Hire Car Zadar Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Discover Zadar by Hire Car

When the words “Porta Terraferma”, “Marina Borik” and “Zara” are mentioned, the Croatian port city of Zadar is no doubt meant.

In it, the ostentatious relics of Venetian rule combine with the carefree lifestyle of the local inhabitants.

But what exactly is it that makes Zadar so fascinating? Probably it is the diversity of the city. Here you can take a relaxed stroll through the picturesque old town, and then soak up the sun on one of the surrounding beaches.

Numerous churches and museums attract those interested in culture, and the town’s innkeepers serve up the best Croatian cuisine.

But not only Zadar, also the surrounding area is worth discovering. This can be done easily by hire car. We have put together a few tips for renting and travelling.

Taking over the hire car

Numerous hire car agencies are located in a dedicated hire car center you’ll find across from the right exit of the terminal. Just make sure before booking that your rental company is also located there. Some providers have their station only near the airport. And then you may have to wait longer for a shuttle before you can pick up your hire car.

Booking the right hire car

Narrow country roads and turbulent traffic in the cities make it advisable to book a smaller car. This will allow you to get around easily everywhere and park your car in tight spaces.

Hire car prices

In Zadar, you can often get a hire car at surprisingly cheap rates. However, if the price for the hire car is very low, you should carefully study the rental conditions. Often hidden there costs, which ultimately make the rental of the vehicle more expensive than if you had gone straight to an offer with a higher price.

hire car price comparison Zadar

Insurance

In Croatia, a sporty driving style is often cultivated. A small accident can happen quickly. Protect yourself and book a car with fully comprehensive insurance without deductible. With the liability you should absolutely pay attention to the sum insured. It should be at least one million euros. Because if people are injured in an accident or a pile-up occurs, it quickly becomes very expensive. If the liability of your rental company seems to be too low, you have the possibility to take out a so-called Mallorca policy for further protection. You can find more information about insurance in our special

Tank control

Some rental companies will give you the hire car with a half-empty tank. In this case, you must return the car with the same level. To avoid arguments about the correct fuel level when returning the car, we recommend renting from a rental company where you receive the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank.

age limit

Some rental companies do not rent cars to seniors who are over 75. In some cases, a fee is charged to drivers who are over 70. And younger drivers under 21 often pay an additional fee as well. Check your rental company’s terms and conditions before booking. You’ll find them under the rental terms and conditions.

Accessories

If you’re traveling with children, child seats in hire cars are mandatory. And a navigation device can make the trip much easier. To make sure that the desired accessories are really available on the day of the vehicle handover, you should order the items in good time.

Language barrier

Even though many of the staff at rental stations speak good English, you may run into an employee with whom you can’t communicate. Before you travel, make a note of the phone number for your rental company’s Croatian office so you can ask for translation help if you need it.

Free kilometers

If you want to see a lot of the country and its people, you should book a hire car with all the miles free.

border rides

Some rental companies charge additional fees when you leave Croatia with your hire car. See the rental terms and conditions for your provider’s terms and conditions.

Bail

Try to find out what your hire car company’s deposit policy is before booking. This is because some rental companies actually charge the amount to your credit card. In this case, you may have to wait longer for the refund after returning the vehicle. It is better to book directly with a rental company that only blocks the amount and releases it immediately after returning the car.

Customer Review Hire Car

There are always complaints about long waiting times for vehicle pick-up and drop-off. Be sure to plan an appropriate time slot so you don’t miss your plane on the last day of your vacation. It also happens from time to time that rental companies try to make renters liable for damage to the vehicle that they did not cause. On the day the vehicle is handed over, examine the hire car carefully and have any defects, such as dents or scratches, confirmed in a defect report.

Safety Hire Car

In Croatia, it is quite possible that hire cars are not perfectly maintained. Be sure to check that the car’s lights are working perfectly before your first drive. Don’t forget the brake light and turn signals either. And do a little brake test while still in your rental company’s parking lot. You should also check the tread of the tyres. And test the tire pressure at the first gas station you pass

Sights in Zadar

Lively markets
Your stroll around town could begin at the fish market. There, early in the morning, local fishermen sell the sea creatures they pulled out of the Adriatic shortly before. And directly adjacent to the fish market is Zadar’s general market, where locals can purchase the other ingredients for fish dishes.

Sv. Krševan and Sv. Donat: journey into the past
After visiting the market, the Romanesque church of Sv. Krševan is a worthwhile destination. It dates back to the 12th century and is considered a prime example of Romanesque architectural style. Inside, you will feel transported back in time to the Middle Ages.

You can travel even further back in time if you then visit the Church of St. Donat. The structure was built in the early 9th century, so it dates back to pre-Romanesque times. Since the church has excellent acoustics, concerts are held there regularly. Check with the tourist information office for dates.

Sea Organ: The Sea Makes the Music
The last stop on a first city tour could be the sea organ at the harbour. It is powered by the waves, which bring air into the organ pipes, making the instrument sound. A real feast for the ears.

Suggestion of a round trip

Biograd na Moru: Enjoy the beach life

Biograd na Moru could be the first destination of a hire car trip from Zadar. In a good half hour they are there. In Biograd na Moru you can enjoy the sea to your heart’s content. Modern beach resorts leave nothing to be desired. And in the relaxed little town it is wonderful to stroll.

Vransko Jezerzo: Experience nature
Continue your journey to Vransko Jezerzo. You will need three quarters of an hour for the drive. The village is located on the 12 kilometre long lake of the same name. In the nearby nature reserve you can observe countless bird species, such as herons, and take long walks.

Betina: Tranquil Village Life
Before you head back to Zadar in your hire car, you should take a look at Betina. The village is located on the island of Murter, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. In Betina you can still enjoy unspoilt Croatian village life and stroll along the cobblestone streets of the village, which are lined with flower-adorned cottages. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to dine at the good Stari Mrlin restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious Croatian specialties. For the drive back to Zadar you will now need a good hour. Once there, you can plan the next trip with the hire car at your leisure.

Conclusion

Zadar is ideally suited as a location for a hire car trip. The airport is close by, the town has a lot to offer and there are plenty of interesting destinations in the surrounding area that are best reached by hire car. With our practical price comparison you will always find a car that suits you at a reasonable price.