Croatia Travel Blog

Archive for the ‘Zadar’ Category

Dubrovnik Airport still handles more visitors but Zadar Airport is catching up fast. This year, the airport received some 270,000 passengers, the largest number in its history and a surprising 28% increase over 2009. Clearly the entrance of low-cost carrier Ryanair has given a substantial boost to Zadar airport, bringing visitors from England, Scotland, Ireland and other countries in northern Europe. Ryanair now accounts for 64% of the passenger numbers at Zadar airport, greatly aided by Germanwings which brings in another 17%. And the airport is aiming to attract even more airlines in 2011.

All this traffic is putting a strain on the little airport’s facilities, prompting the announcement of a major expansion. Already, the main terminal is undergoing construction with the expansion of the international departures and domestic arrivals area. When all is completed the terminal should cover 7000 square metres. Workers are building at a feverish pace to complete construction in time for the summer season of 2011.

Zadar makes an excellent base from which to explore several stunning national parks. The Paklenica National Park and the Kornati Islands National Park are both within reach of Zadar. So are the fascinating islands of Pag and Dugi Otok.

See more about visiting Zadar.

Taxis in Croatia are unreasonably expensive given the generally low salaries of most Croats. In fact, taxi prices are about the same as in Western Europe which may be why they are always available and waiting for customers. The city of Zadar has finally managed to negotiate an agreement with the taxi drivers’ association that will allow a dramatic cut in fares. Not all taxi drivers have signed on but those that have will be displaying a special sign. Now the meter drop of 19 KN covers 5km instead of one. Every kilimetre after that costs 9KN so that it will only coast 20-30KN to go from central Zadar to Borik, the beach district, instead of 80-100KN.  Folks, that can make quite a difference in your daily budget if you’re staying in one of Zadar’s hotels. Now if only, Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik would sign on to the same program.

See more on Zadar, getting around Zadar and Zadar accommodation.

Just a few days ago, Irish low-cost carrier, Ryanair announced a new route to Zadar in spring 2010. Now we have the information. Flights from Brussels (Charleroi) to Zadar will begin Thursday, April 10 and run through the season on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Prices start at EUR14.99. Of course, if you know Ryanair you know that there will be a few extras

See more on flights to Zadar.

There are a lot of good reasons to visit Zadar and now there’s another one: cheap flights! Rock-bottom carrier Ryanair has just announced that there will be flights to Zadar from Pisa this summer. The route starts on Friday, June 5 and runs twice a week, Monday and Friday, throughout the summer. It’s certainly good news for Italians reminiscing about the good old days when Zadar (Zara) was a part of Italy.

Read more about Zadar history and Zadar sightseeing.

As the pound sinks against the euro, British holiday-makers should turn to Croatia to save money, according the The Observer. Yesterday’s travel section has a number of specific suggestions for  holidays in Croatia rather than–other places. For example:

• Korcula instead of Corfu
  Korcula island has vineyards, hiking and cycling plus it’s less developed than the Greek island.
• Istria instead of Chianti
  Great wine, truffles and the medieval hill towns of Motovun and Groznjan make Istria special
• Zadar instead of Ibiza
  “one of the hippest club scenes in Europe” is in Zadar, according to The Guardian.  Yes, Zadar nightlife for bars, pubs, music clubs and discos.

Go to  the article or read more budget tips for visiting Croatia.