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

Should you visit Arles 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 Arles and Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Arles and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zadar than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Arles is known for its museums and historical sights. Arles is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Arles different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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 Arles or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Arles and Zadar can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Arles is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zadar. 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 Arles or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

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

Arles has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

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 Arles or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Arles or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arles or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Arles or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its old town. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

Arles offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Zadar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zadar and Arles.

Many visitors go to Arles to go shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

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 Arles or Zadar Better for Families?

Zadar is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zadar. 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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Arles or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Zadar is a great town 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 Arles or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Arles or Zadar Better for Students?

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

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.

Arles is not popular with students.

Is Arles 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 Arles and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

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

Is Arles or Zadar a more walkable city?

Arles and Zadar both are great when exploring on foot.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

Zadar is very walkable. 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 Arles Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Arles?

How long in Arles or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arles 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 Arles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Arles. 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 Arles. 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 Arles 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 Arles or Zadar?

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Zadar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Arles or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Five days in Arles or Zadar?

Arles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Arles. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Zadar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the compact destination of Arles. 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 museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Zadar. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, 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 Arles and Zadar, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arles or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Arles 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 Arles 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 Arles or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Zadar. Most visitors come to Arles for 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.

In July, Arles is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 24°C (75°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 Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arles usually receives more rain than Zadar. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arles or Zadar in the Autumn?

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

Arles is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Arles often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Arles usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Arles 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 Arles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Arles is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arles in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arles usually receives less rain than Zadar. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arles or Zadar in the Spring?

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

In April, Arles is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 13°C (56°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 Arles. In the spring, Arles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Arles