Home › Destinations › Five Wells Square
Five Wells Square, Hrvatska - Things to Do in Five Wells Square

Things to Do in Five Wells Square

Five Wells Square, Hrvatska - Complete Travel Guide

Five Wells Square (Trg pet bunara) is the historic heart of Zadar, Croatia, a captivating coastal city that seamlessly blends ancient Roman heritage with modern Mediterranean charm. This iconic square, named after the five ornate wellheads that once supplied the city with fresh water, serves as the perfect starting point to explore one of Croatia's most underrated destinations. The square is surrounded by medieval churches, Venetian palaces, and remnants of Roman architecture, creating an atmospheric setting that tells the story of Zadar's rich 3,000-year history. Zadar itself is a remarkable city where ancient meets contemporary, famous for its unique Sea Organ that creates music from ocean waves and the mesmerizing Greeting to the Sun installation. Located on the Dalmatian coast, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors stunning sunsets, pristine beaches, and easy access to nearby national parks and islands, making it an ideal base for exploring northern Dalmatia while enjoying a more authentic Croatian experience away from the crowds of Dubrovnik or Split.

Top Things to Do in Five Wells Square

Explore the Roman Forum and Ancient Ruins

Wander through the impressive remains of the Roman Forum, dating back to the 1st century BC, located just steps from Five Wells Square. The site includes the foundations of temples, columns, and stone fragments that showcase Zadar's importance during Roman times. The nearby Church of St. Donatus, a 9th-century Byzantine masterpiece, dominates the forum and offers excellent acoustics for summer concerts.

Booking Tip: Entry to the forum area is free, but St. Donatus Church charges around 15 HRK (€2). Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Check the tourist office for concert schedules during summer months.

Experience the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

Visit Zadar's most famous modern attractions along the waterfront promenade. The Sea Organ creates haunting melodies as waves push air through underwater pipes, while the nearby Greeting to the Sun installation collects solar energy during the day to create a spectacular light show after sunset. These installations represent a perfect harmony between nature, art, and technology.

Booking Tip: Both attractions are free and accessible 24/7. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset for the best experience and to secure a good viewing spot. Bring a light jacket as the waterfront can be breezy in the evenings.

Take a Day Trip to Kornati National Park

Embark on a boat excursion to the stunning Kornati archipelago, consisting of 89 islands, islets, and reefs. This unique landscape of barren limestone islands rising from crystal-clear waters offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Mediterranean. The park is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants on the islands.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat trips cost 250-400 HRK (€35-55) including lunch. Book through reputable operators like Kornati Excursions or ask your accommodation for recommendations. Trips run April-October, with July-August being busiest.

Discover Local Cuisine on a Food Tour

Explore Zadar's culinary scene through its traditional konobas (taverns) and modern restaurants, sampling local specialties like pašticada (slow-cooked beef), fresh Adriatic seafood, and the famous Pag cheese. Don't miss trying local wines from nearby regions and the traditional maraschino liqueur that originated in Zadar. Many tours also include visits to local markets and food producers.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours cost 200-350 HRK (€27-47) per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include at least 4-5 tastings and focus on family-run establishments. Evening tours often provide better atmosphere and fresher seafood.

Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

Take a day trip to Croatia's most famous national park, featuring 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and wooden walkways through pristine forest. The park offers several hiking routes of varying difficulty, allowing visitors to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site at their own pace. The lakes change color from azure to green, grey, or blue depending on minerals and organisms in the water.

Booking Tip: Park entrance costs 55-300 HRK (€7-40) depending on season. Book online in advance during peak season (July-August). Choose tours that include transportation (2.5-hour drive each way) and allow 6-8 hours total. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rain gear.

Getting There

Zadar is easily accessible by air through Zadar Airport (ZAD), located 12km from the city center, with direct flights from major European cities and budget carriers like Ryanair. The airport shuttle bus costs 25 HRK and runs regularly to the city center. By land, Zadar is well-connected via modern highways from Zagreb (3 hours), Split (1.5 hours), and other Croatian cities, with regular bus services operated by companies like FlixBus and Croatia Bus. Ferry connections link Zadar to various islands including Ugljan, Pašman, and seasonal routes to Italy. The city's compact old town is easily walkable once you arrive.

Getting Around

Zadar's historic center is compact and best explored on foot, with most attractions within a 10-minute walk of Five Wells Square. The old town is pedestrian-only, making walking both necessary and pleasant. For longer distances or beach visits, the city operates an efficient bus system (Liburnija) with tickets costing 11 HRK for single rides or 30 HRK for day passes. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short trips, while bike rentals (80-120 HRK per day) are perfect for exploring the waterfront and nearby areas. Car rental is recommended only for day trips to national parks or island hopping, as parking in the old town is limited and expensive.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic Center
Borik Peninsula
Diklo Waterfront
Puntamika Beach Area
Brodarica Quiet Residential
Bibinje Coastal Village

Food & Dining

Zadar's dining scene perfectly balances traditional Dalmatian cuisine with modern culinary innovation. The old town around Five Wells Square offers numerous konobas serving fresh Adriatic seafood, locally-sourced lamb, and regional wines in atmospheric stone-walled settings. Don't miss trying the local Pag cheese, prosciutto from nearby Drniš, and the famous maraschino liqueur that originated here. For fine dining, restaurants like Kornat and Fosa offer elevated takes on Croatian cuisine, while the daily fish market near the harbor provides the freshest catches. The waterfront promenade features casual cafes perfect for morning coffee or sunset aperitifs, and several excellent gelaterias offer relief during hot summer days.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zadar

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Butler Gourmet&Cocktails Garden

4.9 /5
(7989 reviews) 2

Restoran 4 Kantuna

4.6 /5
(7121 reviews) 2

Restoran Bruschetta

4.6 /5
(7037 reviews) 2

Tri Bunara

4.7 /5
(3383 reviews) 2
bar

PET BUNARA Dine & Wine

4.7 /5
(2759 reviews) 2

Trattoria Mediterraneo

4.7 /5
(1636 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Zadar is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant (20-26°C), crowds are manageable, and most attractions and restaurants are open. July and August offer the warmest weather and liveliest atmosphere but also bring peak crowds and highest prices. Winter (November-March) sees many tourist facilities closed and cooler, rainier weather, but offers a more authentic local experience and significantly lower accommodation costs. Swimming season typically runs from May through October, with sea temperatures reaching 24°C in summer months.

Insider Tips

Visit the Five Wells Square early morning around 7-8 AM to have the historic area mostly to yourself and capture the best photos without crowds
Purchase the Zadar Card for discounts on attractions, restaurants, and shops - it pays for itself if you visit 3+ paid attractions
Take the short ferry ride to Ugljan Island (15 minutes, 23 HRK) for pristine beaches, hiking trails, and stunning views back to Zadar's skyline without the tourist crowds

Explore Activities in Five Wells Square