Valued by the Romans for its access to trade and ample harvest of the sea, the ancient city of Zadar in Croatia now has a new kind of value: SUP and kitesurfing.
Situated on the Adriatic Sea and buffered from swell by the island of Uglijan, Zadar offers favourable wind for kiting as well as flatwater beaches for SUPing.
Zadar surf season and weather
Zadar has a Mediterranean climate and experiences wet winters with November averaging 20 days of rain. The summer months heat up, maintaining temps in the 70s Fahrenheit but frequently spiking into the 90s during heatwaves. Water temperatures in the Adriatic Sea dip down into the low 50s in winter, but get warm in summer, nearing the 80 degree mark during the August peak.
Zadar surfing spots and beaches
This part of the Adriatic Sea is also home to the Tramontana and Bura winds making it a kiting hotspot.
Zadar itself is a beautiful ancient city, playing a brief role as a location in Game of Thrones. Beaches here are small and rocky with a few open stretches. If you search you’ll find Borik Beach, an open course-grain sanded area optimal for launching a kite or windsurfer.
Nin, the central kiteboarding beach in Zadar county, is in an area known as the Zadar Riviera. Royal Beach, Kraljicina Plaza and Ninska Laguna and Prodorica make up the crown jewels on this sandy stretch just north of the main city. Ninska Laguna is three kilometres of open sand and aquamarine water.
Surf schools and lessons in Zadar (Croatia)
Maestral Kitesurfing offers a six-hour beginner course that covers the basics and kite setup. After the initial classroom stuff you get some quality board time with a personal trainer. Their focus is on the essentials of kiting: holding your balance and edging. The course is 225€.
Surf Mania is a kitesurfing and windsurfing school in nearby Nin. And when the wind is slack or nonexistent, they offer SUP lessons. Check their introductory kite course which will give you two hours of pre-cursory kiting knowledge for 90€. The next level course to get you up and riding in the water is six hours spread over two days and costs 270€.
Hotels for surfers in Zadar
Hotel Kolovare is just steps outside the city proper and feels more spa retreat than urban. With a circular pool fronting the Adriatic Sea and the popular beach at Kolovare, it’s a hotel that’s best experienced in summer. The rooms are modern-meets-medieval with a dash of Beverly Hills thrown in. Super chill place to pass the day or launch your SUP off the nearby beach. Rooms start at 110€.
For kiteboarders staying in nearby Nin, the Villa Dalibor is a nice open home with an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and barbecue area. It’s pet friendly and air conditioned with WiFi throughout. Villa Dalibor also has a special water sports zone for storing gear and offers free bikes so you can explore the area. There are several small units on the expansive property. Rooms start as low as 36€ per night with kitchenette so you can prepare your own post-kiting meals.
Starting at 47€, Anita City Apartments allow an affordable stay within the city of Zadar. Just down the street you’ll be able to tour the ancient streets and shops and soak in the ancient sailor vibe of this port city. The apartments offer free parking and baggage storage for your kiting or SUP gear.
Zadar is a great vacation place for water sports activities.
Zadar surfing guide and tips prepared by Bryan Dickerson (wavepoolmag.com).
Photo by Maxi am Brunnen
