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

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

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Cannes and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cannes. Although Cannes and Zadar are both popular with visitors, Cannes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and shopping, while Zadar is known for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Cannes different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zadar is very good for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Cannes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Zadar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Cannes or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Cannes 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.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes or Zadar Better for Music?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its live music scene. However, Zadar is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Cannes The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Zadar is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its resorts. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

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 Cannes or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes and Zadar both offer good scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Zadar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Is Cannes or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Cannes and Zadar are great choices for a beach vacation.

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

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 Cannes or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

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 Cannes or Zadar?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Cannes make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes or Zadar Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Cannes or Zadar.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Zadar is a family-friendly resort 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 Cannes or Zadar Better for Couples?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Cannes or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a well-known place for students. However, Cannes 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.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Both Cannes and Zadar offer good public transit options.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Zadar has some public transit options. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Cannes or Zadar a more walkable city?

Cannes and Zadar both are great when exploring on foot.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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 Cannes Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cannes or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cannes than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

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

In Cannes, many people enjoy the live music and food that this glitzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort city 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.

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 Cannes or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. 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 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 Cannes or Zadar?

Cannes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cannes. 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.

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 Cannes or Zadar?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glitzy destination of Cannes. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in 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 Cannes and Zadar, we can see that Cannes 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 Cannes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cannes 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 Cannes Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Zadar?

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

Both Zadar and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cannes is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 23°C (73°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In July, Cannes usually receives less rain than Zadar. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cannes or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Cannes during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. Cannes usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Zadar. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cannes is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cannes in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In January, Cannes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cannes or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cannes is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 13°C (56°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Cannes usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zadar. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Cannes