A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Zadar for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Alicante or Zadar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant, cultural, and colorful city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Zadar?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zadar than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zadar is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is more popular for its museums. Alicante is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting. Also, Zadar is famous for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Alicante different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante 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.

Alicante offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

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 Alicante or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Alicante and Zadar.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Alicante. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Zadar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Alicante or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Alicante and Zadar.

Alicante has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Zadar has a few options to choose from. 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 Alicante or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zadar. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Zadar. 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.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alicante or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for the beache. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Alicante has a beach worth visiting. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Is Alicante or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is well known for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Zadar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zadar and Alicante.

Alicante offers some nice shopping areas. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Zadar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Alicante or Zadar Better for Families?

Alicante is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Alicante is a very kid-friendly city. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Zadar is a family-friendly city. 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 Alicante or Zadar Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Zadar are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Zadar is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Alicante or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is well known for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Alicante or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Zadar is very popular with students. 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.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Is Alicante 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 Alicante and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

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

Is Alicante or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Alicante or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Alicante than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Alicante. 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Zadar?

In Alicante, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful town of Zadar offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zadar, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Zadar?

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

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Zadar?

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

Zadar is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Zadar, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante than you might in Zadar.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Zadar?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Alicante 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Zadar. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Zadar. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Zadar. The autumn months attract visitors to Alicante because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Zadar averages at about 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 Alicante this time of the year. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Zadar. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Alicante