The Garden Festival - Secret Zadar

Eddie O’Callaghan, who runs The Garden Festival in Croatia, shares his favourite places in Zadar.

The Sea Organs

One of only two in the world (the other is in San Francisco), the Sea Organ is a real musical instrument built into Zadar’s harbour seafront. The structure is 70m long with 35 organ pipes built in concrete. The pipes are positioned so that the sea water and wind movements produce sounds which create a never-ending concert of musical variations, in which the performer is nature itself. Set in wonderfully peaceful surroundings with gorgeous views of the islands (especially at sunset) the organs are a must for any visitor.

Barka Boats

Taxi rowing boats that paddle backwards and forwards between the Liburna coast and the Old Town, a distance of 71 metres - many of the boatmen come from families who have rowed this route for generations.

Restaurants & Cafés

Cafés play a large part in Croatian culture and are on virtually every corner, many situated in pretty little squares with tables outside. In terms of restaurants, there are three I’d especially recommend. Kornat is easily the most modern and inventive restaurant in Zadar – situated in the Old Town, it offers top quality cuisine with an excellent wine list. Fosa is beautifully located on the lovely little harbour with a terrace overlooking the sea, and is justly famous for its seafood dishes. Unicorn is a tiny but super-friendly little restaurant on one of the narrow streets in the Old Town. The menu changes nightly, is always delicious, and the owner, Lilja, is a local treasure.

Basketball

Sport mad Croatians claim to have invented the game of basketball here in Zadar. Being naturally tall, Croatians continue to make a big impression on the world stage with many players in the NBA. The atmosphere at local games is electric with Zadar fans known as 'Tornados' keeping the noise levels up. The impressive new stadium opens in 2008.

Krka waterfalls

Just an hour south of Zadar, the Krka waterfalls and national park provide a perfect day trip, and you can even swim at the foot of the falls.

Bars and Clubs

We set up The Garden bar 5 years ago, after falling in love with the area and finding the derelict garden of a closed down hotel in Zadar. With a huge open space, a tree tunnel entrance and comfy sofas and beds to relax on to watch the sunset, it’s a pretty magical place. However – we’re not just going to tell you about our own bar! So other venues you should check out include The Arsenal - a 17th century naval warehouse impressively refurbished as a bar/restaurant/concert hall; Kult – a tiny bar with a large tree covered square for warm evenings, good DJs and a friendly unpretentious crowd; and Brazil – a great little bar/cafe situated just back from the Sea Organs.

Published: 28/05/2008

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