Zadar, nestled on Croatia's beautiful Dalmatian Coast, is a city renowned for its rich historical heritage and safe atmosphere.

Although Zadar does not have serious crime problems, there are some risky areas to avoid or consider with precautions to ensure a hassle-free stay.

In this article, I will tell you about areas to avoid or approach with caution in Zadar.

In addition, I also tell you the best areas to stay for a tourist stay as well as some practical advice to fully enjoy your visit in complete safety.

Is Zadar dangerous?

Zadar is a relatively safe city for tourists, with a fairly low crime rate but higher than that of Split or Zagreb.

Additionally, there has been a slight increase in crime over the past 3 years.

The threat of violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery is low.

On the other hand, the threat of drug-related crime is high, as are corruption and bribery.

Despite these concerns, Zadar remains relatively safe for tourists.

However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to take the usual precautions by being aware of your surroundings and the risks that still exist since the last war.

Risks in Zadar for tourists

Although landmines remain a problem in some parts of Croatia, the situation in Zadar is much less worrying than before.

Although there are still some dangerous areas, Zadar is no longer considered a high-risk area. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs' security map places the entire Croatian territory, including Zadar, on normal alert (green).

The Croatian authorities have put in place measures to inform and protect the population:

• A free app, MINE.info, provides a real-time updated map of mined areas.
• Warning signs indicate dangerous areas.

For visitors to Zadar, the risk is therefore minimal as long as they stay on marked trails and in urban areas.

It is important to note that, thanks to mine clearance and awareness-raising efforts, no accidents have been reported in the Zadar region since 2017. However, hikers should still be cautious and be aware of the areas to avoid in Zadar (see below).

And it's always best to hire a local guide to explore less touristy or rural areas. These guides are up to date on the latest safety information and can help you avoid potentially dangerous areas, especially those that may still pose a risk of landmines.

Areas to avoid in Zadar

Although the landmine situation in and around Zadar has improved considerably over the years, there are still a few areas to avoid for your safety:

• Rural and forest areas: The main danger lies in rural and forest areas, which are fortunately far enough from the city where undetected mines may still be present. Approximately 89% of the land contaminated by mines in Croatia is forested.
• Unmarked Trails: Hikers must stick to marked trails and main roads. Venturing off established paths can be extremely dangerous.
• Vacant Lots and Abandoned Buildings: It is strongly recommended not to enter vacant lots or abandoned buildings, whether for camping or exploring.
• Border areas: Regions close to the borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in Northern Dalmatia, pose a higher risk.

To minimize these risks, visitors and hikers can:

• Use the “Misportal” application which provides detailed maps of dangerous areas.
• Check with local authorities or the tourist information center before setting off on a hike.
• Stay vigilant and strictly follow safety instructions.

Are there any dangerous areas in Zadar?

Although some of the outlying neighborhoods may appear run-down, they do not present any particular danger in terms of crime.

The main crimes are limited to petty theft in crowded tourist areas, especially during high season.

In fact, there are no truly dangerous neighborhoods in Zadar. The city offers a safe environment where visitors can walk around peacefully, even at night.

The only area tourists should avoid is the port area in the southeast of the peninsula. This isn't so much for safety reasons, but rather because there are fewer tourist attractions and less atmosphere in this area.

Best areas to stay in Zadar

Here are the 3 best areas for a tourist stay in Zadar, along with a recommended hotel for each of these areas: Historic Center, Putamika, and Kolovare.

Old Town (Historic Center)

The historic heart of Zadar, located on a fortified peninsula, is the best area for tourists. It's home to shops, bars, restaurants, and the main monuments to visit:

• Roman forum
• Sea organ
• Saint-Donat Church
• People's Square

Recommended hotel: Almayer Art & Heritage Adults Only Hotel and Dependance rooms , a charming hotel very well located in the old town close to restaurants and the sea.

puntamika

This area is ideal for enjoying a seaside stay because it is on the seafront with:

• A very beautiful beach;
• A marina;
• Many hotels, shops, restaurants and bars;
• The historic lighthouse of Zadar.

Recommended accommodation: Falkensteiner Premium Mobile Homes and Camping Zadar – A high-end seaside holiday village with spa and modern facilities, ideal for a family holiday.

Kolovare

This residential area is quiet and close to the city center with the beautiful Kolovare beach, parks and green spaces, a more local atmosphere.

Recommended hotel: Hotel Kolovare – Ideally located as the seaside promenade of lungomare is right in front of the hotel and leads to the historic center of Zadar in 15 minutes on foot.