Zadar (Croatia)

Zadar is an Adriatic Sea cruise port in Croatia. By population (around 75,000) the city is ranked the country's 5th largest. Other major Croatian passenger (cruise and ferry) ports are Dubrovnik, Split, Rijeka, Sibenik.

Zadar (Iader, as Romans called it) lies sheltered by offshore isles on Croatia's central coast, 75 miles to the north of Split. Zadar was established as Roman municipality and emperor's colony. It was among the major towns of the Roman Dalmatia province. At the end of 4th century and beginning of 5th, a large episcopal complex with basilica and anexes was built on the spot of the Roman Forum. The sacristy close to the cathedral features a beautiful mosaic. The baptistery is unique hexagonal creation. The basilica itself is very impressive with its green and white columns, ancient paintings and beautiful mosaics. Saint Stephen's basilica with a series of biforas on its  southern wall has preserved a 5th-century structure. The impressive rotunda of Saint Donat dominates the city and features monolithic columns. Zadar was among the main towns of Byzantine territory of Dalmatia in the early Middle Ages.

In 2018, Gazenica cruise port (Zadar) handled around 137,000 passengers. Ferries connect Zadar with Ancona (Italy), via 7 crossings weekly (travel time 6 hours). Italy-Croatia routes are operated by the company Jadrolinija, with departures from Ancona (to Zadar and Split) and from Bari (to Dubrovnik).

Since April 2019, a new daily cruiseferry service links the Dalmatian seaside resorts and port cities Split and Zadar via Sibenik. The new route provides Croatians and international tourists (arriving by planes in Zadar and Split) the more picturesque sea-travel alternative. The fast-ferry service is provided by the company ENVIRA Sibenik. The ferryboat leaves Split at 9 am, departs from Sibenik at 10:35 am and arrives in Zadar at 0:40 pm. The return crossing leaves Zadar at 5:30 pm, Sibenik at 7:35 pm and arrives in Split at 9:10 pm.

Zadar cruise terminal