For a more leisurely hike, head for the sea. The Punta Bajlo and Kolovare trails offer gentle walks along the shimmering waters of the Adriatic, with the scent of pine trees and the sound of waves a serene backdrop – ideal for families or a sunset stroll. Or for an island adventure, hop on a ferry – boats leave from the harbour headed for the Zadarian archipelago off the city’s coast.

Dugi Otok, which simply means Long Island, is an hour’s beautiful ferry ride from Zadar. When you’ve hopped off the boat in the pretty main port of Sali, it’s easy to explore on foot on forested hiking trails and sunny clifftop walks. The island rises steeply out of the Adriatic with dramatic tall cliffs you can hike above or kayak below, and in the island’s centre, rock-strewn fields of grapes and olives lead to the shores of the deep green Mir Salt Lake for a cooling post-hike dip.

All these hard days of trekking should reap some reward – and back on the mainland in lush green countryside outside of the city you can go on vineyard-hopping walks. Plan a walk between wineries to taste local specialties such as the dazzlingly gold Pošip wine made here – perfect paired with Pag cheese and Croatia’s famed prosciutto while you toast the sunset.