Today the streets on the peninsula are largely free of traffic, ideal for strolling, contemplating the architecture and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the numerous cafes.

The climate of the region is mild Mediterranean, averaging nearly 200 sunny days per year. There are several hundred vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards within the area and Zadar's renowned Maraschino liqueur is distilled from a special type of Morello cherries, unique to the region.

The Zadar coastline with around 300 islands and islets offers great sailing, fishing and scuba diving opportunities.

There are four national parks bordering the region! Kornati archipelago is situated just to the south and consists of almost two hundred mostly uninhabited islands. Its beauty can be best described by the famous quote from George Bernard Shaw: "On the last day of the Creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath."

On the other side, the Paklenica National Park, less than an hour's drive from Zadar and nestling in a deep gorge of the imposing Velebit mountain, is a renowned hiking, trekking and rock-climbing destination. The mountain is stunningly beautiful and provides a habitat for diverse plant and animal life, including bears and wolves!

The National Park of Krka is situated just over an hour's drive from Zadar. The river that gives it its name runs through a canyon towards the sea, and on its way it forms lakes, waterfalls and rapids. A 15th century Franciscan monastery lies on a small island situated between two beautiful waterfalls.

The sixteen lakes of Plitvice National Park of are connected by numerous small streams and brooks that spill into each other in foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls. An amazing natural phenomenon and no more than 4000 years old, Plitvice is a protected UNESCO world natural heritage site. Its thick forests of beech, fir and pine make it a perfect place for wildlife, including wolves, bears and many bird species.

Only a short drive away from our properties, the small town of Nin has a very large place in Croatian history. As the oldest Croatian royal town, as well as an ancient Liburnian and Roman settlement, Nin has provided many important archaeological finds, some of which are today displayed in its archaeological museum. The town itself is situated on a small island in the middle of a shallow lagoon, laced with long sandy beaches that are ideal for small children. The nearby natural pool of dark thermal mud (peloid) has long been used for therapeutic purposes, and has been proven especially effective in relief of some forms of arthritis.

Driving further along the Dalmatian coast one comes across the historic towns of Sibenik, Trogir and Split. With the estimated driving time from our properties of just between one and two hours, all three places make suitable day-trip destinations worth exploring.