A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Girona vs. Zadar for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Girona or Zadar?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Girona and Zadar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

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.

Girona and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Girona or Zadar?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zadar than Girona. While Girona is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zadar is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Girona is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting. Also, Zadar is famous for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Girona different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Girona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Girona and Zadar can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Girona or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Girona is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zadar to choose from. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Girona is not a resort destination.

Is Girona or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Girona or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a well-known place for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Zadar for it's beautiful 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Girona or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Girona is an amazing city 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.

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 the Shopping Better in Girona or Zadar?

Girona is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona or Zadar Better for Families?

Zadar is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Zadar is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Zadar Better for Couples?

Girona and Zadar both superb destinations for a couple.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zadar is a great town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Girona or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Zadar. 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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Both Girona and Zadar offer notable public transit options.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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

Is Girona or Zadar a more walkable city?

Girona is an amazing city 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 Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Girona?

How long in Girona or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Girona or Zadar to fill your time. In our opinion, Zadar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zadar than Girona. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Girona. 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.

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

In Girona, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Girona or Zadar?

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

Girona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Girona or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the medieval destination of Girona. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Girona and Zadar, we can see that Girona 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 Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona 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 Girona Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Girona or Zadar?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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 Girona 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 Girona or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Girona is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 24°C (75°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 Girona. Girona usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Girona usually receives more rain than Zadar. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Girona or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Girona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Girona is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Girona in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Girona often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Zadar. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Girona or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Zadar. Many visitors come to Girona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Girona is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 8°C (46°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Girona usually receives less rain than Zadar. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Girona or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Girona as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Girona is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the spring, Girona often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Girona