A hidden coastal gem located in a popular European country has been named the “best” to visit this summer. Zadar, located on the northern Dalmatian coast of Croatia, is a perfect mix of Roman-era foundations and cutting-edge art installations. Named the best place to visit by Outlook Traveller, the city experiences warm weather during summer. 

The 3,000-year-old ancient city is known for its extraordinary musical waterfront and Adriatic sunsets, which once captivated Alfred Hitchcock. One of the most popular tourist spots in Croatia is the Sea Organ, an experimental music instrument. The architectural sound object plays music through sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps.

Travellers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stato de Terra, which comprises six bastion forts built by the Republic of Venice on its mainland domains and its Domains of the Sea. The Church of St. Donatus is another must-visit site in this lesser-known European city.

Additionally, there are many other things to explore, such as museums, national parks, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, and the city market. June to August is the peak tourist season with the warmest weather, averaging around 25 degrees Celsius. The sea is ideal for swimming, reaching an average of 23 degrees Celsius.

Zadar's central square resembles an open-air museum, featuring historic landmarks such as the 11th-century Church of St. Lawrence and the 16th-century Clock Tower.

On the southern side of the square, the City Loggia, originally a courthouse and council chamber, now hosts exhibitions showcasing works by international photographers and modern Croatian artists.

A traveller wrote on TripAdvisor Forum: “After seeing Ryanair flights to Zadar, I looked at TripAdvisor to find out more about the area. Zadar city is an ancient walled city packed full of history and religious art, with Roman churches everywhere. We booked an apartment in Bori,k 10 min from the city center, but on the bus route. Apartment Miodrag, the owner, will pick you up at the airport, but I suggest you hire a car as there are lots of small towns up and down the coast that are beautiful.

“The Sea Organ and the Solar Lights on the sea front are a big attraction the kids loved them also it being a port, ferries came and went all day to the islands and Italy.

“Lots of small cafes/bars everywhere, no English/Irish rip-off bars, eating places are mostly pizza, pasta, and grills,fish dishes were the most expensive but cheaper than Spain/Italy. Driving in Zadar/Borik is a one-way system, outwards to Diklo and inwards to Zadar. A great place and not too expensive, we will be back.

A second traveller commented: “Zadar is a small town settled in Dalmatia, Croatia, on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea.

“It has lovely beaches, very good nightlife for summer festivals, a lot of sea and water sports available. It is also surrounded by a circle of five national parks, covering 200 km. 

“It also has ancient history, which is 3000 years old, and lot of monumental buildings, churches, and temples. Restaurants are a common thing, mostly Dalmatian and Italian cooking.

"Accommodation is possible in family houses or hotels. Houses are the better option because of their peaceful and hospitable owners, especially in the Borik area.”