Boatmen of Zadar

Darko Mareš (Creative Commons)

For over 800 years, in rain or shine, the boatmen have taken passengers between the two boat docks on either end of the Zadar harbor, from the more modern side of Zadar to the Old Town of Zadar.

The ride is short, approximately 2 minutes long and costs only a few Croatian kuna. The vibe is more akin to a shuttle ride than a Venetian gondola, but it’s an offbeat way to learn about the culture. Customers take the boat to avoid trekking across the Gradski Most bridge to get to the Old Town.

The boatmen play a vital role in the culture of Zadar, providing an important service to the citizens of Zadar as well as unique experience to tourists. The tradition has survived over the past few centuries and into modern times.

Know Before You Go

Directions & Getting There

From the modern Zadar side:
Take Ulica Ivana Meštrovića to Obala Kneza Trpimira, follow signs to the "Boatmen of Zadar (Zadarski Barkajoli)." Walk down the pier to the lighthouse, there you will board the small rowboat at the end of the pier.

From the Old Town of Zadar:
Walk along Liburnska Obala until you see a couple of benches. There will also be a sign that says “Boatmen of Zadar (Barkajoli Zadarski)." Proceed down the steps to the dock when the boat arrives.