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ZADAR
The city of Zadar rose approximately 3,000 years ago. Zadar is rich with archaeological and cultural monuments from the Antique, Middle Age and Renaissance ages. It is the capital of northern Dalmatia. Over the centuries it has been the political, cultural and spiritual centre of the region, but it has been also the first centre for science development and Croatian history. In Zadar there is the most ancient university in Croatia (dating back to 1396) and today it has 19 different study courses. Also here were born the first novel and the first newspaper in the Croatian language. The old city rests on a peninsula with numerous museums, churches and palaces that maintain their ancient splendour. Other examples in Romanesque style are:  the St. Anastasia cathedral from the XIII century, the church of Saint Crysogonus from the XII century and the bell tower of St. Maria from the year 1105.The outstanding feature of the city is the early Roman Donates church from the 9^th century, which stands in the place where once stood the Roman forum (1^st century). The city possesses a powerful fortress wall with representative port and mainland gates from the 16^th century, three-well and five-well squares, the city loggia and the tower of the city guard, numerous palaces, and everything under the protection of the four city-saints: Saint Simeon, Saint Anastasia, Saint Chrysogonus and Saint Zoilus. The important exhibition of sacred art and the traditional "Festival of music of Saint Donato" are only one small part of the cultural offerings of the city. The sea at sunset offers an evocative show, while the numerous sandy, rocky and gravel beaches are ideal for those who love to take the sun and to swim in the limpid water of the Adriatic. For families, active holidaymakers and romantics this city with its environment offers unforgettable vacation opportunities.
Excursions available: to the national parks of the Kornati islands, Paklenica (ideal for those who love free climbing or walks in the uncontaminated nature), waterfalls of the Krka river (where is possible to bathe in the summer), Plitvice lakes (reachable in little time thanks to the new motorway). The nature park of Telašcica offers to friends of nature the possibility to admire famous salt lakes and the ornithological lake "Vrana". Rafting or canoe trips in the Zrmanja canon, where the “Winetou” films were made, offer a special experience. Those who prefer to taste the culinary specialties have only the embarrassment of the choice:  numerous gastronomic facilities in the cities of Pag, Šibenik, Trogir and Split. The hinterland of Zadar with its raised level affords a view of the culture and joy of life of the inhabitants.