Zadar is one of eight cities in the category for destinations with 25,000 to 100,000 residents. The winners will be announced only after presentations in Brussels on 18 and 19 November.
The shortlist is an achievement, but not yet a title
On 8 September, the European Commission announced Zadar as one of eight finalists in the second size category. European destinations with 25,000 to 100,000 residents compete in this category.
The selection confirms that Zadar’s application passed the first assessment stage. It does not make the city the winner or the already confirmed European Capital of Tourism 2027.
Seven other cities are in the same final
Calais, Calvià, Geestland, Ibiza, Nova Gorica, Sandanski and Selçuk were selected alongside Zadar. The category and the parallel format for larger cities received a total of 40 applications from 17 countries.
The eight names do not form a ranking. The Commission has published neither interim standings nor scores. Their order in the announcement does not indicate a favourite.
Four areas will determine the assessment
The jury considers sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and cultural heritage, creativity and local talent. It is looking not merely for an attractive old town, but for a transferable plan for contemporary tourism.
For Zadar, that means presenting visitor management, access, digital services and local identity as a coherent concept. The Commission’s announcement does not say which specific projects the city will present in Brussels.
The competition has a new umbrella name for 2027
European Capitals of Tourism is the new umbrella name for two established EU competitions. The category for smaller destinations continues the former Green Pioneer format, while a larger European Smart Tourism destination is selected in parallel.
According to the Commission, the new joint brand does not change the rules or prizes. The plural in the name therefore does not mean that every finalist automatically receives a title.
Brussels is the next decisive stage
The finalists will present their applications to a European jury in Brussels on 18 and 19 November 2026. Only after that will the winners for 2027 be announced.
Until then, statements such as ‘Zadar wins’ or ‘Zadar is a tourism capital’ are premature. The finalist status, category, criteria and jury date are confirmed—the result is not.
Nothing changes for travellers today
The nomination creates no new admission ticket, discount or immediate traffic rule. Sights, timetables and visiting conditions in Zadar are initially unaffected by the shortlist.
If Zadar wins, greater visibility, exchanges and a programme year would follow. Before the jury’s decision, it is not possible to promise responsibly which specific measures would result.
Why the application still matters
Zadar is now part of a European comparison that asks for more than growing visitor numbers. The criteria focus on how tourism can work better for residents, people with disabilities, local culture and the environment.
That is how the value of any award should ultimately be measured. The title would be a signal; what matters would be whether the announced solutions become visible and verifiable in the city’s everyday life.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
Time-sensitive information may change. Please check the linked primary source before travelling.
