A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hondarribia vs. Zadar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia 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.

Where Should I go: Hondarribia or Zadar?

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, 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 Hondarribia and Zadar, we can see that Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hondarribia or Zadar?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Hondarribia as well as Zadar. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hondarribia is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hondarribia in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Zadar averages at about 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 Hondarribia this time of the year. In the summer, Hondarribia often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Hondarribia gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Hondarribia gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hondarribia or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Hondarribia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hondarribia is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Hondarribia average around 16°C (60°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Hondarribia usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Hondarribia gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. In October, Hondarribia usually receives more rain than Zadar. Hondarribia gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hondarribia or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Hondarribia during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hondarribia is around the same temperature as Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Hondarribia averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Hondarribia often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Hondarribia gets 85 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 Hondarribia. Hondarribia usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Hondarribia gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hondarribia or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hondarribia and Zadar. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hondarribia is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hondarribia in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Hondarribia usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Hondarribia gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hondarribia usually receives more rain than Zadar. Hondarribia gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Hondarribia