One day in Zadar

Start your day on the market where a myriad selection of fresh fruit and vegetables awaits you. Locally grown cabbage, tomatoes, every kind of spinach, cucumber and mushroom are sold here, not talking about the home made olive oil, rakija (spirit) and cheese. The fish market is said to be the best on the Dalmatian coast.

The Zadar market is the ideal place to have a sumptuous breakfast, as well.

The old town of Zadar lies on a peninsula and is surrounded by a wall. The main town gate on the little Fosa harbour is called Land Gate. The Venetians built it in 1543 so it is decorated with the Venetian lion and the figure of the St Chrysogonus on his horse (he is Zadar's patron saint). Other gates are the Sea Gate and the New Gate.

After the morning sightseeing recharge yourself on one of Zadar's beaches. The closest one is the Riva (seaside promenade in the Old Town) where the water is perfectly clean for swimming.

The town beach Kolovare is located a ten-minute walk from the peninsula. It has good facilities including public toilets, changing rooms and life guard services. Also, there are bars and restaurant here making the beach the perfect place for a light lunch.

Borik is another popular beach north of the city centre. Families with small kids will love it as the water here is shallow with a sandy bottom. Diklo also has a small, shady beach.

Zadar and the basketball are inseparable. The first basketball game was played here by Italian students in 1929. The sport gained populatity quickly and a year later an official basketball organisation was established. The Golden Age of Zadar basketball took place in the 1960s when KK Zadar was one of the most successful teams both in Yugoslavia and in Europe. In 1964 a 16-year-old boy joined the club. His name was Kresimir Cosic, the most successful Croatian basketball player of all time.

When the evening falls, head to a waterside restaurant or bar for a dinner or a cool cocktail. Maraschino is the drink you can not miss when in Zadar. This bittersweet clear liqueur was created by Dominican monks at the beginning of the 16th century. The base of the liqueur is Maraska cherry which is traditionally grown in Dalmatia. Maraschino is bottled in a distinctive wicker-wrapped bottle.

This contemporary sight on the tip of the peninsula is a must. The large disc of solar panels soak up rays by day and project a series of coloured lights by day. Together with the neighbouring Sea Organ (both designed by Nicola Basic) they are the latest and the most unique attractions of Zadar.