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

Should you visit Calais or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic 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 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.

Calais and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Calais. Although Calais and Zadar are about the same size, Calais has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Calais is more popular for its big city activities, while Zadar is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Calais is more touristy than Zadar and is known for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also home to The Town Hall. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Calais different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zadar 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 Zadar?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Calais or Zadar.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. 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.

Zadar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Calais or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar 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 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.

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 Zadar Better for Nightlife?

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

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 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 Calais or Zadar Better for Resorts?

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

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Calais or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Calais or Zadar Better for Beaches?

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

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. 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.

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 Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar 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 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Zadar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zadar 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 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 Calais or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Zadar.

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

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 Calais or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is well known for backpackers. However, Calais 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.

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 Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

Is Calais 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 Calais and Zadar.

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

Is Calais or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

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 Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Calais?

How long in Calais or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Calais or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Calais 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 Calais, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 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 Zadar.

One day in Calais or Zadar?

In Calais, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Calais or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Calais or Zadar?

Calais is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Calais. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Calais or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Calais. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back 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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Calais and Zadar, we can see that Calais 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 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 Zadar.

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

Which is Bigger, Calais or Zadar?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Calais is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°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 Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Zadar. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Calais or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Calais as well as Zadar. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Calais is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°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, Calais often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. In the winter, Calais is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Zadar. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Calais or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Calais during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Calais