Novigrad on the Dalmatia Coast – A Piece of Croatia Heaven

Croatia has been glorious-it is so beautiful, and I want to go back as often as I can

Emilia Clarke, actress on Game of Thrones

Located in Zadar County along the Dalmatia Coast, this medieval village will capture your heart.

As we turned right to descend into the town of Novigrad, at first glance, the small fishing village took our breath away. The quaint town and small harbor sit at the base of a sapphire bay as the mountain rises high above it. The Novigrad Castle ruins rest at the top of the hill, seemingly keeping watch over the town’s residents. It is easy to comprehend why many consider it one of the most romantic spots on the Adriatic coast. Picture-perfect Novigrad, nestled in the heart of Dalmatia, with its narrow, cobblestone streets, lovely Dalmatian houses, medieval churches, and a small fishing port, beckons you to explore its world.

First, some facts on Novigrad

The historic little town on the southern side of the Novigrad Sea is situated in a narrow bay. The sea is abundant in fish and shellfish, which is why Novigrad fishermen have been here since Medieval times.

Novigrad has quite a history for a place so small. It is believed to date back to the Bronze Age. The Romans occupied the area during the fall of their empire in 476. The Ostrogoths then controlled it until it came under Croatian rule, which recognized its strategic significance. Novigrad Castle was built in 1220 and named Castrum Novum or Novigrad, which translates to “The New Castle.” Fortification walls were added, and nine defensive towers surrounded the Castle. Sadly, little of that remains today as the walls were removed in the 19th century.

The Castle played a significant role in the 14th century, serving as a prison for the Hungarian Queen Elisabeth. In 1386, the Hungarian and Croatian sovereign Mary and her mother, Elizabeth of Bosnia, were held prisoner in Novigrad. Elizabeth was strangled by her captors the following year, but Mary was liberated. This led to a fierce civil war between Croatia and Hungary.

The Battles Continued

Novigrad was part of the Republic of Venice in 1409. Venetian rule was briefly lost by Ottoman occupation between 1646 and 1647. This was unique among the many towns and cities on the Dalmatian Coast. Most of these towns were under Turkish rule for many long years. On the other hand, Novigrad was held by the Turks only briefly, allowing the locals to return. The Venetians reclaimed it and stayed in control until the fall of the Venetian Empire in 1797.

Jump forward to recent times. In the 1990s, Novigrad was bombed during the Croatian War of Independence. Several buildings in the historic district were damaged. Many homes have been repaired, but some remain damaged due to insufficient funds.

Take Note

There are two Novigrads in Croatia, one in Istria and one near Zadar. When searching for Novigrad, enter Novigrad Zadar. The town resides within Zadar County.

Where is Novigrad?

The town sits in one of the most indented bays along the Adriatic Coast. During our two-week stay in Croatia, Novigrad was a day trip from Zadar. It is near the A1 Speedway, about 35 minutes from Zadar and 90 minutes from Split.

Novigrad, Zadar County, Croatia Map

For more inspiration and to explore other parts of Croatia, check out our Croatia Travel Guide. It will help you plan your dream trip.

It Was Love at First Sight

First, it was the view that captured our hearts as we descended into the town. The magic did not end there. One of our first sights in town was an elderly gentleman walking toward the church to ring the church bell on the hour. He pulled on an old rope as the church bell echoed through the town and hills. We wondered if he did this every hour or if the residents took turns. The little white church next to where he rang the bells was delightful.

A short distance from the church, some of th residents were chatting over coffee, a woman was walking home from the market, fishermen were bringing their boats in, and a father and young son were fishing in the harbor. It almost felt too idyllic to be real.

The town’s well-preserved medieval core transports you back in time. Wandering these ancient streets was captivating. Only the rare locals were walking about during our visit, so we had the streets to ourselves to photograph Novigrad’s unique personality and features.

Visiting Novigrad Castle

The castle ruins sit high above the town. The path to get up there was pretty rough and not maintained. It would be a breeze for seasoned hikers, but challenging for some less able-bodied people. As a result, Ryan did the trek on his own with the camera. He had the Castle all to himself, and the views were stunning on this gorgeous day.

Resort Feel Without the Stuffiness

There is more to this area than its medieval roots. Novigrad offers a resort-type feel with its pebble-covered beaches and isolated coves. Around the corner from the main town is Karinsko More, a beautiful lake with lovely sand beaches and shallow water ideal for families with young children. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the gentle breeze, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the soothing sound of waves, where you can escape the chaos of life and relax.

Activities can be as simple as sunbathing on the beach, beachcombing, or playing in the gentle surf. We can honestly say that to this day, we have never seen more transparent waters than in Croatia.

With Novigrad Harbor right there, you can charter a boat or go fishing. You can also visit one of the nearby islands.

Some of these pics (2, 3,& 5) are from Adobe Stock Licensed purchased

The stunning landscape is perfect for visiting nearby nature parks or taking peaceful walks.

Looking for more exciting adventures? The area offers a range of outdoor activities, including cycling, rock climbing, caving, water sports, kite surfing, and diving. Super brave? There is even bungee jumping off the Maslenica Bridge.

Where to go on your next overseas adventures? Check out our Country Travel Guides

Other Places to Visit near Novigrad

Zadar will be one of the most memorable visits of a lifetime. There are so many things to do in Zadar. This great city has a unique and fascinating story. This 3,000-year-old settlement’s rich and turbulent history earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2017. It is known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. It also became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire. Zadar retained its capital status in Croatia until the end of World War I. We enjoyed our visit so much that we wrote an article on Zadar. Check it out here.

