, and the Roman Empire crumbled. The last mention of the settlement is from the 11th century. You can also see remains from the days when this whole area boasted influence and might at Nadin (Nedinum) and Karin (Corinium). Karin lies on the mouth of the river Karišnica, where it widens into the lagoon named the “Karin Sea”, with clear water for swimming and curative mud in some places. Here stands a fine example of medieval religious architecture, a 15th century Franciscan monastery, built on the site of a Benedictine monastery. There is a medieval fort at Perušić and a beautiful 15th century fort at Kličevica. 

Climb

The Paklenica National Park lies just north of Zadar within the Velebit mountain range. Two streams, the Velika and Mala Paklenica, carve their way through the soft limestone leaving gorges with cliffs up to 400m high, and fascinating rock formations characteristic of karst territory. The scenery is incredible: the interior is unexpectedly lush due to large quantities of pure spring water, allowing dense forests and lush meadows to flourish. Local residents include sparrowhawks, chamois, wild boar, brown bears, wolves and lynx. The park is a favourite destination for hikers and climbers. Over 150 km of hiking trails include the walk from the park entrance through the Velika Paklenica Canyon to the Paklenica Mountain Hut (about 2 hours), though there are many more demanding routes. The park administration publishes excellent maps.

 Zadar County Tourist Board Archives

And finally, sundown