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

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Zadar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Zadar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Zadar are both popular with visitors, Cinque Terre has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cinque Terre is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zadar is known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cinque Terre or Zadar?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region 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, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Zadar is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Is Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find good snorkeling or scuba diving in both Cinque Terre and Zadar.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Is Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Is Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its old town. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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.

Is Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Zadar?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for Families?

Cinque Terre and Zadar are both good destinations for the whole family.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly coastal region. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zadar. 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 Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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.

Cinque Terre is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Cinque Terre or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Zadar is a great town 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cinque Terre and Zadar.

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

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 Cinque Terre or Zadar a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cinque Terre or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cinque Terre than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region 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.

In Zadar, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Zadar?

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

Zadar is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Zadar?

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxed destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cinque Terre or Zadar?

Cinque Terre is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary 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 Cinque Terre and Zadar, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 24°C (75°F), 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 Cinque Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Cinque Terre often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Zadar. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Cinque Terre usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. In October, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Zadar. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Cinque Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the winter, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cinque Terre in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cinque Terre often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Zadar. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 14°C (57°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Cinque Terre usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Zadar. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Cinque Terre