The Sea Organ

The Sea Organ in Zadar (Croatian: Morske orgulje) is a one-of-a-kind musical installation on the Old Town waterfront where the Adriatic Sea “plays” the instrument for you. Sit on the broad stone steps, listen as the tones rise and fade with the waves, and if you can, stay through sunset for Zadar’s most memorable, free experience.

If you are building your itinerary, start with our Zadar travel guide and browse more highlights in Zadar attractions.

Sea Organ Zadar at a glance

• What it is: An architectural sound-art instrument played by sea waves and wind-driven air.
• Where: On Zadar’s Old Town waterfront promenade (Riva), built into the seaside steps.
• Designed by: Architect Nikola Bašić (opened to the public in 2005).
• How it’s built: 35 tuned pipes hidden beneath the steps, creating 7 chords of 5 tones.
• Price: Free
• Hours: Always accessible (outdoor public space)
• Time needed: 10–45 minutes (longer at sunset)

What is the Sea Organ in Zadar?

The Sea Organ (Morske orgulje) is a modern landmark on Zadar’s Old Town waterfront: a set of broad stone steps that doubles as an architectural sound-art instrument. Instead of being played by hands, it is “played” by nature—waves and wind-driven air create a continuous, ever-changing mix of tones that you can hear while sitting above the water.

Designed by architect Nikola Bašić and opened in 2005 as part of Zadar’s waterfront renewal, the installation turned a formerly plain seafront into one of the city’s most atmospheric public spaces. It’s completely free to visit, easy to reach on foot from the Old Town, and best enjoyed slowly: find a spot on the steps, listen for a few minutes, and let the sound shift with the sea.

If you’re visiting around sunset, this is also the perfect place to start Zadar’s classic evening stroll, Sea Organ first, then the nearby Greeting to the Sun once it gets dark.

How the Sea Organ works (simple explanation)

The Sea Organ looks like a set of seaside steps, but the “instrument” is hidden underneath. Inside the structure is a network of tuned pipes and resonance chambers. As waves push into openings at the base of the steps, they compress and move air through the system. That air is then released through whistles (labiums) and out through small openings along the upper promenade, creating the organ-like tones you hear.

Because the sea never behaves the same way twice, the music is always changing. The Sea Organ in Zadar uses 35 pipes tuned to produce 7 chords of 5 tones, so even when the sound feels random, it tends to stay surprisingly harmonious.

• What changes the music: Bigger waves and stronger wind usually create louder, more dramatic notes; calm seas produce softer, intermittent tones.
• How to “listen”: Stay for at least a few minutes - the best moments often come in short surges as sets of waves arrive.
• What to look for: Along the top of the steps you will notice small openings in the stone where the sound escapes.

History and design (Nikola Bašić, 2005)

The Sea Organ was created as part of Zadar’s waterfront revival. After large-scale post-war reconstruction, parts of the seafront had become a long, monotonous concrete edge. Architect Nikola Bašić proposed reshaping the shoreline into a public space that interacts with the sea - turning the waterfront steps into an instrument that produces sound naturally.

The installation opened to the public on 15 April 2005 on the western edge of Zadar’s Old Town peninsula. Beneath the stone steps sits a hidden system of tuned pipes and resonance chambers that translate wave-driven air pressure into harmonies. Bašić later designed Zadar’s nearby Greeting to the Sun installation as well, which is why these two sights are often visited together at sunset.

In 2006, the Sea Organ received major international recognition when it won the European Prize for Urban Public Space (fourth edition) as a joint winner, highlighting how a simple, open-access waterfront can become a memorable civic landmark.

Where is the Sea Organ and how to get there

The Sea Organ is on Zadar’s waterfront promenade (Riva) at the western edge of the Old Town peninsula, built into the large stone steps by the sea. It is a short walk from the city’s main sights, and it sits right next to another signature installation, Greeting to the Sun.

If you are planning a walking route, it helps to browse the full list of Zadar attractions and group nearby stops together.

