Things to Do in Greeting to the Sun, Hrvatska

The Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu) is one of Zadar's most iconic modern attractions, located along the stunning Riva waterfront promenade on Croatia's Dalmatian coast. This remarkable solar-powered light installation, created by architect Nikola Bašić in 2008, consists of 300 multi-layered glass plates arranged in a 22-meter circle that collect solar energy during the day and transform it into a mesmerizing light show after sunset. The installation works in harmony with the nearby Sea Organ, creating a unique sensory experience that combines visual art with natural sounds of the Adriatic waves. Zadar itself is a captivating coastal city that seamlessly blends ancient Roman heritage with contemporary innovation. The historic Old Town, built on a peninsula, features remarkably preserved Roman ruins, medieval churches, and Venetian architecture, while the modern waterfront installations like the Greeting to the Sun have revitalized the city's appeal to international visitors. This UNESCO World Heritage candidate city offers an authentic Croatian experience away from the crowds of Dubrovnik and Split, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking culture, history, and natural beauty along one of the Adriatic's most beautiful coastlines.

Top Things to Do in Greeting to the Sun

Experience the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

Visit Zadar's famous waterfront installations where the Sea Organ creates haunting melodies from wave action while the Greeting to the Sun provides spectacular light displays after dark. The best experience comes at sunset when you can hear the organ's natural music while watching the solar installation begin its evening light show. These unique attractions represent the perfect fusion of art, nature, and technology.

Booking Tip: Free to visit anytime, but arrive 30-60 minutes before sunset for the best experience. The area gets crowded during summer evenings, so consider visiting during shoulder season for a more peaceful experience.

Explore Zadar's Roman Forum and Old Town

Wander through one of Croatia's best-preserved Roman forums, dating back to the 1st century BC, and explore the maze of narrow streets in Zadar's historic peninsula. The Old Town features remarkable landmarks including the 9th-century St. Donatus Church, the Roman Forum, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. The ancient city walls and gates provide glimpses into Zadar's layered history spanning over 3,000 years.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but consider a guided tour (€15-25) for historical context. Church visits typically cost €2-5 each. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.

Take a Day Trip to Kornati National Park

Embark on a boat excursion to the stunning Kornati archipelago, consisting of 89 mostly uninhabited islands known for their stark beauty and crystal-clear waters. The national park offers exceptional opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and photography, with dramatic karst landscapes rising directly from the azure Adriatic. Many tours include stops at traditional fishing villages and secluded bays perfect for swimming.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat tours cost €40-70 including lunch and park entrance fees. Book tours departing from Zadar harbor; choose operators offering small group experiences (max 12 people) for better access to secluded spots.

Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

Take a day trip to Croatia's most famous national park, featuring 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and cascades through pristine forested landscape. The park offers well-maintained wooden walkways and trails suitable for various fitness levels, with the lower lakes featuring the most spectacular waterfalls including the famous Veliki Slap. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases some of Europe's most beautiful natural scenery.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Zadar cost €45-65 including transportation and park entrance. Book tours with early morning departure (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds. Visit April-June or September-October for best weather and fewer tourists.

Discover Paklenica National Park

Explore Croatia's premier hiking and climbing destination, located in the Velebit mountain range just an hour from Zadar. The park features dramatic limestone canyons, diverse wildlife, and hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Velika Paklenica canyon offers the most accessible hiking with stunning views, while the park also serves as one of Europe's top rock climbing destinations.

Booking Tip: Park entrance costs €7 for adults. Day trips from Zadar available for €35-50, or rent a car for independent exploration. Bring proper hiking shoes and water. Best visited April-October for optimal weather conditions.

Getting There

Zadar is easily accessible by air through Zadar Airport (ZAD), located 12km from the city center with regular flights from major European cities and seasonal connections from the UK and Germany. By land, Zadar connects to Zagreb via the A1 highway (3-hour drive) and to Split (1.5-hour drive), with regular bus services linking major Croatian cities and international destinations. Ferry connections operate from Zadar to various Adriatic islands including Ugljan, Pašman, and seasonal routes to Italy, while the city also serves as a stop on the coastal ferry route connecting Rijeka to Dubrovnik.

Getting Around

Zadar's compact Old Town is entirely walkable, with most attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other, and the historic peninsula is largely pedestrianized making walking the preferred method of transportation. Local buses operated by Liburnija connect the city center with residential areas, beaches, and the airport, with tickets costing around €1.50 and available from kiosks or drivers. For exploring the wider region, car rental is recommended and available from major international companies at the airport and city center, while taxis and ride-sharing services provide convenient point-to-point transportation within the urban area.

Where to Stay

Old Town Peninsula

Borik Beach Area

Diklo Waterfront

Puntamika District

Brodarica Suburb

Bibinje Coastal Area

Food & Dining

Zadar's culinary scene celebrates fresh Adriatic seafood and traditional Dalmatian cuisine, with the Old Town harboring excellent konobas (traditional taverns) serving grilled fish, black risotto, and local specialties like pašticada paired with regional wines from nearby vineyards. The Riva waterfront promenade offers upscale dining with sea views, while local markets provide fresh ingredients including the famous Pag cheese, Nin salt, and olive oil from the Zadar region. Don't miss trying local desserts like maraschino liqueur (invented in Zadar) and traditional sweets, while the city's growing cafe culture offers excellent coffee and light meals throughout the pedestrianized old town streets.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Zadar is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable (20-25°C), crowds are manageable, and both the sea and weather are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer months (July-August) offer the warmest weather and liveliest atmosphere but bring peak tourist crowds and higher accommodation prices, though this is also when the Greeting to the Sun and evening waterfront atmosphere are most vibrant. Winter visits (November-March) provide a more authentic local experience with mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower prices, though some island ferry services may be reduced and weather can be unpredictable for outdoor activities.

Insider Tips

Visit the Greeting to the Sun during different weather conditions - cloudy days create different light patterns, and the installation is beautiful even in rain

Climb the bell tower of St. Anastasia Cathedral just before sunset for panoramic views over the Old Town and islands, then descend to watch the light show begin

Take the passenger ferry to Ugljan Island (15 minutes, €3) for stunning views back to Zadar's waterfront and a peaceful escape from city crowds

Things to Do in Greeting to the Sun