Day Trips from Zadar

Zadar is one of Croatia's best-positioned cities for day trips — Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park and the Kornati archipelago are all within easy reach. Private departures daily.

Plitvice LakesKornati IslandsKrka WaterfallsPaklenica Canyon

Trip Details

Duration
Varies by destination
Departure
From Zadar hotel
Entry Fees
All included
Availability
Daily departures
Guide
Private English-speaking guide
Reach
All of central Croatia
About This Day Trip

Five National Parks Within 2 Hours of Zadar

Zadar's central position on the Dalmatian coast makes it one of the best bases in Croatia for day trips. Plitvice Lakes is 1.5 hours inland — close enough for a comfortable full-day trip with time at both the Upper and Lower Lakes circuits. Krka National Park is 1 hour south, with the famous swimmable Skradinski Buk waterfall. The Kornati archipelago — 98 uninhabited islands — is accessible by speedboat from the marina.

Paklenica National Park is just 45 minutes south of Zadar on the coastal road, making it the easiest canyon hike in Croatia to combine with a city stop. And the island of Pag, 40 minutes north, offers a completely different landscape — lunar limestone hills, salt flats and Croatia's finest cheese.

All our day trips from Zadar are private — the vehicle, the guide and the itinerary are exclusively yours. Tell us which destination interests you and we'll build the day around your preferences, including stop times, lunch choices and photography priorities.

Plitvice Lakes (1.5 hrs) — UNESCO turquoise lakes, best day trip from Zadar
Kornati National Park (speedboat) — 98 uninhabited islands, the densest in the Med
Krka National Park (1 hr) — swim beneath Skradinski Buk, most swimmable park in Croatia
Paklenica Canyon (45 min) — limestone gorge hiking and rock climbing
Pag Island (40 min) — lunar landscape, salt flats, the famous Pag cheese

What's Included

Private vehicle from Zadar hotel
English-speaking guide
All national park entry fees
Boat transfers where required
Flexible itinerary to your preferences
Free cancellation 48 hours ahead
2-hour booking confirmation

Book in Advance

Popular in summer — we recommend booking 48 hours ahead. Contact us for same-day availability.

Your Day

Day Trip Itinerary

Option 1

Plitvice Lakes from Zadar

1.5-hour drive to Croatia's most visited national park. Full day with private guide — Upper Lakes, ferry, Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap waterfall.

Option 2

Kornati National Park by Speedboat

Speedboat through 98 uninhabited islands — the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean. Swim, snorkel and lunch on the boat.

Option 3

Krka National Park & Šibenik

Drive south to Krka waterfalls and swim beneath Skradinski Buk. Continue to Šibenik's UNESCO Cathedral of St James.

Option 4

Paklenica Canyon Hike

45 minutes south — Croatia's premier canyon hiking and rock climbing destination in Paklenica National Park.

Option 5

Pag Island Half Day

Cross the Pag bridge for a half-day on Croatia's most otherworldly island — lunar landscape, salt flats and the famous Pag cheese market.

Custom

Your Own Itinerary

Tell us where you want to go and we'll arrange private departure for any day. All transport, guide and entry fees included.

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Book Your Day Trips from Zadar

Tell us your date and group size — we confirm within 2 hours, 7 days a week.