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

Should you visit Como or Zadar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como 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.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Como and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Como or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Como. Although Como and Zadar are roughly the same size, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Zadar is known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Como is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Como different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como is an amazing lake area 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, Como is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Both Como and Zadar have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Zadar has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Como or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

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.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Como or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Como or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Como 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 Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Como or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old 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.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Como or Zadar Better for Hiking?

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

Como is a popular spot for hiking. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Como or Zadar?

Como is an amazing lake area 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 Como make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Como or Zadar Better for Families?

Como 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.

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Zadar is a family-friendly lake area. 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 Como or Zadar Better for Couples?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Como makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Como or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como and Zadar are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Como or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como 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.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Como and Zadar.

Como has some public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

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 Como or Zadar a more walkable city?

Como and Zadar are very good when it comes to walkability.

Como is a very walkable destination. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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 Como Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Como?

How long in Como or Zadar?

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

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

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

In Como, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This lake area 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zadar. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Como or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. 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. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Como or Zadar?

Como is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant destination of Zadar. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Como or Zadar?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The relaxed town of Zadar offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome, 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 Como and Zadar, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Como or Zadar?

Como has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Como 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 Como 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 Como or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Como as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Como is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Como average around 23°C (73°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 Como this time of the year. In the summer, Como often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Como gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Como gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Como are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, 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.

Como is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Como averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Como usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Como gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Como. In October, Como usually receives more rain than Zadar. Como gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Como or Zadar in the Winter?

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

The weather in Como can be very cold. In the winter, Como is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Como in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Como often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Como gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Como gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Como and Zadar. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Como is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Como average around 13°C (55°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Como usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Como gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Como usually receives more rain than Zadar. Como gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Como