A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Zadar for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Aegina or Zadar?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aegina or Zadar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a relaxing, vibrant, and fun island. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Aegina and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zadar. Although Aegina and Zadar are both popular with visitors, Zadar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zadar is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is known for its museums, nightlife, and small town charm. Aegina is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Aegina different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zadar and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Zadar?

Aegina is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Aegina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

Is the Food Better in Aegina or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Zadar is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Aegina is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Aegina offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zadar. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great destination for its resorts. However, Aegina is not a resort destination.

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Aegina is not a resort destination.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great destination for the beach. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Many people head to Aegina to enjoy the beach. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Zadar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zadar and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Zadar. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Zadar.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Zadar offers lots of family activities. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a great destination for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Zadar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zadar is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a great destination for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Aegina is not popular with students.

Is Aegina or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aegina and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

While Zadar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Aegina or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aegina or Zadar to fill your time. In our opinion, Zadar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zadar than Aegina. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Aegina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zadar, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zadar that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Aegina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Zadar.

One day in Aegina or Zadar?

In Aegina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Zadar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Zadar?

Aegina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aegina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Aegina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal destination of Zadar. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Aegina and Zadar, we can see that Aegina is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aegina Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Zadar, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aegina or Zadar?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aegina or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Zadar. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aegina or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Zadar. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Aegina is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the autumn, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Aegina is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Zadar. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aegina or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Aegina during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aegina in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the spring, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Aegina