Many people consider it stunning. An increasing number of people want to make this city their home. Or at least – own a property in Zadar.
If this sunny Dalmatian city has won your heart, but you want to learn more about the advantages (as well as the drawbacks) of living in it, keep reading.
We bring you 5 reasons why you should buy a home in Zadar. Also, we will mention some of the downsides of this beautiful city on the Adriatic coast. We want you to have all the information you need to make the right decision for yourself, your family, and your finances.
Let’s go!
Perfect geographical position and excellent connection to Europe
One of the biggest advantages of Zadar is its geographical position.
The city is situated in the middle part of the Adriatic coast. It is very well connected to its many islands and other towns in Croatia, but also Europe.
Many ferries and catamarans sail often to Croatian islands and cities such as Rijeka and Split, as well as to Italy.
The same goes for national and international bus lines that operate all year long.
If you prefer to travel by car, you will be happy to know that there is a highway that goes through the city. This means you can get quite fast to almost any other part of Croatia (3 hours to Croatia’s capital, less than 2 hours to the city of Split) or easily travel to and from Europe.
Furthermore, Zadar has a small, but very well-connected and active airport. It takes you less than half an hour to get there from the city center. And from Zemunik, where the airport is located, you can travel to many European destinations, especially during the main season.
The number of travelers is increasing – this June, almost 30% more passengers passed through Zadar airport than in June of 2023.
Finally, because of its geographical position – by the sea, but protected by the grand mountain Velebit – Zadar has a delightful climate most of the year.
Not just that – it is surrounded by many natural wonders, and historical sites. Nearby you will find national and nature parks, lake Vrana, crystal-clear sea and lovely beaches, rich cultural and gastronomical heritage in Zadar inland.
No wonder you are thinking about owning a home in Zadar! We want one, too!
Zadar has a weather that is a haven for real estate visionaries
The weather in Zadar is ideal for both enjoying your vacation and renting out to tourists. The winters are typically mild and gradually become more pleasant each year, with occasional interruptions caused by the brisk and revitalizing bura wind. That powerful cold wind sharpens your mind and energizes the body. The warmer, more humid jugo wind might sometimes affect the locals’ mood and productivity, but the overall weather remains favorable.
There is no to very little heavy rain or storms in Zadar mostly thanks to Zadar’s geographical position and Velebit Mountain.
Summers in Zadar are hot and sunny, which makes it the perfect summer destination. Nowadays, the bathing season and summer activities extend well into September and even October.
The sea temperatures range from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius during the summer (mainly around a nice 25), which ensures a comfortable and refreshing experience.
With such attractive weather conditions that allow you to spend most of the year outdoors, it’s no wonder the demand for houses for sale in Zadar is steadily increasing.
Zadar Croatia: the best getaway for sailors
Buying property in Zadar is a golden opportunity for pleasure-seekers, especially those passionate about nautical adventures. Zadar’s pristine waters, numerous islands, and excellent weather make it a premium destination for sailors and boat enthusiasts.
Nearby islands are full of adventure and easy to get to from the city. Each of them offers something different from the next one. The Zadar archipelago is made up of many diverse islands that can offer both solitude and happenings, depending on your needs.
The nearest, and most populated island is the island of Ugljan. Just next to Ugljan, you will find Ošljak. It is a small island, where there is no crowd, just pure and untouched nature and crystal-clear sea as well as one top-notch restaurant.
Peace, as well as beaches that you haven’t seen before you will find on the island of Silba. There are no cars allowed on that island.
If you want to witness the breathtaking beauty of nature, you should visit Nature Park Telašćica, situated on Dugi Otok. And that is just a small part of what’s in store for you if you buy a home in Zadar and decide to explore its islands via boat.
Furthermore, the city’s well-equipped marinas provide excellent services, ensuring a comfortable and convenient base for your trips. Two marinas with all the necessary facilities are close to the Zadar city center: Marina Borik and Marina Zadar. You can set sail on a sailing yacht, catamaran, or motorboat from there. The nearby marinas in Sukošan and Biograd have a great choice of charter yachts.
The excellent news is that Zadar’s geographical position allows you to explore both the north and the south of the Adriatic coastline. Add that to the long sailing season from April to November and you have yourself a winning destination when it comes to sailing.
Houses for sale in Zadar are a great investment
A strategic decision to invest in real estate in Zadar combines financial gain with an idyllic lifestyle. Generally, real estate is a sound investment because its value typically increases over time, and properties in attractive locations like Zadar are no exception.
Zadar offers crystal-clear seas, a great climate, and warm-hearted locals, all of which make it an appealing destination for vacations. Tourism is booming in Zadar; more and more visitors are coming every year, which results in high demand for quality properties.
The real estate market in Zadar and the surrounding area is thriving, with a significant number of apartments, houses, and villas under construction.
However, demand still exceeds supply, particularly for high-quality properties that offer real value for their price. While many properties are marketed as luxurious, only a few live up to this standard.
For example, this dream house with a pool located just a row back from the sea in the Zadar region offers exceptional amenities and jaw-dropping views. This makes it a prime investment. While apartments for sale in Zadar are also desirable, houses like this might get you a better return of investment sooner.
If you’re looking for a dream home for yourself, discover the jewel of Zadar: a gorgeous penthouse apartment in the sought-after area of Diklo. Its modern design, proximity to the coastline, and stunning views exemplify the high quality of life you worked for.
These specific properties are just two of many examples of the value and lifestyle Zadar can offer. They’re ideal choices for investors and those who know how to make the most of their time.
In Zadar, you will enjoy food and drinks that will excite your taste buds
The more we travel, the more we come to appreciate Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine that you can also find in Zadar.
Simply put, it is tasteful, and rich in color, flavor, and nutrients. This applies to restaurants as well as the food in local green markets that you can prepare yourself.
In Zadar, there are several green markets, two big ones, and a few smaller ones, situated in the neighborhoods.
Whether you prefer meat, fish, and/or cheese or adore fresh, locally grown vegetables and delicious fruit, and olive oil, you will satisfy your taste buds here. The same goes for coffee, wine, beer and liqueurs. For, example, in Zadar, you will find specific types of local liqueurs (cherry, fig, etc.) combined with unrefined salt from the renowned Nin Saltworks.
There is no doubt – if you are a gourmet, you will love Zadar. And so will the “foodie tourists”, which is a good thing to know if you are planning to rent your home in Zadar for tourist purposes.
Even though Zadar is a great city to live and buy a home in, we have to be honest and mention some of its flaws. It cannot all be sunshine and roses, can it?
While for some people Zadar truly is a perfect place to live, some mind its lack of greenery on the public surfaces. This is why many people visit Visnjik, a one-of-a-kind sports and recreational center with spacious outdoor fields, running tracks, promenades and an abundance of greenery.
Another thing that may annoy you is frequent road works that usually last longer than they should. These road works can cause traffic jams.
If you are coming from a big European city, these jams may not annoy you as they annoy the locals. Namely, this is because the locals are used to getting quickly from one part of the city to another.
This is an advantage when you live in a perfectly sized city, as many people say Zadar is. Neither too small nor too big. It has everything you might need for a good, quality living, especially if you are coming from abroad.
If we got you interested, check out our real estate offer in the Zadar area – apartments and houses for sale. Or, better yet – contact us and we will help you find and buy your ideal home in Zadar!
Photo: Photo by Diego F. Parra (Pexels), Shutterstock, photo by DeLuca G, photo by Tima Miroshnichenko, photo by Pixabay, Photo by Malcolm Broström on Unsplash, Photo by Elizaveta Vinogradova.
