The Magical Sunsets of Zadar
There are any number of reasons to recommend Zadar for a holiday, but to sit and watch the sun go down has to be one of the best reasons of all.
Alfred Hitchcock once described the sunsets here as “the most beautiful in the world”. That’s quite a statement to make, especially as there must be so many contenders for the title, but regardless of whether they are or not, they certainly take some beating.
This historical city sits on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, and I’ll be describing it in more detail later, but for now, I’m just going to introduce you to the ‘Magical Sunsets of Zadar’.
It might not be easy to ignore the charms of the old city on the way, but you’ll want to head towards the quay named after King Petar Kresimir IV well before sunset.
The Adriatic Sea laps the quayside where a local architect named Nicola Basic created what’s known as the ‘Sea Organ’. The clever design has created a combination of practicality with, what I can best describe as an art installation. Steps lead down to the water where people are encouraged to sit and listen to the supposedly soothing sounds that are created when the waves push air up through underwater pipes into holes in the marble steps. The state of the sea decides how the sounds are made; It’s quite ingenious and an ideal place to sit and meditate, although I wouldn’t necessarily call the sounds particularly harmonious.
The same steps are used by people waiting for the sun to go down.
…and it’s worth waiting for
I’m always surprised by how many people see the sun go down and then disappear: Personally, I love the twilight period almost as much as the sunset itself.
Not everyone disappears after a Zadar sunset though because there’s another attraction that keeps people hanging around called ‘Greeting to the Sun’. Set into the floor at the tip of the peninsula next to the Sea Organ, the installation consists of a circular disc of solar-powered tiles that changes into a multi-coloured area of lights as soon as the sun goes down. This hypnotic disc of colour represents the sun and changes colour as people walk over it: Nearby are smaller circles representing the planets that orbit around it. Even if the Sea Organ didn’t capture your imagination, this definitely will.
Now tell me that the sunsets at Zadar aren’t magical!
Originally posted 2020-10-04 08:18:22.
This is quite a post. having seen a few sunsets in diff places, I have to say, this one is certainly something.
Like us, you probably get better sunrises than sunsets. Would that be right?
When we lifted on the other side of Tay we got the most fabulous sunsets over the river. On this side it is sunrises.
That makes sense
Zadar area is magic with the islands just offshore. I did my open water dive certification in nearby Biograd na Maru with similar sunsets. But I seem to remember sunrises better. Must have been because of the Dutch divers I was thrown in with :-0!
The islands are also magical as you say. Not being a diver myself, I can only imagine how good it must be to see what’s underneath that beautiful Adriatic Sea. Thanks for passing by.
I’m a sucker for a good sunset and these certainly seem pretty special. The way the people gather here to watch reminded me of our time in Key West – there too (at least back then) both locals and visitors head to the same spot to watch the sun go down and applaud it when it finally sinks beneath the horizon 🙂
I’m not sure I’ve ever applauded, but I can see why would 🙂
You certainly have a passion for sunsets Malc….I guess who doesn’t. Some fine examples here.
I love a perfect end to the day Albert, and it’s even better with a glass of something to wash it all down with 🙂
My thoughts exactly. I keep a reasonable stock of wine at home (I am not pretentious enough to call it a cellar – it’s just cheaper to buy by the case) but I went to get a white the other day for dinner and I was completely out. The only thing that could have been worse was if I had run out of red.
LOL. I don’t think I’ve ever made the mistake of running out. I’ve had a good try mind you 🙂
Have never visited this part of Croatia, but am very glad you have posted about it. Croatia is beautiful, but for those of us who have yet to visit Zadar, you’ve brought its seaside charms to life. Lovely photos too, Malcolm.
Thanks for stopping by again Sylvia. I’d love to see more of Croatia – if ever I get another chance.
Well, I certainly won’t argue with you there, Malc! The sunsets of Zadar are indeed magical. How lovely that people gather to watch the sun go down, as though seated in a theatre for a show. And what a spectacular show of nature it is. The second act looks pretty magical too with the Greeting to the Sun. It all looks stunning, and wonderfully therapeutic, and it makes me want to be there. 🙂
It is indeed a fabulous spot to see the sun go down Alli, and there’s more to Zadar than that. I do think you would like it here – and I wouldn’t mind being there again now either 🙂
It does look a very special place. 🙂
Lovely. Did you know that before WW2, Zadar was an Italian enclave called ‘Zara’? It was an Italian town and is neighbourhood attached to The Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
No I didn’t Adam. Thanks for that little gem.