A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Calais vs. Sibenik for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Calais or Sibenik?

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

Should I visit Calais or Sibenik? 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.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a authentic, local, and undiscovered town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Calais and Sibenik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Calais or Sibenik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sibenik than Calais, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sibenik is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Calais is more popular for its big city activities. Sibenik is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty. Also, Sibenik is famous for Krka National Park. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais different from Sibenik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Calais or Sibenik?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Sibenik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Calais or Sibenik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Sibenik is an experience not to be missed. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Sibenik Better for Nightlife?

Calais
Sibenik

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Calais and Sibenik.

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Sibenik has a few options to choose from. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Is Calais or Sibenik Better for Resorts?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is a popular place for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

Sibenik has a few great resort options. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Calais is not a resort destination.


Is Calais or Sibenik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is a town with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sibenik has a few snorkeling spots. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Calais or Sibenik Better for Beaches?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Sibenik is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Calais or Sibenik Better for its Old Town?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Sibenik. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

Calais does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Sibenik?

Calais
Sibenik

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sibenik and Calais.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Sibenik. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Is Calais or Sibenik Better for Families?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sibenik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Calais or Sibenik Better for Couples?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Sibenik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.


Is Calais or Sibenik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sibenik is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Sibenik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calais
Sibenik

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Sibenik.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

While Sibenik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

Is Calais or Sibenik a more walkable city?

Calais
Sibenik

Sibenik is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Sibenik on foot is easy. The old town is car-free and easily explored on foot.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.


For even more information, also check out Is Calais Worth Visiting? and Is Sibenik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sibenik or Calais?

How long in Calais or Sibenik?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Calais and Sibenik. In our opinion, Sibenik has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sibenik than Calais. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Calais, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sibenik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sibenik than Calais 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 Sibenik.


  • How many days in Calais or Sibenik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Calais 1-3 
    Sibenik 2-3

One day in Calais or Sibenik?

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sibenik. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Calais or Sibenik?

In Calais, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer.

Sibenik 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 Calais or Sibenik?

Calais is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sibenik. 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 Calais or Sibenik?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Sibenik. 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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.


Which place is cheaper, Sibenik or Calais?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Calais is €139, while the average daily cost in Sibenik is €93. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Calais and Sibenik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Calais 77
    Sibenik 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Calais 154
    Sibenik 110
Compare Hotels in Calais and Sibenik

Looking for a hotel in Calais or Sibenik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Calais


Hotels in Sibenik


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Calais Hotel Prices and Sibenik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Calais 47
    Sibenik 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sibenik

Also for Sibenik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport transfer from Split to Šibenik or vice versa: $164
  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split: $262
  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split airport: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Calais or Sibenik?

Prices for flights to both Sibenik and Calais change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Calais 35
    Sibenik 29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Calais 8.92
    Sibenik 12

Tours and Activities in Sibenik

For Sibenik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discover Šibenik - Evening walking tour : $38
  • Daily or night walking tour through Medieval Šibenik: $45
  • Private Sibenik Walking Historical Morning or Evening Tour: $49
  • Via Ferrata tour - Čikola Canyon: $74
  • Krka Waterfalls National Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Kornati island National Park & Telascica Nature Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Šibenik Riviera boat tour: Zlarin + Prvić + Tijat: $120
  • Kornati Experience small group (12 pax) boat tour: $137
  • Sibenik Private Combined Food & Drink and Historical Tour: $152
  • Full-Day Sailing Tour in Šibenik Archipelago: $164
  • The Best of Sibenik Private Walking Tour: $164
  • Private walking tour of Sibenik: $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Calais 12
    Sibenik 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Sibenik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sibenik:

  • Vinoplod Winery - Wine Tasting Tour: $29
  • Private Krka Waterfalls Tour with Wine Tasting from Sibenik: $213
  • From Split or Trogir: Krka National Park & Wine Tasting Tour: $1,069


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calais and Sibenik, we can see that Calais is more expensive. And not only is Sibenik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sibenik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sibenik 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais than you might in Sibenik.

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


Which is Bigger, Calais or Sibenik?

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

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 Calais or Sibenik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Calais as well as Sibenik. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sibenik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Calais is much colder than Sibenik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Calais in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Sibenik averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sibenik. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In the summer, Calais often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 345 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets more rain in July than Sibenik. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Calais 17°C (63°F) 
    Sibenik 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Calais or Sibenik in the Autumn?

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

In October, Calais is generally cooler than Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 12°C (54°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Sibenik. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Sibenik during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Calais 12°C (54°F) 
    Sibenik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Calais or Sibenik in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. Calais is much colder than Sibenik in the winter. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Sibenik fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 128 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in January than Sibenik. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Calais 4°C (40°F) 
    Sibenik 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Calais or Sibenik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Sibenik. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sibenik in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Calais is much colder than Sibenik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Calais in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Sibenik averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sibenik this time of the year. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Sibenik during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Calais 9°C (47°F) 
    Sibenik 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Sibenik and Calais

Calais Sibenik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)