Things to do in Preko

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Croatia

Sea Organ

Sea Organ is a sound art installation on the promenade at the western end of the old town of Zadar, Croatia, designed by architect Nikola Bašić. It looks like a row of white marble steps extending into the Adriatic Sea, but the mechanism is hidden beneath them. Dozens of pipes of varying lengths and resonators are embedded in the steps. As waves surge in and out, they push air into the pipes, producing deep, long-lasting notes. The steps are tuned to different pitches, so the melody changes subtly as you walk along the promenade. When the sea is calm, the sound resembles the humming of a bottle being blown into, steady and gentle. When the waves are rough, the tones become rapid and undulating, with almost no two "performances" being exactly the same. This is also a popular spot in Zadar to watch the sunset. The steps face the open sea, and in the evening, you can sit on them to listen to the organ harmonize with the sound of the waves, watching the sunset paint the sea orange-red. Around sunset, it is often crowded with tourists and locals. There is no need to rush away after dark. Nearby is the "Greeting to the Sun," a circular light installation created by the same designer. It lights up with flowing patterns at night, and together with the music here, the dynamic light and static sound perfectly round off the evening by the sea.

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Dalmatian coastal

Land Gate

Land Gate is the land gateway to the old town of Zadar, Croatia, and was once part of the fortifications of the Republic of Venice. Designed by Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli and completed in the mid-16th century, it is considered one of the representative works of Renaissance architecture in the Dalmatian region. The gate is adjacent to the small fishing port of Foša and is modeled after the shape of an ancient Roman triumphal arch: the central opening was for carriages and horses, while the two narrower side openings were for pedestrians. The columns support the pediment above, creating a rigorous and ceremonial proportion. It is especially worth taking a closer look at the decorations on the gate: the relief of St. Chrysogonus, the patron saint of Zadar, riding a warhorse, appears in the same frame as the winged Lion of St. Mark, symbolizing Venice. On one side is the city's own guardian, and on the other is the mark of its former ruler, condensing this dual historical memory. The gate was originally surrounded by a moat, which has now become a corner of the harbor, but standing in front of the gate, one can still feel the imposing atmosphere of the fortress entrance from that time. Passing through the gate, you enter the old town. The Roman Forum, the Church of St. Donatus, and the Sea Organ by the sea are all within walking distance, making this a perfect first stop for exploring the old town. Early morning or evening, when the light is soft and the crowds are fewer, is a great time for taking photos and enjoying the view in peace.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Zadar County

Church of St. Donatus

Church of St. Donatus is located in the Old Town of Zadar, Croatia, and is one of the city's representative historical landmarks. It is one of the largest surviving pre-Romanesque buildings in Croatia, featuring a rare circular nave design with a diameter of approx. 22 m and a height of 27 m, with an interior composed of a double-layered circular structure and three semicircular apses. Its architectural style blends Byzantine and Carolingian elements, bearing similarities to the Palatine Chapel in Aachen, Germany, and the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. Due to its unique circular structure and thick stone walls, the church boasts excellent acoustics. Since 1961, the "Musical Evenings in St. Donatus" international music festival has been held here every summer, attracting numerous classical music enthusiasts to listen to musical works from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Today, it is no longer used for religious services but serves as a venue for concerts and cultural events. Its unique architectural style and rich historical background make it an unmissable attraction for exploring the history and culture of Zadar.

Saint Anastasia’s Cathedral

Saint Anastasia’s Cathedral is located in the center of the old town of Zadar, Croatia, and serves as the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar, as well as one of the larger churches in the Dalmatia region. Its history dates back to the 4th–5th centuries. Originally an early Christian church, the existing main building was rebuilt in the 12th–13th centuries, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. The cathedral is characterized by its red exterior. Its towering bell tower was added in the 19th century in a Neo-Romanesque style, becoming the highest point in the old town. Climbing to the top offers a view of the red-tiled roofs intertwined with the Adriatic Sea. The cathedral's three-nave hall creates a solemn atmosphere with its simple vaulted structure and stained glass windows, while the side chapel murals and stone carvings showcase the artistic traditions of the Dalmatia region. As the core of Zadar's religion and culture, the cathedral is not only an important place of worship for local residents but has also been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Zadar Market

Kolovare Beach

This beach is covered in pebbles and has well-equipped facilities nearby, making it suitable for swimming, relaxing, or walking.

Narodni trg

Roman Forum

The Greeting to the Sun

The Five Wells Square

The Five Wells Square is a square named after five deep wells that once served as the city's main water supply. The Five Wells Square was built in the 16th century and is a masterpiece of the Renaissance. In the center of the square is a large square pool surrounded by five deep wells, each with a stone staircase leading to the underground water source.