A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. Zadar for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Old Town

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

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Catania and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Catania than Zadar. Catania is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Catania is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Catania different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Catania and Zadar.

Catania offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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 Catania or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is an amazing port 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, Catania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Catania 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.

Catania offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

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 Catania or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is notable for its resorts. However, Catania 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.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Catania or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Catania or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is notable for the beache. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

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.

Catania has a beach worth visiting. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Is Catania or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is notable for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Catania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Catania is a popular spot for hiking. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Zadar?

Both Catania and Zadar are notable shopping destinations.

Catania offers some nice shopping areas. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

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 Catania or Zadar Better for Families?

Catania 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.

Catania is a very kid-friendly port city. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

Zadar is a family-friendly port 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 Catania or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Zadar are great destinations for backpackers.

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Catania or Zadar Better for Students?

Catania and Zadar are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Catania is very popular with students. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Zadar is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Catania is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Catania has some very good public transit options. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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

Is Catania or Zadar a more walkable city?

Catania and Zadar both are great when exploring on foot.

Catania is a very walkable port city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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 Catania Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Catania?

How long in Catania or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Catania or Zadar to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Catania. 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 Catania than Zadar 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 Catania.

One day in Catania or Zadar?

In Catania, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Zadar, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Catania or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

In Zadar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Zadar?

Catania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Catania. Lots of people come for the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Zadar is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

A week in Catania or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Zadar. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking 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 Catania and Zadar, we can see that Catania 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 Catania would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Catania 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 Catania Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Catania or Zadar?

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

Both Zadar and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, 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.

Catania is around the same temperature as Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Zadar. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Catania during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Catania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the autumn, Catania is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Zadar in the Winter?

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

In January, Catania is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives less rain than Zadar. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Catania as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Catania is around the same temperature as Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the spring, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Catania