Zadar is famous for its sea, sunsets and islands – but some of Croatia’s most beautiful waterfalls are only an hour or two away. Our local team has been taking guests to them for 15 years. Here are the best waterfalls near Zadar, how to reach them, where you can (and can’t) swim and which one fits your day.
Quick answer
There is no waterfall in Zadar itself. The easiest waterfall trip from Zadar is Krka National Park (about 1 hour), famous for Skradinski buk. For the most spectacular scenery, go to the Plitvice Lakes (about 2 hours) with 16 lakes and Croatia’s highest waterfall. Closer and wilder: the Zrmanja and Krupa rivers near Obrovac.
Waterfalls near Zadar at a glance
| Waterfall | From Zadar | Swimming | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krka – Skradinski buk | About 1 hour | Not at the falls (beach in Skradin town) | The easiest waterfall day trip, families |
| Plitvice Lakes – Veliki slap | About 2 hours | Not allowed in the park | The most spectacular scenery, photographers |
| Zrmanja – Jankovića buk | Under 1 hour to Obrovac | Yes, a popular swimming spot | Nature lovers, kayaking |
| Krupa – Kudin most | About 1 hour + a walk | Natural river pools | Hikers, a quiet local secret |
Driving times are approximate and depend on traffic and the route. National park rules and ticket prices change – check the official park websites before you go.
Is there a waterfall in Zadar?
Not in the city itself. Zadar’s famous “water music” is the Sea Organ on the waterfront, where waves play through pipes under the stone steps. The real waterfalls start about an hour inland, where rivers cut through the karst and build travertine barriers – the natural stone dams that create Croatia’s famous cascades.
The good news: all the waterfalls below are an easy day trip from Zadar, and you can be back in town for sunset.
Krka National Park: the easiest waterfall trip from Zadar
Krka is the most popular waterfall day trip from Zadar – and for good reason. Its star is Skradinski buk, a wide staircase of cascades and pools surrounded by green woodland, with wooden walkways that lead you right past the falls. Upriver you will find Roški slap and the island monastery of Visovac, which need extra time and planning.
The drive from Zadar takes about an hour. You can enter from Lozovac or from the riverside town of Skradin, from where boats run to the falls in season. Swimming at Skradinski buk is no longer allowed, but in summer you can swim at the town beach in Skradin.
Plitvice Lakes: Croatia’s most spectacular waterfalls
If you want to see one waterfall park in Croatia, many people would say Plitvice. Sixteen terraced lakes in shades of turquoise and green are connected by dozens of waterfalls, including Veliki slap – at 78 metres the highest waterfall in Croatia. Wooden boardwalks take you over the water and right under the cascades.
Plitvice is about two hours from Zadar, so it is a full day out. Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park. Arrive early in summer – the boardwalks get busy by late morning.
Krka or Plitvice: which waterfall trip should you choose?
Both are worth it – it depends on how much time you have and what you want from the day:
- Short on time or travelling with small children: Krka. It is closer, the main loop is easier and you can add a swim in Skradin.
- Want the “wow” of Croatia’s best-known park: Plitvice. More lakes, more waterfalls, more walking – and a longer day.
- Visiting in spring: both are at their most powerful, with the most water.
Local tip
Hidden waterfalls near Zadar: Zrmanja and Krupa
Closer to Zadar and far from the crowds, the Zrmanja river cuts a deep canyon below the Velebit mountain near Obrovac. Its last waterfall, Jankovića buk, is about 4 km from Obrovac and a lovely place for a swim in summer. In spring the Zrmanja is also a favourite for kayaking.
Its tributary, the Krupa, hides a chain of travertine cascades called Deveterac (“the nine”). Over the last one stands Kudin most, a centuries-old stone bridge with twelve arches – one of the most photogenic spots in Dalmatia. Reaching it involves a walk, so wear good shoes and bring water.
Tips for visiting waterfalls near Zadar
A few things we tell our guests before every waterfall trip:
- Go early: in July and August arrive at opening time to beat the heat and the crowds.
- Spring is waterfall season: April to June brings the most water; late summer can be calmer.
- Wear comfortable shoes: boardwalks and trails can be wet and slippery.
- Bring water and a hat – and swimwear only where swimming is allowed.
- Check the park websites for current tickets and opening hours before you go.
Waterfall day trips from Zadar
Want to see the waterfalls without worrying about driving, parking and tickets? We organise day trips from Zadar:
- Krka waterfalls tour from Zadar – about an hour away, with time for a swim in Skradin in summer.
- Plitvice Lakes tour from Zadar – a full day among Croatia’s most famous lakes and waterfalls.
- Private tours on request – with a private guide in your language if you book early enough.
- Local team with 15 years of experience and easy online booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a waterfall in Zadar?
Not in the city itself. The nearest waterfalls are on the Zrmanja and Krupa rivers near Obrovac (under an hour away) and in Krka National Park (about an hour from Zadar).
What is the closest national park with waterfalls to Zadar?
Krka National Park, about an hour’s drive from Zadar. Its best-known waterfall is Skradinski buk. See our Krka tour from Zadar.
How far are the Plitvice Lakes from Zadar?
About two hours by car, so it is a full day trip. Read our Zadar to Plitvice guide or join our Plitvice Lakes tour.
Can you swim at the Krka waterfalls?
Swimming at Skradinski buk is no longer allowed. In summer you can swim at the town beach in Skradin, outside the waterfall area.
Can you swim at the Plitvice Lakes?
No, swimming is not allowed anywhere in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Can I visit Krka and Plitvice in one day from Zadar?
It is possible on a very long day, but we recommend one park per day so you have time to enjoy it. If you only have one day, compare them in our Krka vs Plitvice guide or ask us.
Ready to see the waterfalls?
Book a day trip from Zadar to Krka or the Plitvice Lakes with our local team.