The coastal city of Zadar is truly one of Croatia’s gems, and I’m not the only one to feel that way. Zadar left the same impression on the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. He first visited in 1964 when he was filming The Birds nearby. After viewing Zadar’s spectacular candy-colored sunsets, he remarked that it was indeed the most beautiful sunset he had seen anywhere in the world. Hitchcock’s love of Zadar’s sunsets was so great that he reportedly even named his 1964 film Marnie after a woman he met in this coastal enclave.

Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world. . . applauded at every evening. --Alfred Hitchcock

What Makes Zadar's Sunsets So Special?

There are sunsets everywhere, so why is Zadar’s so unique? First of all, Zadar is in an ideal location. It is situated on a western-facing peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. So, that means you’re blessed with an unobstructed view of the sun as it sinks into the sea’s sparkling waters.

Second, Zadar’s Gothic and Romanesque architecture creates the perfect backdrop for this nightly spectacle. As the sun descends into the horizon, the sky can be painted in warm tangerine and raspberry hues or dusted with soft pinks and lilacs. Every night is a new experience. The sky’s palette is a striking contrast to the dusky blues and grays of the sea and the cream-colored stones of the ancient city walls.

Third, Zadar’s sunsets are also celebrated in a distinctive way. Tourists and locals alike gather on the waterfront promenade, and not only enjoy the glorious colors of the sunset, but are also treated to a special “musical number,” too. In 2005, the city constructed a modern architectural sound installation on the waterfront called the Sea Organ (or Morske orgulje in Croatian). This “musical instrument” was designed by Nikola Bašić and is made up of 35 pipes and a resonating cavity. The organ is located below the marble steps at the waterfront and it’s the movement of the waves that causes it to make sound. Even though the organ can be heard at any time of the day, it’s particularly beautiful to listen to it while the sky is transforming into a Monet painting before your eyes.  

Fourth, the sunsets in Zadar are appreciated for their simplicity. In other popular sunset destinations, viewing spots can feel crowded and commercialized, but not in Zadar. Whether you choose to watch the sunset from the harbor or from one of the many cafes or restaurants that line the waterfront, you’re sure to feel like the sky is painted just for you and not the masses.

Tips for Seeing the Sunset in Zadar

If you want to experience the sunset in Zadar, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

1. Choose the Right Location: To get the best view of the sunset, it's important to choose the right location. Some of the best places to watch the sunset in Zadar include the Sea Organ, which is an art installation that creates music from the waves, and the Greeting to the Sun, which is a solar-powered installation that lights up at night.
2. Plan Your Timing: The time of the sunset changes throughout the year, so it's important to plan your timing accordingly. During the summer months, the sunset is usually around 8 pm, while in the winter, it's usually around 4:30 pm. I nearly missed the sunset on my very first trip to Zadar. I was far away from Zadar as the sun began to dip into the Adriatic and I literally ran after I parked my car to get to the famed Sea Organ site before the colors disappeared completely.
3. Take Photos and Videos: Zadar's sunsets are a photographer's and videographer’s dream, so be sure to bring a fully charged camera or smartphone to capture every second of this heavenly display.

Include Zadar on Your Croatia Itinerary

With its ideal location, stunning architecture, and unique musical installation, Zadar's sunsets offer an experience that is both simple and unforgettable. You simply cannot miss them on a trip to Croatia. 

FAQ: Zadar's Breathtaking Sunsets

Zadar's sunsets are considered exceptional for several reasons. The city's ideal western-facing peninsula location in the Adriatic Sea provides an unobstructed view of the sun setting over the sparkling waters. The backdrop of Gothic and Romanesque architecture enhances the visual spectacle, with the sky often painted in various vibrant hues. The city's Sea Organ, a musical installation triggered by the movement of waves, adds an extra layer of uniqueness to the sunset experience.

Zadar celebrates its sunsets with a special "musical number" provided by the Sea Organ, a modern architectural sound installation along the waterfront. The Sea Organ, designed by Nikola Bašić, consists of 35 pipes and resonating cavities that produce musical sounds as the waves interact with it. This innovative feature adds an auditory dimension to the visual beauty of Zadar's sunsets.

The timing of the sunset varies throughout the year, with around 8 pm during summer and 4:30 pm in winter. Some of the best locations to enjoy the sunset include the Sea Organ, which provides musical accompaniment, and the Greeting to the Sun, a solar-powered installation that illuminates at night.

Zadar's sunsets are a photographer's and videographer’s dream. Bring a fully charged camera or smartphone to capture every moment of this heavenly display, and consider taking photos and videos from the Sea Organ or other scenic viewpoints along the waterfront.

Zadar's sunsets, with their combination of location, architecture, and musical accompaniment, offer a simple yet unforgettable experience. Don't miss the chance to witness these unique sunsets as part of your trip to Croatia.