Zadar Apartments

Croatia rents apartments the way other countries rent hotel rooms, and in Zadar the private flat is the normal booking rather than the budget alternative. Most are owned by the family that lets them, which is why the arrival is a phone call about what time you land rather than a reception desk, and why keys are often handed over in person. A kitchen and a washing machine change the shape of a week: breakfast at home, a market run, and no restaurant bill three times a day.

The stock divides by area. Inside the walls the flats are small, old and a walk from everything, with the noise that goes with a pedestrian Old Town in summer. Kolovare puts you beside the city beach, and Borik, Puntamika and Diklo trade the walk into town for parking, more space and often a pool. Book early for July and August; the good addresses go months ahead.