Zadar is a town of rich spiritual and material culture, as well as tourist tradition an identity created now days. It has many antic, medieval and renaissance monuments. Zadar is a town of scientific tradition and Croatian history. It is build around roman forum, with walls well preserved and many ancient Croatian sacral monuments. It has many archives, libraries, museums and long musical and literature tradition.
Zadar and the surrounding area are situated at the center of the Croatian Adriatic coast, where it is most indented. All around, within a short distance, several national parks are located: Plitvice, Paklenica, Krka and Kornati and the Parks of Velebit and Telascica. There are also more then 300 big and small islands.
Natural beauties, numerous bays and beaches, ancient historic monuments, and a rich choice of food with a number of regional specialities is what makes Zadar and its surrounding one of most attractive regions in Croatia. Zadar builds its tourist appeal on the combination of different types of accommodation and catering offer, as well as its beautiful beaches and promenades, interesting cultural and entertaining events and particulary on its valuable historic monuments.
The historic part of Zadar is simply enchanting for all admirers and lovers of historic monuments and cultural heritage St. Donat's church, the symbol of the town, is certainly worth seeing and so are the museums such as the Archeological Museum founded in 1830., the National Museum with the Art Gallery and Science Museum, the Maritime Museum exhibiting the maritime history of Northern Dalmatia and permanent exhibition of church art, known as "Silver and Gold of Zadar".
In numerous Zadar's taverns and restaurants visitors should sample the original specialities and drinks, amongst which the famous Maraschino liqueur stands out. This unique drink was a favourite at European courts as early as the ninetheen century and it has been produced in Zadar since 1821.
Zadar has excellent facilities for recreation and sports activities. Cultural life is also rich and varied. Music Evenings in St. Donat's church, the Festival of the New Teathre and Zadar Theatrical Summer as well as various exhibitions traditionally take place in town.