7 Exciting Things To Do in Zadar Hinterland

Let the scenery take your breath away. Let being active make you feel great. Let the places you explore in Zadar hinterland show you another side of the region and enrich your overall experience in northern Dalmatia. So, pick your favourite from the following options and feel the excitement of active discovery!

1. Cycling in all directions

Up & down, or just along. On & off road. With round 3000 km of cycling trails, Zadar region is fabulous to discover by bike. Go on a trip of exploration and cycle in the mountains (Velebit, Paklenica), by Zrmanja river, round Vrana Lake Nature Park, cycle near Posedarje to enjoy the view of the mountain and Novigrad Sea, to visit the old Maslenica Bridge and the town of Novigrad. Just check the length and elevations, so that the whole family has a lovely cycling trip.

2. Rafting or kayaking/canoeing

Whooshing cascades, rumbling water. And then a complete silence of nature. Zrmanja river and its tributary Krupa are fabulous places to discover. Depending on the time of year, feel the adrenaline in spring and autumn with rafting, or take it easy in the summer and make frequent stops with your kayak/canoe to rest and take in the breathtaking nature around you. If you have enough time, don’t miss the 14th century Krupa monastery.

3. Go wine tasting in Ravni kotari

And drink to that! A fruit of just the right type of soil, the sun and hard work, wine from Ravni kotari area gives you an exquisite taste of Dalmatia. Enjoy wonderful scenery with vineyards as far as the eye can see and visit wine cellars in Nadin, Benkovac, Smilčić and others.

4. Discovering rural way of life

Close your eyes and taste Dalmatia by trying a typical specialty of the region. Look around and see traditional architecture, tools and other elements of life as it once was. A visit to an ethno house in the hinterland, such as in Marasovići village near Paklenica NP, shows you a different way of life than it is just a few kilometres away on the coast.

5. Exploring a cave

Echo-cho-o your awe … in Manita peć cave in Paklenica NP! With just an hour-and-a-half long hike to the cave, even families with kids can decide to visit this fantastic place in the mountains. Impressive cave formations, interesting animals and real refreshment is what you can look forward to.

6. Birdwatching (or view chasing)

Feel as free as a bird … as you watch it fly in the sky and then land at Nin’s Saltworks, home to many bird species, including flamingos for the second year in a row. Birdwatchers will also be delighted with species living in untouched nature in Vrana Lake Nature Park. In addition, this is a great spot for cyclists and everyone who wants to enjoy nature and admire amazing views from the Kamenjak lookout.

7. Shopping … in Benkovac

Need a cow? Or a pot? Maybe some handiworks? Want to taste authentic food and drinks? Then don’t go to a shopping centre, but rather to a Benkovac fair, which has a 100 years of tradition and takes place on the 10th every month in Benkovac, a charming town in Zadar hinterland.

More than sea, sand & sun

Zadar region is a great place for the three S’s. But for a more memorable and fulfilling holiday it offers much more than just that - so take your pick and get closer to the more complete story of Zadar region.