Walk from central Old Town

Zadar Old Town is compact, so walking is the easiest option. From the Roman Forum and St Donatus, head down to the seafront promenade and follow the waterfront toward the northwestern corner of the peninsula until you reach the wide steps where people sit to listen.

By taxi, rideshare, or bus

• Taxi or rideshare: Ask for "Morske orgulje" or "Sea Organ" and get dropped near the Old Town waterfront, then walk the final minute or two along the promenade.
• Bus: Get off near the Old Town (peninsula) area and continue on foot along the seafront promenade to the western end.

By car - parking strategy

Parking near the peninsula waterfront is limited, especially in summer. A reliable approach is to park in paid zones or garages just outside the Old Town and walk in along the promenade.

• Check signs locally: Parking rules and pricing can vary by season and zone, so confirm the current information on-site before leaving your car.
• Best plan in peak season: Arrive earlier in the day or later in the evening and walk to the Sea Organ - the stroll from the edge of the peninsula is short and scenic.

Best time to visit (sunset, crowds, and conditions)

The Sea Organ is always accessible, so you can drop by any time, but your experience will change a lot depending on the light and the sea. Zadar’s waterfront here is at its most atmospheric in the evening, when people gather to sit on the steps and listen as the tones rise and fall with the waves.

• Sunset: The most popular time to visit. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before sunset if you want a good spot on the steps and a calmer listening experience before the biggest crowds arrive.
• Early morning: Quieter and more contemplative, with fewer people and softer ambient noise. Great if you want to focus on the sound.
• After dark: Still worth it, especially if you want a more local feel and fewer tour groups. The promenade stays lively in peak season.
• Sea conditions: On calm days the music tends to be slower and more subtle. When the sea is choppy, the sound can become louder and more intense as more pipes activate.
• Season and crowds: Summer evenings are busiest. For a more relaxed visit, aim for spring or early autumn, or visit outside peak sunset time.

Tip for the full evening experience: plan a slow waterfront walk and keep some time after sunset for nearby installations and night views along the promenade.

Sea Organ + Greeting to the Sun: the classic Zadar sunset plan

The best way to experience this part of Zadar’s waterfront is to treat it as a paired attraction. The Sea Organ gives you sound, and the nearby Greeting to the Sun adds light. They are only a few steps apart on the Old Town promenade, so you can move between them easily as the evening changes.

Start by arriving at the Sea Organ 30 to 60 minutes before sunset to find a comfortable place on the steps and actually hear the tones between the crowds. As the sun drops, stay facing the sea for the views, then walk over to Greeting to the Sun once it gets darker. This solar-powered circle collects energy during the day and becomes a light display at night, so it looks best after sunset when the sky is dim and the patterns stand out.

• Best timing: Sea Organ before sunset, Greeting to the Sun after sunset when it is properly dark.
• Best spots: Sit on the Sea Organ steps for the sound, then stand on the edge of the Greeting to the Sun circle to watch the lights without blocking others.
• Photo tip: If you want a cleaner shot, visit later in the evening when day-trippers have left and the promenade is calmer.

For more ideas nearby, browse our full list of Zadar attractions and build a simple walking loop around the Old Town peninsula.

Nearby things to do within a short walk

The Sea Organ sits on the edge of Zadar Old Town, so it is easy to combine with a few classic sights on a simple walking loop. If you want more ideas, browse the full list of Zadar attractions.

• Greeting to the Sun - Right next to the Sea Organ and best after sunset when the light display stands out.
• Roman Forum - The historic heart of the peninsula, surrounded by Zadar’s most iconic churches and museums.
• Church of St Donatus and the Cathedral of St Anastasia - Step inside for architecture and views, then return to the waterfront for a break.
• Kalelarga - Zadar’s main pedestrian street for a quick stroll, people-watching, cafés, and shops.
• Old Town walls and sea views - Walk the outer edge of the peninsula for the best panorama of islands and evening light.

Easy loop idea: start at the Sea Organ, wander over to Greeting to the Sun, then cut back through the Old Town to the Roman Forum area and finish with a relaxed stroll down Kalelarga.

