Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or Zadar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Zadar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Gran Canaria or Zadar?
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €125Zadar €89
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, while the average daily cost in Zadar is €89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Gran Canaria and Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Zadar €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Zadar €102
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria or Zadar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Zadar €9.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to La Garita: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Vecindario : $31
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
- Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
- Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from San Agustín to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $41
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Agustín: $41
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Costa Meloneras: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- Transfer Zadar - Zagreb: $741
- Transfer Zagreb - Zadar: $664
- From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
- Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
- From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
- Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
- From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
- private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
- Private transfer (Taxi) - Zadar to Split: $284
- Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
- Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $276
- Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar and Gran Canaria change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayGran Canaria €34Zadar €28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Small Group Cooking Class: $39
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Zadar €19
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
- Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
- Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
- Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24
Tours and Activities in Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
- Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
- Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
- Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
- 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
- 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
- 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
- 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
- Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
- Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
- Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
- Daysailing & SUP experience: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Zadar €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
- Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
- Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gran Canaria and Zadar, we can see that Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Zadar?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria or Zadar in the Summer?
Both Zadar and Gran Canaria during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
In July, Gran Canaria is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Zadar in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Zadar. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Zadar. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Zadar in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Zadar. Additionally, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Zadar in the Spring?
Both Zadar and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Zadar. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.