Best things to do in Zadar

Packed with waterfalls, riverside trails, and vegetation, Krka National Park represents one of the Croatia's foremost protected areas. Explore the national park's network of trails that crisscrosses its rugged terrain, then go for a dip in the pools surrounding the many waterfalls--the tallest of which rises to 27 m (89 ft) and cascades down multiple levels to the pool below. The park covers nearly the entire length of the river, giving you a view of the water almost wherever you go and allowing you to spot some of the many fish, birds, and reptiles that call the area home. Be sure to stop by the series of Orthodox monasteries, some from the 15th century, that dot the riverbank and islets within the park.

At Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje), see the world's first musical pipe organs played by the sea. Descend the white marble steps leading to the water and enjoy the never-ending concert. Waves and wind interact with 35 tubes tuned to create random, harmonic sounds. In 2005 Nikola Basic designed the organ, which recently received the European Prize for Urban Public Space. From here gaze at a stunning sunset on the ocean. Alfred Hitchcock once visited and did the same.

An architectural marvel, Greeting to the Sun - Il Saluto al Sole represents an art installation made of 300 multilayer glass plates on the tip of the peninsula. The round installation is something of an outdoor dance floor, 22 m (72 ft) in diameter. After storing solar energy during the day, the interactive floor lights up in a lively display of the different colors of the solar system. Best seen at night, the floor and surrounding peninsula is a popular spot to watch the sunset and is often quite busy at peak times.

See the results of 2,300 years of continuous urban planning at Historic City of Trogir. Founded by the Greeks as a trading settlement in the 3rd century BCE, the site was named Tragurion--the island of goats. Explore the diverse cultural legacy of this World Heritage Site. See the medieval center surrounded by walls and a preserved castle with a tower. Walk past the houses and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Linger at the main portal of the church of St. Lawrence, Trogir's grandest building created by 13th-century Croatian architect and sculptor Master Radovan.

One of the finest examples of Venetian architecture in Dalmatia, Zadar Land City Gates features a triumphal arch that offers one passage for vehicles and two for pedestrians. Situated adjacent to the sea, this point has been a vital link between the city of Zadar and the outside area since 1543. The arch reflects Renaissance-style architecture and is adorned with a motif of St. Chrysogonus--the city's main patron saint--as well as a large monumental lion of St. Mark, and a Venetian coat of arms.

The largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia, Church of St. Donat--with its strict circular shape--has been proclaimed a highly original creation of the era. Built in the 9th century, this church has pieces and parcels of an ancient Roman forum built directly into it. See the Roman pillars inside and climb the narrow, dark stairs to the second level. Observe the simple shapes, decorated with an occasional ornament from the forum to produce something that's been celebrated for over a millennium. Due to its odd attractiveness and exceptional acoustics, the site regularly hosts music festivals and performances.