A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake Garda vs. Trogir for Food, Families, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Lake Garda or Trogir?

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

Should I visit Lake Garda or Trogir? 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.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Trogir

Trogir is a quaint, authentic, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums.

Lake Garda and Trogir: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Lake Garda or Trogir?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Lake Garda and Trogir are popular destinations, Lake Garda has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lake Garda is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trogir attracts visitors for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and small town charm. Lake Garda is more touristy than Trogir and is known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also well known for Sirmione. Trogir is famous for its historic buildings and its local cuisine.

How is Lake Garda different from Trogir?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake Garda or Trogir?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Lake Garda and Trogir.

Lake Garda offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Trogir. The old town has some fascinating historic sights such as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Clock Tower and the city gates.


Is the Food Better in Lake Garda or Trogir? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Trogir is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Trogir is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small place there's a surprising number of amazing restaurants. You won't find touristy restaurants here. Instead, locals and tourists intermingle, enjoying the same amazing dishes. There's also a number of fine dining restaurants that are affordable and high quality.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Lake Garda or Trogir Better for Nightlife?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Lake Garda is great for nightlife. Also, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Lake Garda for the nightlife scene. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Trogir. You'll find bars and a few discos around town that keep things fun after the sun sets.

Is Lake Garda or Trogir Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Trogir is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Trogir. There are less snorkeling trips leaving from here than from some of the larger nearby tourist destinations.

Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Lake Garda or Trogir Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Lake Garda is great for its beaches. Also, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the beache.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Trogir has a beach worth visiting. You'll find some good beaches in the vicinity of town. A favorite is Pantan Beach, which is about 1.5 kilometers from town and accessible by bus. There are also beaches on Ciovo Island and the Drvenik Islands.

Is Lake Garda or Trogir Better for its Old Town?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Trogir is a popular place for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Trogir. The medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it sits on an island that is connected to the mainland by bridge.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Lake Garda or Trogir Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Lake Garda is great for hiking. However, Trogir is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda for the hiking trails. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Trogir is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Lake Garda or Trogir?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Lake Garda is very good for shopping. However, Trogir is not a good destination for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lake Garda. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

If you're looking to go shopping, Trogir has some nice offerings. There are shops and shopping centers in the area that sell the standard brands.

Is Lake Garda or Trogir Better for Families?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Lake Garda is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is one of the most popular family destinations. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Trogir is a family-friendly place to visit. There are dessert bakeries around town that the kids will love. You'll also find historic sights and a castle. In the surrounding area there's kayaking and other water activities.

Is Lake Garda or Trogir Better for Couples?

Lake Garda
Trogir

With fun activities for couples, both Lake Garda and Trogir make for a great place to visit.

Lake Garda makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Couples visit Trogir frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This seaside town is filled with historic sights and great restaurants. Dessert lovers will appreciate the pastry shops and for those willing to head out of town, there are a number of water activities to enjoy.


Is Lake Garda or Trogir Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Trogir is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Trogir. There's no shortage of affordable hostels in town. You'll find enough backpackers around town to keep things interesting and fun.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Lake Garda or Trogir Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Lake Garda is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Trogir is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Visitors to Lake Garda can move around easily with public transportation. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Trogir has a few public transit options. There's a bus station in town that provides regional access to nearby towns.

Is Lake Garda or Trogir a more walkable city?

Lake Garda
Trogir

Lake Garda and Trogir are great when it comes to walkability.

Lake Garda is a very walkable lake. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

Trogir is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the pedestrian-only old town, its easy to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting? and Is Trogir Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trogir or Lake Garda?

How long in Lake Garda or Trogir?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lake Garda or Trogir to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lake Garda than Trogir because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Lake Garda, and 1-2 days is enough time in Trogir.

Families should spend more time in Lake Garda than Trogir. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lake Garda, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trogir than Lake Garda 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 Trogir.


  • How many days in Lake Garda or Trogir? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake Garda 2-4 
    Trogir 1-2

One day in Lake Garda or Trogir?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the quaint town of Trogir, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Trogir, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Lake Garda or Trogir?

