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

Should you visit Biarritz or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Biarritz 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Biarritz and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Zadar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zadar than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zadar is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. 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 Biarritz different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zadar is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Zadar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Biarritz and Zadar.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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.

Is Biarritz or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Biarritz and Zadar offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

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.

Is Biarritz or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Biarritz or Zadar Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Biarritz and Zadar are high quality choices.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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.

Is Biarritz or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Zadar?

Biarritz is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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 Biarritz or Zadar Better for Families?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly seaside town. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Zadar is a family-friendly seaside town. 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 Biarritz or Zadar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Zadar make for a high quality place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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.

Is Biarritz or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz and Zadar are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

Is Biarritz or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Biarritz and Zadar.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Zadar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Biarritz or Zadar a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Zadar are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside 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.

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 Biarritz or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Biarritz or Zadar?

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Biarritz or Zadar?

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dynamic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki 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 Biarritz and Zadar, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Zadar?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Biarritz or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Biarritz is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Biarritz in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In October, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Zadar. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Biarritz or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Biarritz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Zadar. Many visitors come to Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Zadar. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Biarritz