Sibenik is a historic city with two UNESCO World Heritage sites, lovely beaches, stunning scenery, impressive castles, cultural events, and attractions. It is well-known to Game of Thrones fans. The city is on Croatia’s central Adriatic Coast, in a picturesque, indented bay where the Krka River, one of Croatia’s most beautiful karst rivers, empties into the sea. Šibenik and Knin County have 242 islands, islets, and above-sea reefs. The most numerous group of islands is the Kornati, known for their remarkable beauty.

Split is best experienced by walking through this ancient city. It is like traveling through time, with numerous historical sights that will impress you. But there is also the modern, vibrant city of Split. You will enjoy outstanding architecture, museums, bustling nightlife, festivals, and exhibitions. The parks are exceptional, such as the green space at Marjan Forest Park, which offers stunning views. Need more choices? Split had lovely beaches, hiking, boating, and lots more.

Exploring Croatia Coastline from the Water

One of the most popular ways to explore the stunning Croatian coastline is by embarking on a sailing cruise. Seeing Croatia from the water offers an immersive experience, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating historical sights of the Dalmatian coast. As you sail from one idyllic island to another, you’ll discover charming coastal towns, enjoy crystal-clear waters, and savor delectable local cuisine. Some fantastic all-inclusive cruises around Croatia make for an unforgettable maritime adventure in this enchanting region.

Where to Stay in Novigrad

Many travelers come to Novigrad for its beauty and laid-back ambiance. Our visit was a short day trip, but there are many accommodation options, including private apartments, villas, holiday homes, rooms for rent, and a limited number of hotels. It would make for a relaxing vacation amongst stunning scenery. You will feel welcomed into this intimate and precious world, where life seems simpler. The two links below will help start your search. It is essential to regularly check recent reviews.

When planning a trip, it’s always wise to compare accommodation prices across different platforms. Expedia, based in the U.S., and Booking.com, based in Europe, don’t always feature the same properties, so checking both can give you the best range of options. We prefer Booking.com for its user-friendly interface and wide selection, but we always recommend double-checking the hotel or vacation rental’s official website. Sometimes, you’ll find exclusive deals or perks when booking directly.

Click the link below to explore hotels and vacation homes in the area you are planning to visit. Who knows? It might be just the spark you need to start planning your next grand adventure.

Key Takeaways

Croatia is one of our favorite countries in the world, and gems like Novigrad have repeatedly impressed us. To learn more about Croatia, check out our blog post, Croatia: Discovering the Adriatic Paradise.

On our way out, we stopped several times to take pictures of the town. We were no less taken aback on our way out. Novigrad was breathtaking and perfect. We hope to return here one day and stay overnight to experience this hidden wonder on the Croatian Dalmatian Coast.

© 2026 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

Check out the Official Tourism Website for Croatia

Novigrad Photo Gallery

Want to learn how we earn our free travel? Check out Want to travel for free? Let us show you how

Our Top Recommended Travel Products

Travel Insurance

Squaremouth.com
Our Favorite Travel Insurance Site!

We strongly advocate comprehensive travel insurance, not only for minor inconveniences but also for major, unexpected events such as medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to resource is Squaremouth.com. which offers a user-friendly platform that connects you with top-rated, reputable insurance carriers. Plus, they’ll mediate on your behalf if you run into any issues.

To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.

buy now

MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

Medjet is a leading provider of global air medical transport. Unlike traditional travel insurance, which typically covers medical evacuation to the nearest facility, Medjet goes further by ensuring you’re transported back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you’re stable enough to fly. Medjet offers membership plans that focus on medical transport, while Medjet Horizon provides expanded coverage for broader protection. Individual trip policies start at just $99, and annual policies are available for around $300. Most policies have an age limit of 74.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Buy now

Accommodations and Airfare

Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours 

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.

Book now

Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours 

Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

Book now

Transportation

Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service

Daytrip provides an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers worldwide, and we absolutely love their service. It’s a cost-effective alternative to renting a car, offering comfortable, stress-free travel with the added benefit of scenic stops along the way. For example, we used Daytrip for travel between Budapest and Vienna, enjoying some fantastic detours to local attractions. With professional drivers and customizable routes, Daytrip ensures a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and unique sights along your journey.

To learn more about Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Book now

Travel Experiences

Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences

Viator believes that travel is all about creating unforgettable memories. With over 300,000 experiences to choose from—ranging from simple tours to extreme adventures, plus a wide array of unique, niche activities—it’s never been easier to make lasting memories. We frequently use Viator during our travels and especially appreciate its flexible cancellation policy, which provides peace of mind with every booking.

Explore now

Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas

GigSky International eSIM Data Plans
Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks.

GigSky eSIM effortlessly connects travelers worldwide, eliminating the need to swap physical SIM cards or face unexpected roaming charges. With affordable data plans and instant activation, you can enjoy reliable internet access in over 190 countries, making your travel experience more convenient than ever. Plus, they offer a fantastic deal: a free 100 MB data plan with no credit card required. They are so confident that you will love their service!

Enjoy 10% off all GigSky Plans (except cruise and inflight) with our discount code WCOMPASS10.

To learn more about how GigSky works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.

SHOP NOW

Shopping

Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves

Amazon is one of the world’s most comprehensive online shopping platforms, offering lower prices, a wide selection, and fast delivery through its global fulfillment network.

Shop now

This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Croatia is full of charming small towns. Check out our article on Hum, Croatia, the smallest city in the world.