Ah, Zadar! The city where the sea plays music, the sunsets are legendary, and parking spaces are as elusive as a quiet moment during a toddler’s birthday party. But fear not, brave traveler! I’m here to guide you through the maze of Zadar parking to keep your car safe and your wallet intact. Let’s dive in!
Zadar Parking 101: Rules, Regulations, and How Not to Get Towed
- Parking Zones: Zadar’s parking zones are color-coded like a traffic light, but with more confusion and fewer green lights.
- Blue Zones: Paid parking. Rates are around €1–€2 per hour. Use the Zadar Parking app or buy a ticket from a machine. Don’t forget to display it, or you’ll be fined faster than you can say “Maraschino.”
- White Zones: Free parking, but they’re rarer than a quiet seagull. Mostly found outside the city center.
- Yellow Zones: Reserved for residents. Park here, and your car might take a trip to the impound lot.
- Parking Disc (Parkirna kartica): In some areas, you’ll need a parking disc to show your arrival time. Grab one at gas stations or kiosks for a few euros.
- Tow Depots: If your car gets towed (because you parked in a yellow zone or blocked a narrow street), here’s where to find it:
- Address: Zadar Tow Depot, Ul. don Iva Prodana 1A, 23000 Zadar.
- Phone: +385 23 211 555.
- Website: Zadar Parking.
- Penalties: Expect to pay around €100–€150 to get your car back. Ouch.
Free Parking Near Famous Sights
- Sea Organ:
- Free Parking: Kolovare Parking Lot (Ul. kneza Trpimira 1, 23000 Zadar). It’s a bit of a walk, but you’ll save money and enjoy a scenic stroll along the coast.
- Google Maps Link: Kolovare Parking
- Street View: Kolovare Street View
- Roman Forum:
- Free Parking: Foša Parking Lot (Ul. Mihovila Pavlinovića, 23000 Zadar). It’s a short walk, and you’ll feel like a Roman emperor heading to the forum.
- Google Maps Link: Foša Parking
- Street View: Foša Street View
- Church of St. Donatus:
- Free Parking: Puntamika Parking Lot (Ul. don Iva Prodana, 23000 Zadar). It’s a bit of a hike, but you’ll work up a sweat before exploring the church.
- Google Maps Link: Puntamika Parking
- Street View: Puntamika Street View
Cheap/Free Parking Near Famous Restaurants
- Restaurant Bruschetta (Ul. Mihovila Pavlinovića 12, 23000 Zadar):
- Free Parking: Foša Parking Lot (Ul. Mihovila Pavlinovića, 23000 Zadar). It’s a short walk, and you’ll save money for those delicious bruschettas.
- Google Maps Link: Foša Parking
- Street View: Foša Street View
- Restaurant 2Ribara (Ul. Blaža Jurjeva 1, 23000 Zadar):
- Free Parking: Kolovare Parking Lot (Ul. kneza Trpimira 1, 23000 Zadar). It’s a bit of a trek, but you’ll feel like a local.
- Google Maps Link: Kolovare Parking
- Street View: Kolovare Street View
- Restaurant Foša (Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 2, 23000 Zadar):
- Free Parking: Puntamika Parking Lot (Ul. don Iva Prodana, 23000 Zadar). It’s a bit of a hike, but you’ll work up an appetite for those seafood dishes.
- Google Maps Link: Puntamika Parking
- Street View: Puntamika Street View
Pro Tips to Avoid Parking Fails
- Use Public Transport: Zadar’s buses are efficient and cheap. Leave the car at your accommodation and take the bus to the city center.
- Park Outside the City: Parking in Zadar is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Park outside the city and take a bus or taxi to the sights.
- Read the Signs: Zadar parking signs are like a puzzle. Take your time to decode them, or risk a ticket.
Final Words of Wisdom
Zadar is a magical place, but parking here is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Remember, if all else fails, just channel your inner Roman emperor, shrug, and say, “Veni, Vidi, Parki.” Now go forth, park wisely, and enjoy your adventure in the city where the sea plays music.
P.S. If you do get towed, don’t worry—it’ll make for a great story at the next family gathering. Cheers! 🚗✨
Some Zadar free parking highlights below:
Top 10 Famous Sights in Zadar
- Sea Organ – Listen to the symphony of the sea.
- Sun Salutation – Watch the sunset light up the city.
- Roman Forum – Walk through ancient history.
- St. Donatus Church – Marvel at medieval architecture.
- Zadar Cathedral – Admire the stunning cathedral.
- Zadar Archaeological Museum – Explore ancient artifacts.
- Kolovare Beach – Relax by the seaside.
- Kornati National Park – Take a boat trip.
- Church of St. Chrysogonus – Visit this beautiful church.
- People’s Square – Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Free Parking Locations
- Petrčane: Free parking from May 1st to September 30th.
- Parking near the Main Bus and Railway Station: First hour free.
- Parking in Zone 3 and 4: Cheaper options.
Local Parking Regulations and Rules
- Zone 0: Reserved for residents, max 1 hour.
- Zone 1: 12 kn/hour (Jun 15 – Aug 31), 6 kn/hour (May 1 – Jun 14, Sep 1 – 30).
- Zone 2: 10 kn/hour (Jun 15 – Aug 31), 4 kn/hour (May 1 – Jun 14, Sep 1 – 30).
- Zone 3: 3 kn/hour (all year round).
- Zone 4: 2 kn/hour (all year round).
Penalty Fees
- Zone 0: 6 kn/hour (winter), 12 kn/hour (summer).
- Zone 1: 12 kn/hour (summer), 6 kn/hour (winter).
- Zone 2: 10 kn/hour (summer), 4 kn/hour (winter).
Tow Depot Contact Information
- OiL Zadar: Address: Marka Marulića 4, Zadar.
- Phone: +385 23 302 100.
- Website: oil.hr
Top Restaurants
- Garden Lounge: Perfect for a relaxing evening – The Crazy Tourist](https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-zadar-croatia/).
- Konoba Skoblarica: Authentic local cuisine.
- Restaurant Stari Grad: Enjoy a meal with a view.
Top Parking Apps
- Parkopedia: Find parking spots and prices.
- ParkWhiz: Reserve parking in advance.
- SpotHero: Compare parking options.
Remember, folks, parking in Zadar can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you’ll be cruising around like a local in no time! 🚗😄
Is there anything else you’d like to know?
