Zadar and Northern Dalmatia Feature

Unless you stop at Paklenica National Park, head straight for Zadar and work outward from there, depending on how much time you have. It's easier to take day trips to visit the closer parts of the Zadar archipelago, as well as Nin. To see the farther reaches of the archipelago, stay over in Sali. Keep Benkovac and environs in mind if you have some time to spare and might appreciate a look at the relatively tourist-free interior, including the ruins of the ancient city of Asseria.

If You Have 3 Days

Plan on two nights in Zadar with excursions to the city of Nin and also to Ugljan Island, which is in the Zadar archipelago. For your final day and night, go either to Sali to see Telascica Nature Park or, if you're hankering for mountains, spend one night in Starigrad and see Paklevica National Park (unless you've already stopped there on the way south or might do so on your return north).

If You Have 5 Days

Spend your first three days as outlined in the three-day itinerary, but spend the third night in Zadar. Then spend one night in Starigrad or environs to devote some quality time to Paklevica National Park, and do a loop that includes a night on Pag Island, too.

If You Have 7 Days

Follow the itinerary above, adding a trip to Murter and perhaps inland, to Benkovac or, if you have a car, to the nearby ruins of the ancient city of Asseria.