Practical tips: safety, accessibility, and facilities

The Sea Organ is an open waterfront space, so a little common sense goes a long way. Most visitors simply sit on the steps, listen for a while, and move on, but conditions can change quickly when the sea is rough.

• Safety: The stone steps can be wet and slippery, especially after splash or rain. In windy weather or when waves are high, sit a few rows back from the edge and keep children close.
• Sea spray and comfort: If the sea is choppy, expect occasional spray. Bring a light layer in the evening and avoid placing phones or bags on the lowest steps.
• Accessibility: The promenade around the Sea Organ is on smooth, level stone surfaces and is generally barrier-free, but the stepped seating itself is not wheelchair-friendly. If you want to experience the sound without using the steps, stand or sit along the flat promenade just above them.
• Facilities: There are no dedicated facilities on the steps. For cafés, ice cream, and public toilets, walk a few minutes back into the Old Town where services are concentrated.
• Respect the atmosphere: This is one of Zadar’s most relaxing spots. Keep voices low so everyone can hear the tones, especially on calm days when the sound is subtle.

Guided tours that include the Sea Organ

You do not need a tour to visit the Sea Organ, but a guided experience can add useful context about Zadar Old Town and help you time the sunset waterfront stops better. Many city walks and evening experiences include both the Sea Organ and the nearby Greeting to the Sun, often as the final highlight of the route.

• Old Town walking tours: Best if you want history and storytelling, with an easy route that typically covers the Roman and medieval core, then finishes on the waterfront at the Sea Organ.
• Sunset boat tours: A great alternative in peak season, since you can enjoy the skyline and sunset from the water and avoid the tightest crowds on the steps.
• Short mobility tours: Options like electric cart style rides can be useful if you want to see more of the peninsula with less walking.

Booking tip: if the Sea Organ is a must for you, check the itinerary and look for both "Morske orgulje" and "Greeting to the Sun" listed together. For more self-guided ideas you can mix into a tour day, browse Zadar attractions.

Where to stay in Zadar

If you want to experience the Sea Organ at its best, early morning or after dark when the promenade is calmer, staying on or near the Old Town peninsula makes it easy to walk here whenever the mood strikes. If you prefer quieter evenings, look just outside the Old Town for better value and still quick access on foot.

• Villas in Zadar - The best if you want a truly luxury experience and don't mind the higher price.
• Hotels and accommodation in Zadar - The best base for first-time visitors, especially if you want to be close to the waterfront and Old Town sights.
• Hostels in Zadar - A budget-friendly option with a social vibe, often within easy walking distance of the peninsula.

Tip: If sunset visits are your priority, choose a location that lets you reach the Sea Organ on foot so you can avoid parking and simply wander back after dinner.

Address & contact details

Street: Obala kralja Petra Krešimira IV
Postcode: 23000
City: Zadar

FAQ: Sea Organ Zadar

Is the Sea Organ in Zadar free?

Yes. The Sea Organ is a public waterfront installation and it is free to visit.

Is the Sea Organ open all the time?

Yes. It is outdoors on the promenade, so you can access it any time of day or night.

How long should I spend at the Sea Organ?

Plan 10 to 45 minutes. If you are visiting at sunset or want a quieter listening experience, you may stay longer.

When is the best time to hear the Sea Organ?

Sunset is the most popular for atmosphere, but early morning is best for fewer crowds. The sound is usually stronger when the sea is choppier and more subtle on very calm days.

Is it worth visiting if the sea is calm or in winter?

Yes. On calm days the tones can be softer, but the setting is still beautiful. In winter you often get fewer people and a more peaceful feel, just dress warmly for the waterfront.

Is the Sea Organ safe for kids?

Generally yes, but supervise children closely. The steps can be wet and slippery, and waves can splash higher in windy conditions.

Is the Sea Organ close to Greeting to the Sun?

Yes. They are right next to each other on the Old Town waterfront promenade, which is why they are often visited together at sunset.