National Geographic award for iconic Zadar sunset

What defines the essence of a city? Its people, streets, landmarks, or way of life? In Zadar, many would say it is the waterfront — the riva, with its famous Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun installations.

Every evening, thousands of visitors gather there to applaud the city’s unforgettable sunsets, where the heat of the day melts into the cool embrace of the sea.

Yet, just a little further along the coast lies another spot that captures the soul of Zadar — the legendary diving board at Kolovare Beach.

For nearly 70 years, this sturdy concrete platform has stood firm through sun and storm, witnessing generations of Zadrans dive, swim, fall in love, and celebrate summer.

The Kolovare diving board is more than just a local landmark — it’s part of Zadar’s DNA. Around it, stories have unfolded for decades: first swims, first kisses, laughter and youthful freedom.

Today, parents and grandparents watch their children relive the same joy, their memories intertwined with the timeless rhythm of the sea.

It was this deep connection between Zadar’s people, sea and sun that inspired photographer Darko Kešnjer from Vukovar.

His striking image of the sunset at Kolovare has earned him the National Geographic Award for Croatia.

The photograph captures the final breath of a summer’s day — the sun sinking behind the diving board as a young swimmer leaps into the glowing sea. In that moment, strength and serenity, permanence and playfulness, come together — the very spirit of Zadar itself.

The award-winning photo (Photo: Darko Kešnjer)

“The perfect photo is born out of love for what you do,” says Kešnjer. “I discovered mine about five years ago when I decided to dedicate myself entirely to photography. Every photo demands patience, calm and an open heart. It’s about waiting for that fleeting moment — the one that might never return.”

Kešnjer, who divides his time between Vukovar and Zadar, finds endless inspiration in the city’s narrow lanes, salty air and its world-famous sunsets.

“I’ve captured countless sunsets at Kolovare,” he explains. “When I entered the National Geographic competition, I had quiet hopes my photo might stand out — but never expected to win. This award means a lot, especially because it was chosen by readers themselves.”

Kešnjer’s winning image quickly went viral, gathering tens of thousands of likes within days. For him, the choice of location was clear — Kolovare’s diving board remains one of Zadar’s most beloved yet understated symbols.

Darko Kešnjer (Photo: Zadar TZ)

“Although famous among locals, the diving board is still a hidden gem for many visitors,” he adds. “I hope this photograph helps it find its place in the history of this great city — alongside its most beautiful monuments.”

As the Kolovare diving board approaches its 70th anniversary, it continues to stand proud — a symbol of Zadar’s enduring charm, its spirit of youth, and its love affair with the setting sun. Thanks to Kešnjer’s lens, the world now sees what Zadrans have known all along: few sunsets on Earth can rival the one that graces Zadar’s shores.