Novigrad (Zadar)

Ideally situated on an S-shaped curved bay in the Novigrad Sea - an inland sea south of the Paklenica National Park- the small port town of Novigrad (near Zadar) has a varied selection of cultural and leisure activities for all guests during their holidays in Northern Dalmatia. With its convenient location between the green hinterlands around the Paklenica National Park and the Zrmanja River as well as its proximity to the culturally and historically interesting coastal town of Zadar, Novigrad is the ideal starting point for excursions to the most important places in northern Dalmatia.

The town itself is charming with its picturesquely attractive stone houses, medieval architecture and rustic, Mediterranean flair. You can stroll through the quaint streets along the original stone houses that give the town its charm, past the promenade where small fishing boats rock back and forth in the gentle swell of the sea, and right up to the parish Church of Sveta Marija (Saint Maria) with its beautiful bell tower. The narrow, winding streets always leave something to be discovered. Wide stone stairs climb up to the upper streets to the hills covered in pines. The fortress walls dating back to the pre-Romanesque period stretch out down the mountain like a fan into the city and characterize the romantic, rustic image of Novigrad. Above the picturesque town there is a fortress perched on a hill dating back to the year 1300, which sets in stone Novigrad's impressive history as strategically important city. Between 1386 and 1387, the fort served as a prison for the widow and daughter of King Louis I of Anjou. While detained, the daughter wove an intricate brocade cloak that can still be admired today in the early Croatian Church of St. Martin in Novigrad. A cultural highlight includes the "Novigrad Cultural Summer" which hosts musical events, exhibitions, theater performances and more. In the city's event calender, you will also find traditional festivals and folklore celebrations.

While the small beaches shaded by pines promise rest and relaxation in the quiet town of Novigrad, the Novigrad Sea and the nearby Zrmanja River promise sports and fun on the water. Shimmering an emerald green color, the Zrmanja meanders through the karst landscape with its harsh cliffs and past beautiful waterfalls. The waters are wild in the upper river, which is why Novigrad is a popular starting point for rafting and kayaking tours in particular. At the same time many tourists take advantage of the impressive karst landscape around the Novigrad Sea for long walks or challenging climbs. Some visitors to the rocky landscape will recognize that the Canyon of Zrmanja once served as the backdrop for the Winnetou films.

The Novigrad Sea is not only rich in fish, which especially pleases fishermen, but also crystal clear waters - perfect for a relaxing beach holiday in Croatia. Along the coast of Novigrad there are mainly pebbled beaches with partially rocky sections. Some of them are hiding in isolated coves where the bringing of dogs and nudism is tolerated.