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

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

Cagliari

Cagliari is a laid back, relaxed, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

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.

Cagliari and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cagliari than Zadar. Cagliari is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cagliari is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Cagliari is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. Also, Cagliari is famous for Castello. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Cagliari different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cagliari 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.

Cagliari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

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 Cagliari or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Zadar can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Cagliari has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

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 Cagliari or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari 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.

Cagliari offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

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 Cagliari or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cagliari 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.

Cagliari is not a resort destination.

Is Cagliari or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cagliari 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.

Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cagliari or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Cagliari and Zadar are great choices for a beach vacation.

Cagliari is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Zadar. 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 Cagliari or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari and Zadar are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cagliari. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Many visitors go to Zadar to see the historical old town. 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 Cagliari or Zadar?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cagliari and Zadar.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cagliari. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Many visitors go to Zadar to go shopping. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Cagliari or Zadar Better for Families?

Cagliari 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.

Cagliari is a very kid-friendly city. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

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 Cagliari or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

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 Cagliari or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Zadar. 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 Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Cagliari or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

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

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

Cagliari has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

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 Cagliari or Zadar a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Zadar are great when it comes to walkability.

Cagliari is a very walkable city. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

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 Cagliari Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Zadar?

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

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

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

In Cagliari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Cagliari or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. 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.

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 Cagliari or Zadar?

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cagliari. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Cagliari or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed destination of Cagliari. Most people come for the beaches. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in 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 Cagliari and Zadar, we can see that Cagliari 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 Cagliari would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cagliari 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 Cagliari Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Zadar?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 24°C (75°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 Cagliari this time of the year. In the summer, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the autumn, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cagliari in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Zadar. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cagliari or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Cagliari during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 10°C (50°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Zadar. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 14°C (57°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. In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Zadar. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Cagliari