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

Should you visit Amalfi or Zadar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Amalfi and Zadar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Amalfi and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amalfi or Zadar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Zadar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Zadar is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Amalfi is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Amalfi different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Amalfi and Zadar.

Amalfi offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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 Amalfi or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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 Amalfi or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Amalfi 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.

Amalfi offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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 Amalfi or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

In Zadar, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Is Amalfi or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Amalfi and Zadar offer notable scuba diving or snorkeling.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Is Amalfi or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Zadar attract visitors from all over. 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.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Amalfi or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Both Amalfi and Zadar have excellent historic old towns worth visiting.

Amalfi is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Is Amalfi or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amalfi or Zadar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zadar and Amalfi.

Amalfi offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

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 Amalfi or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Amalfi and Zadar are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Amalfi. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

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 Amalfi or Zadar Better for Couples?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Amalfi or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Amalfi or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Zadar. 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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

Is Amalfi 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 Amalfi and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

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

Is Amalfi or Zadar a more walkable city?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Amalfi?

How long in Amalfi or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Amalfi or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Amalfi than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amalfi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Amalfi 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 Amalfi or Zadar?

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this dramatic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This town 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.

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 Amalfi or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Amalfi or Zadar?

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. In Amalfi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Amalfi or Zadar?

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed 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 2-Week Tours from Rome, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, 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 Amalfi and Zadar, we can see that Amalfi 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Amalfi Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Amalfi or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Amalfi 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 Amalfi 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 Amalfi or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amalfi and Zadar. Many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Amalfi is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Amalfi averages around 23°C (74°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 Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amalfi usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Amalfi gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amalfi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Amalfi gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amalfi or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amalfi as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Amalfi in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Amalfi is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amalfi in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Amalfi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Amalfi gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Amalfi usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Amalfi gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amalfi or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Amalfi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Amalfi is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Amalfi average around 8°C (47°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Amalfi usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Amalfi gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. In January, Amalfi usually receives more rain than Zadar. Amalfi gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amalfi or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Amalfi during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Amalfi is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Amalfi averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Amalfi often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Amalfi gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Amalfi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zadar. Amalfi gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Amalfi