Zemunik Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Zadar airport is at Zemunik, about 9-12 km from the centre: a taxi or the dedicated shuttle takes around 20 minutes to reach the Old Town peninsula. For those who want the Roman Forum, the Sea Organ and the pedestrian alleys within easy reach, the peninsula itself remains the most convenient base; those who prefer a private beach and a spa without entirely giving up proximity to the centre can look at the coastal stretch just to the north, where the first large international hotels have arrived in recent years.

Old Town peninsula

City centre · 9-12 km from the airport, about 20 minutes by car or with the dedicated Zadar-airport shuttle (ticket 5€, also valid on city transport for 90 minutes from issue).

Best for: Travellers who want the Roman Forum, the Sea Organ and the restaurants of the Old Town on foot, with no need for a car.

Pros

All the main sights — the Roman Forum, St Anastasia's Cathedral, the Sea Organ — are within 10 minutes on foot
A fully pedestrian area: in the evening you dine and stroll without thinking about traffic

Cons

Narrow, cobbled alleys: very few hotels have direct car access right up to the door
No sandy beach in the area, only rocks and sea-access points around the edge of the peninsula

Recommended hotels in this area

Zadar Peninsula Accommodation: Simple rooms right in the heart of the historic centre, a few steps from the Roman Forum and about 400 metres from the Sea Organ; shared kitchen for those who want to save on meals.
Peninsula Apartment: Apartment with a kitchenette in the old part of town, designed for those staying more than one night who want to at least prepare breakfast in the room.

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Puntamika and the northern seafront

Neighbourhood · About 2 km from the Old Town: 20 minutes on foot along the seafront, or a rowing boat from the lighthouse near the hotel goes straight to the walls of the Old Town (2€ per ride). From the airport the journey is the same 20 minutes by car as for the peninsula, with a short continuation along the coast.

Best for: Travellers who want a beach and a heated pool without moving too far from the centre, even outside the high season.

Pros

Recently opened hotel with heated indoor and outdoor pools, useful outside the season too
200 metres from Maestral beach and on the promenade that leads to the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun

Cons

Few independent restaurants nearby: for dinner guests often head back towards the centre
The rowing boat to the Old Town runs limited hours; at night only the walk or a taxi remain

Recommended hotels in this area

Hyatt Regency Zadar: The first hotel of the Hyatt group in Croatia, opened in 2025, 200 metres from Maestral beach; spa of over 1,150 sqm with heated indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and hammam.

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