Where to Stay in Zadar 2026: Old Town, Borik, Kolovare & Diklo

· 3 min read City Guide
Zadar, Croatia

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    Week-long international folklore and dance competition at Zaton Resort near Zadar, with ensemble performances, a gala awards ceremony, and guided tours of the Zadar region.

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Zadar’s accommodation spreads across the Old Town peninsula, the seafront promenade areas (Kolovare, Diklo), and the green Borik peninsula for families. Prices are more affordable than Split and significantly cheaper than Dubrovnik. All prices in euros (€).

Old Town — best for first-timers and walkability

Staying inside or immediately beside the walled peninsula puts you steps from the Sea Organ, Roman Forum, and all Old Town sights. The most convenient base for a short city-focused stay.

Best for: First-time visitors; couples; those without a car.

  • Price range (double, peak season): €80–200

Top options:

  • Hotel Bastion — luxury inside the Venetian-era walls; pool and spa

    • Price: €110–250
  • Art Hotel Kalelarga — stylish apartments on the main Kalelarga promenade with sea-front views

    • Price: €80–190
  • Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel — boutique hotel near the Riva and Sea Organ; designer decor

    • Price: €90–220
  • Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel — chic boutique in a 19th-century building with garden café

    • Price: €90–200
  • Hotel A’mare Zadar — elegant mid-range just outside the Old Town tip

    • Price: €70–170

Borik — best for families and resort stays

A green, pine-tree-lined peninsula northeast of the Old Town, with family resort hotels, sports facilities, and a beach. Still walkable from the Old Town.

Best for: Families, longer stays, those wanting resort amenities.

  • Price range: €70–280

Top options:

  • Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera — large contemporary spa resort with pools, wellness, and beach access

    • Price: €100–280
  • Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik — family resort compound with pools, kids’ areas, and entertainment

    • Price: €110–210+

Kolovare — best for beach and promenade

Hugs the seafront and city beach, with hotels within 20–30 minutes’ walk of the Old Town.

Best for: Beach-focused visits; families wanting beach plus city access.

  • Price range: €70–170

Top options:

  • Hotel Kolovare — 4-star hotel close to beach and promenade

    • Price: €70–170
  • Apartments near Kolovare Beach — self-catering with sea views

    • Price: €50–130

Diklo — best for quieter beachside stays

A quieter area along the southern seafront, with a more residential character and good beach access.

Best for: Couples and small groups wanting a quieter vibe with daily swimming.

Top options:

  • Hotel Delfin — 3-star sea-front hotel with family rooms and sea views

    • Price: €60–150
  • Hotel Niko — relaxed hotel near the beach and seafront

    • Price: €70–170

New Town / city centre — best for budget

The modern area outside the Old Town, with chain-style and 3-star hotels near tram and bus stops. More practical than romantic, but significantly cheaper.

Best for: Budget travellers, longer stays, digital nomads.

  • Price range: €40–130

Top options:

  • Hotel Sky — 3-star with city views and breakfast

    • Price: €50–130
  • Windward Hostel — central hostel with dorms and private rooms

    • Price: €25–80

Area comparison

AreaStylePeak priceBest for
Old TownBoutiques, promenade€80–220Walkability, first stays
BorikFamily resorts€70–280Families, pools
KolovareBeach hotels€70–170Beach access
DikloQuiet coastal€60–170Relaxed stays
New TownBudget, practical€40–130Budget, longer stays

Practical notes

  • Book July–August early — Old Town boutiques and Borik resorts fill ahead of peak season
  • Self-catering: Apartments in the Old Town or Kolovare work well with the Pijaca green market nearby
  • Cars: Not needed in the Old Town; useful for Borik and Diklo day trips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Zadar?
Old Town for walkability and atmosphere; Borik for families and resort facilities; Diklo for quieter beach stays.
How expensive is Zadar compared to Dubrovnik?
Significantly less — typically 40–60% cheaper for comparable quality.
Do I need a car in Zadar?
Not necessary for city exploration. Useful if you're planning National Park day trips independently (rather than on organised tours).

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