St. Donat church is the symbol of Zadar and the most famous monumental building from the early middle ages in Croatia (9th century). It is a pre-romanesque church named after the bishop who had it built. The church is mentioned for the first time in the middle of 10th century in emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos scripts. With its colossal height (27 meters), unusual cylindrical shape and double interior space, it stands out with its originality with no direct influences from other architectural designs of that time. Today, it’s being used as a concert hall, because of its remarkable acoustic characteristics ("Music nights in St.Donat").
Unpredictable as the endless tide changes, size, power and currents of the sea, the never ending concert of the sea organ is unpredictable in its countless music variations, whose author and interpreter is nature itself. This is the place where human ideas and skills meet the energy of the sea and the waves; a place for relaxation, reflection and conversation, with an endless concert of mystical tones by the "orchestra of nature" in the background. Immediately after it was build, the sea organ became a "metaphorical" place in Zadar, enthusiastically visited by the locals and tourists alike. It became an important part of Zadar’s and the regions touristic itinerary.
Greetings to the Sun consists of 300 multi-layered glass panels shaped in a 22 meters diameter circle. Under the glass panels, a network of solar panels collect the sunlight and achieve a symbolic communication with nature. Just like the sea organ communicates with sound, greetings to the sun communicates with light. Synchronized with "the most beautiful sunset in the world", the light elements in the circle turn on, producing an interesting light game, directed by a special programmed algorithm, following the rhythm and sound of the sea organ.
Kornati archipelago, located between Zadar’s and Šibenik’s islands, consists of numerous, mostly unhabituated islands. It was declared a National park in 1980, but it has been attracting yachtsmen, divers, hikers and other nature lovers for a long time. The national park stands out with its crystal clear sea, preserved nature and an interesting and various ecosystem.
National park Krka is also located not far from Zadar. It has been declared a national park in 1985, and it's famous for its numerous lakes and waterfalls. The name Krka comes from the river Krka which is the major part of the park. Today, the river has 7 travertine waterfalls, and it ows its specific beauty to the natural characteristics of the Dinaric karst area. It's recommended to visit in spring or summer, when you can also refresh yourself and swim in the fresh, clear water.
National park Paklenica is spreads from the seaside slope of south Velebit to the highest mountain peaks. A variety of geological elements, shapes and forms, plants and wildlife, attractive sights and untouched nature meet in this small area. Walking is the best (and only) way to experience Paklenica. There are 150-200 km trails and paths which you could take, varying from touristic ones to hiking ones which take you to the highest peaks of Velebit. Paklenica is the most famous Croatian climbing centre, well known even outside Croatia. A special charm comes from the vicinity of the sea shore, which makes Paklenica and ideal place to combine hiking and water-sports.
National park Plitvička Jezera is the largest, oldest and most visited Croatian national park. It has been declared a national park in 1949, and put on the world natural heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The park is located in a forested mountain area, and holds 16 small and big crystal turquoise lakes. Characteristics of the lakes are numerous waterfalls, travertine barriers, rich flora and fauna, which together make a breath-taking combination on an area of 29685 hectares.