Lake Garda 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Trogir, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Lake Garda or Trogir?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Trogir, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Lake Garda or Trogir?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful destination of Lake Garda. This lake offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Trogir is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Trogir or Lake Garda?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lake Garda is €166, while the average daily cost in Trogir is €103. 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 Lake Garda and Trogir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake Garda 84
    Trogir 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake Garda 168
    Trogir 114
Compare Hotels in Lake Garda and Trogir

Looking for a hotel in Lake Garda or Trogir? 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.

Hotels in Lake Garda


Hotels in Trogir


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: Trogir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake Garda 66
    Trogir 15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trogir

Also for Trogir, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • transfer from Trogir to Split/Split airport: $348
  • Split airport to Split Private transfer to 8 pax (Door to Door any location): $71
  • Split Airport (SPU) to Zadar hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Split Airport (SPU) to Šibenik hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Private one way transfer from Trogir to Split: $83
  • Private Transfer from Split Croatia Airport to Hotel : $60
  • Private Transfer from Slatine (Island Ciovo) to Split Airport (SPU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Okrug Gornji (Island Ciovo) to Split Airport (SPU): $40
  • Private Transfer from Marina Aci Trogir to Split Airport (SPU): $40
  • One Way Private Transfer from Split to Trogir: $83
  • Airport Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake Garda or Trogir?

Prices for flights to both Trogir and Lake Garda 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lake Garda 42
    Trogir 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake Garda 30
    Trogir 24

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
  • Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
  • Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
  • Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
  • Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
  • Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
  • Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
  • From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Trogir

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Trogir.

  • 3 Islands Half day Tour From Trogir : $66
  • Adriatica Tour ( Blue Lagoon and Solta) from Trogir: $93
  • Adriatica Tour: Blue Lagoon and Solta from Trogir or Split: $695
  • Blue Cave and Hvar 5 Islands speedboat tour | from Split&Trogir: $158
  • Blue Cave and Hvar Tour from Trogir: $109
  • Blue Lagoon Half Day Tour: $76
  • Blue Lagoon Three Islands half day tour from Trogir and Split: $87
  • Blue Lagoon half-day Private Boat Tour: $826
  • Blue Lagoon- Half day tour with comfortable speed boat: $75
  • Blue cave, Mama Mia and Hvar, 5 island speedboat tour from Trogir: $104
  • Brac Island: Full-Day Tour with Lunch: $535
  • Brač & Bol private tour: $909

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake Garda 19
    Trogir 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98

Sample the Local Flavors in Trogir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Trogir:

  • Skradin: Wine Tasting in a local family winery: $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake Garda and Trogir, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Trogir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Trogir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Trogir 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Trogir.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lake Garda Expensive? and Is Trogir Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Lake Garda or Trogir?

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 Lake Garda or Trogir in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake Garda and Trogir. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Trogir for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lake Garda is generally cooler than Trogir. Daily temperatures in Lake Garda average around 24°C (75°F), and Trogir fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trogir this time of the year. In Lake Garda, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Trogir during summer. Lake Garda gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Trogir receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lake Garda usually receives more rain than Trogir. Lake Garda gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Trogir receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F) 
    Trogir 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Lake Garda or Trogir in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lake Garda as well as Trogir. Many travelers come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Trogir in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Lake Garda is cooler than Trogir in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lake Garda averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Trogir fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trogir. In the autumn, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Trogir. Lake Garda gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trogir receives 200 hours of full sun.

Lake Garda usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Trogir. Lake Garda gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Trogir receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F) 
    Trogir 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Lake Garda or Trogir in the Winter?

Both Trogir and Lake Garda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lake Garda in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Trogir for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lake Garda can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lake Garda is much colder than Trogir. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lake Garda in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Trogir averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Trogir during winter. Lake Garda gets 98 hours of sunny skies, while Trogir receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lake Garda usually receives less rain than Trogir. Lake Garda gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trogir receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F) 
    Trogir 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Lake Garda or Trogir in the Spring?

Both Trogir and Lake Garda during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Trogir because of the beaches and the small town charm.

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

In Trogir, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Trogir. Lake Garda gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trogir receives 212 hours of full sun.

Lake Garda usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Trogir. Lake Garda gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Trogir receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F) 
    Trogir 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Trogir and Lake Garda

Lake Garda Trogir
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)