Zadar Hostels

Zadar has never had a large hostel scene, and what exists is concentrated on the peninsula and in the streets immediately behind it, which is exactly where a short stay wants to be. These are converted houses rather than purpose-built blocks: a dozen or two beds, a shared kitchen, a terrace, and staff who tell you which boat to take rather than sell you one. Most keep a few private double rooms alongside the dorms, so the price ladder runs from a bed to a room without changing address.

The crowd is the sailing and island-hopping traffic in summer and Ryanair weekenders the rest of the year. Book ahead for July and August, when the city is at its fullest and the cheap beds go first. Several close or cut back between November and March, so a winter arrival is worth confirming by message before flying.