Rent a Car Zadar

One of the most famous tourist destinations and the fifth-largest city in the country, Zadar is an important cultural, political, educational, and commercial center. As archaeological evidence suggests, its rich historical and cultural heritage dates back to the Neolithic era. Zadar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Balkans, and many civilizations, including Indo-Europeans, the Illyrians, and the Liburnians, left their mark in the city. The Liburnians were an Illyrian tribe and well-known mariners and merchants. By the 7th century BC, Zadar had established itself as an important trading center with the Phoenicians and Ancient Greeks. The peninsula’s historic town goes back to the ninth century BCE when it was a Liburnian village known as Jadera. The town became Roman in the first century BCE, and Zadar remained a prosperous commercial and cultural center during the Byzantine era.

Between 1045 and 1358, Zadar was frequently at war with Venice until it was sold to it. From this time forward, it was oppressed by both the Venetians and the Turks. Zadar resisted a Turkish siege in 1571 and, over time, became the most powerfully guarded town on the Adriatic until its defenses were destroyed in the late nineteenth century. The episcopal complex of the fortified city of Zadar is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. Zadar developed its urban structure during Roman times; under the reigns of Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus, Zadar was fortified, and city walls along with gates, aqueducts, and churches were constructed. The Roman Forum, the Basilica of St. Anastasia, and the Church of St. Donatus are among the most significant landmarks in Zadar. If you want to explore Zadar’s city center and discover its surrounding beaches and villages, then a car rental in Zadar is the best option to make the most out of your visit. Imperial Car Rental offers the cheapest car hire prices in Zadar and a large fleet of modern vehicles without excess. Visit our website and make your Zadar car rental reservation today!

Situated in the northwestern part of the Ravni Kotari region, Zadar has been named the "entertainment center of the Adriatic" by The Times and for a good reason. Vibrant open-air markets, lively squares, and many nightlife, entertainment, shopping, and dining options characterize its city center. Zadar Old Town is a treasure composed of historical and cultural structures of great significance. Wander the narrow, cobbled streets and discover sites such as the Roman Forum, St. Donatus Church, and St. Anastasia Cathedral. The architecture reflects various influences, from Roman and Byzantine to Venetian and Croatian styles. Visit the Five Wells Square, which is surrounded by 16th-century stone wells that were used to ensure the city’s water supply during times of siege. The Roman Column located in Petra Zoranica Square is another fascinating example of ancient history that still stands today as a witness to the city’s glorious Roman heritage. Enjoy your coffee or drinks in one of the numerous cafes and bars, such as the Colonna Bar, which is renowned for its cocktails.

A bit further away, you will find the Land Gate and the lush Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. The Land Gate 1543 is an entrance gate built in 1543 that is impressive in its history and architecture. The Venetian walls are adorned with reliefs of a lion and St. Chrysogonus. The Land Gate was crucial to the city’s defense during the Venetian Republic era and symbolizes its rich cultural heritage. Queen Jelena Madijevka Park is situated atop Zadar’s bastions. It was built during the 18th century and is a true oasis in the city center. It is fairly large, with several trails and stone staircases to access its areas. The park has flowering trees and small areas to relax and have picnics. The views of the Five Wells Square adjacent to it, as well as the city wall and gate, are really worth visiting the park. This area is a must for all visitors to Zadar as it includes museums, historic squares, mansions, and churches. For instance, the Duke’s Palace, the Archaeological Museum of Zadar, the Museum of Glass, Narodni Trg Square, and the Benedictine Monastery of St. Maria are all nearby. Check out our car hire offers in Zadar and choose the pick-up and drop-off point that suits you best. Benefit from car rental in Zadar without deposit or credit card prepayment and drive around Zadar worry-free!

Another popular and fantastic place to roam around in the city is Zadar’s Port area and around Zadar’s Roman Forum. The imposing Sea Organ, the Zadar City Walls, and St. Donatus Church are all located here. The Sea Organ uses the movement of waves and the changing tides and currents to create random melodies, providing a truly immersive experience. Designed by Croatian architect Nikola Bašić, the Sea Organ was inaugurated in 2005. This groundbreaking installation is a testament to the city’s commitment to blending contemporary art with its rich cultural and maritime heritage. Located at the western end of Zadar’s Riva promenade, the Sea Organ is ingeniously integrated into the city’s waterfront. As visitors walk along the shore, they discover a series of marble steps that conceal pipes and resonance chambers beneath the surface.

Another modern monument near the Sea Organ is The Greeting to the Sun. It is a huge solar panel 22 meters in diameter called Pozdrav Suncu. This monument is a contemporary artistic installation of 300 glass panels equipped with photovoltaic cells, which absorb sunlight during the day and create superb light displays during nightfall. Between Saint Donatus Church and the Benedictine Monastery of St. Maria, you will find the well-preserved Roman Forum of Zadar, which dates back to the 3rd century. Today, the Roman ruins reflect the history of ancient Zadar and its destruction by the earthquake in the 6th century. The ruins of the forum were then used to build other structures around it, like the Church of St. Donatus. The iconic Church of Donatus is in full view from the forum. You can continue towards Zadar Port and visit the Archaeological Museum of Zadar or continue to the Sea Gate and Zadar’s Old City Walls. The lively outdoor Market Zadar is a must-visit if you want to buy fresh produce, artisan products, fish, olive oil, cheese, and more traditional Croatian products.