Location

Zadar

 

 

Located on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, Zadar is a historic coastal city known for its rich cultural heritage, Mediterranean atmosphere and vibrant student and sporting life.

 

With more than 3,000 years of history, Zadar combines ancient landmarks, medieval streets and modern city life. The historic centre is located on a peninsula surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and is home to some of the city’s most recognisable sights, including the Roman Forum, Church of St. Donatus, Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun.

 

Photo by Zadar Tourist Board

 

 

A city of tradition, university and basketball

Zadar has a long academic tradition dating back to 1396, with the establishment of the Dominican University Studium Generale, later known as Universitas Jadertina. Today, the city is home to the University of Zadar, one of the oldest universities in Europe and the largest fully integrated university in Croatia.

 

A lively university city with a strong connection to sport, Zadar provides a natural setting for the European Universities Basketball Championship. Its seaside location, sporting facilities and welcoming atmosphere offer an excellent environment for an international university sports event.

 

But Zadar’s connection with basketball goes far beyond its sporting facilities. The city has a long and rich basketball tradition spanning almost 100 years. The story began in 1929, when a group of students from Zadar played the first public basketball game in Croatia. Since then, basketball has become deeply rooted in the city’s identity. In Zadar, basketball is not just a sport – it is a tradition, a passion and a way of life. There is even a famous saying in the city: “God created man, and Zadar created basketball.”

With its strong university tradition, deep-rooted basketball culture and unique Mediterranean atmosphere, Zadar is the perfect stage for the European Universities Basketball Championship 2027.

 

Photo by Zadar Tourist Board

 

Beyond the competition, participants will have the opportunity to explore Zadar’s historic old town, enjoy its waterfront and discover the surrounding Adriatic coast and islands.

 

A city of champions

Zadar has a long and proud sporting tradition and has produced and inspired some of Croatia’s most successful athletes.

 

The city is particularly renowned for its basketball tradition. Legendary players such as Giuseppe “Pino” Giergia became symbols of Zadar and its deep connection with the sport, while Krešimir Ćosić, although born in Zagreb, became one of the greatest figures in the history of Zadar basketball. Together, Ćosić and Giergia formed one of the most iconic duos in the history of KK Zadar and helped establish the city’s legendary basketball tradition.

 

Photo by: Index.hr

 

Zadar has also produced world-class athletes in other sports. Luka Modrić, one of the greatest footballers of his generation and the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, was born in Zadar and grew up in the city. Dominik Livaković, one of Croatia’s leading international goalkeepers, was also born in Zadar.

 

The city is also home to Olympic and world-class sailing talent Šime and Mihovil Fantela, further highlighting Zadar’s strong sporting heritage.

 

With such a rich sporting history and a special connection to basketball, Zadar is a natural host for the European Universities Basketball Championship 2027.

 

 

Croatia

General useful information

• Population: 3,874,993 (2025)
• Area: 56,594 km² (land) and 31,067 km² (sea)
• Administrative division: 21 counties, 127 towns and 429 municipalities
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Language: Croatian
• Time zone: Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST) in July
• Country code: +385
• Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz
• Outlets: Continental European two-pin type

 

 

Culture & nature

Croatia is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes, including:

• 8 national parks and 12 nature parks
• More than 1,000 islands, islets and reefs
• A long and diverse Adriatic coastline
• Numerous protected cultural monuments and historic sites

 

Zadar region is particularly well known for its islands, national parks, beaches and natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination to explore before or after the championship.

 

Weather

Croatia has a Mediterranean climate along the Adriatic coast, with warm and sunny summers. July in Zadar is typically hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine.

Sun protection is recommended, especially during outdoor activities and competitions.

 

Important telephone numbers

• Country code: +385
• Emergency number (all services): 112
• Ambulance: 194
• Fire Department: 193
• Police: 192
• Maritime Search and Rescue: 195
• Roadside Assistance: 1987

 

Visa information

Visa requirements depend on the participant's nationality.

Participants who require a visa to enter Croatia should check the applicable requirements and begin the application process well in advance.

More information is available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia - HERE.