The Zadar County hinterland, known for its coastal attractions, holds a wealth of untapped tourism potential in its inland areas such as Bukovica, Ravni Kotari, and the Lika-Pounje region. These parts of the region face long-standing issues of depopulation, emigration, and the decline of traditional agricultural activities. The aim of this paper is to analyze how rural tourism can revitalize the Zadar hinterland, the advantages it offers, and the key aspects to focus on when creating a quality tourism product. The revitalization of these rural areas can be achieved through the development of selective tourism that promotes authentic experiences, local culture, tradition, and indigenous products. Emphasis is placed on the importance of agricultural production, natural resources, and encouraging visitors to stay in an authentic rural environment. Rural tourism can halt depopulation, improve social stability, and provide local residents with the opportunity to preserve their land, culture, and agricultural resources. Additionally, this form of tourism can drive revitalization through the diversification of the tourism offering, including stays on rural estates, outdoor activities, gastronomy, and close interaction with the local population. By investing in infrastructure, educating the population, and supporting small farms and traditional crafts, rural tourism can become a key driver of economic development and cultural heritage preservation. The paper concludes that the Zadar hinterland has significant potential for the development of rural tourism, which would contribute to the preservation of natural beauty, cultural identity, and long-term sustainability of these areas for future generations.