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

Should you visit Lucca or Sibenik?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lucca and Sibenik can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Lucca

Lucca is a charming, quaint, and popular city. Lucca is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Lucca travel costs.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a authentic, local, and undiscovered town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Sibenik offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Sibenik travel costs.

Lucca and Sibenik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Lucca or Sibenik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sibenik than Lucca, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sibenik is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and small town charm, while Lucca is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Lucca is more touristy than Sibenik and is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. Sibenik is well known for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty. Also, Sibenik is famous for Krka National Park.

How is Lucca different from Sibenik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lucca or Sibenik?

Lucca
Sibenik

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Lucca or Sibenik.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sibenik. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.


Is the Food Better in Lucca or Sibenik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lucca
Sibenik

Dining out at restaurants in both Lucca and Sibenik can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Lucca is an experience not to be missed. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sibenik. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Is Lucca or Sibenik Better for Nightlife?

Lucca
Sibenik

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lucca and Sibenik.

Lucca has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

If you're looking for night time activities Sibenik has a few options to choose from. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Is Lucca or Sibenik Better for Resorts?

Lucca
Sibenik

Sibenik is a town with good options for its resorts. However, Lucca is not a resort destination.

Sibenik has a few great resort options. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Lucca is not a resort destination.


Is Lucca or Sibenik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lucca
Sibenik

Sibenik is a town with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sibenik has a few snorkeling spots. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lucca or Sibenik Better for Beaches?

Lucca
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Sibenik attract visitors from all over. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Lucca or Sibenik Better for its Old Town?

Lucca
Sibenik

Lucca is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The old town of Lucca is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Sibenik. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.


Is the Shopping Better in Lucca or Sibenik?

Lucca
Sibenik

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sibenik and Lucca.

Many visitors go to Lucca to go shopping. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Sibenik. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Is Lucca or Sibenik More Beautiful?

Lucca
Sibenik

Lucca is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Lucca is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful city that's surrounded by walls and filled with winding streets.

Sibenik is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is often skipped by tourists in Croatia, but this is a real hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Is Lucca or Sibenik Better for Families?

Lucca
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sibenik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

Lucca offers lots of family activities. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.


Is Lucca or Sibenik Better for Couples?

Lucca
Sibenik

Both Lucca and Sibenik are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Lucca frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

Sibenik is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.

Is Lucca or Sibenik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lucca
Sibenik

Sibenik is well known for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sibenik is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

Is Lucca or Sibenik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucca
Sibenik

Sibenik is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Sibenik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.


Is Lucca or Sibenik a more walkable city?

Lucca
Sibenik

Sibenik is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Sibenik on foot is easy. The old town is car-free and easily explored on foot.

Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Lucca Worth Visiting? and Is Sibenik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sibenik or Lucca?

How long in Lucca or Sibenik?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucca and Sibenik. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sibenik than in Lucca. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lucca, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sibenik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sibenik than Lucca 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 Sibenik.


  • How many days in Lucca or Sibenik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lucca 1-2 
    Sibenik 2-3

One day in Lucca or Sibenik?

In Lucca, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Sibenik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town 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.

A weekend in Lucca or Sibenik?

In Lucca, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucca has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sibenik. 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.


Five days in Lucca or Sibenik?

Lucca is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Sibenik is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sibenik. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lucca or Sibenik?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucca. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Sibenik. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.


Which place is cheaper, Sibenik or Lucca?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lucca is €136, while the average daily cost in Sibenik is €115. 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 Lucca and Sibenik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lucca 61
    Sibenik 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lucca 122
    Sibenik 110
Compare Hotels in Lucca and Sibenik

Looking for a hotel in Lucca or Sibenik? 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 Lucca


Hotels in Sibenik


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: Lucca Hotel Prices and Sibenik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lucca 4.29
    Sibenik 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:

  • Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $104
  • Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $105
  • Private Transfer from Lucca to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $258
  • Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $252
  • Private Transfer from Forte dei Marmi to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $295

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sibenik

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

  • Šibenik to Zadar Airport Private Transfer: $227
  • Private Transfer from Šibenik to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $215
  • Private Transfer from Murter to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $208
  • Private Transfer from Sibenik Cruise Port to Split City Hotels: $122
  • Private Transfer from Sibenik to Dubrovnik, English-speaking local driver: $275
  • Private Transfer from Sibenik to Split Airport (SPU): $122
  • Private Transfer from Vodice to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $197
  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split airport: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Lucca or Sibenik?

Prices for flights to both Sibenik and Lucca 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
    Lucca 72
    Sibenik 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucca

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lucca.

  • Gelato and Tiramisu Cooking Class in LUCCA: $53
  • Lucca’s Ultimate Food Tour: Full Tuscan Meal by Do Eat Better: $79
  • Morning Food Tour with Snacks and Coffee: $80
  • Hands On Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class in LUCCA: $81
  • Typical Tuscan Cooking Class in Lucca: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $99
  • Authentic Cooking Class & Meal in a Tuscan Farmhouse: $105
  • Walking Tour in Lucca & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine: $116
  • Lucca Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine: $117
  • Typical Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Lucca: $128
  • Hands-On Tuscan Cooking Class with Wine at a Bio Farm: $147
  • Cooking Class Lucca: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lucca 5.68
    Sibenik 12

Tours and Activities in Lucca

Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Walking Tour at Lucca: $128
  • 2h Lucca Walking Tour with Local Guide in ENGLISH Top Highlights: $18
  • Amazing walking tour of Pistoia: $198
  • Bagni di Rafting Adventure: $53
  • Bike Self-Tour in the Lucca Countryside and Green Landscapes: $41
  • Canyoning Experience for Small Groups in Tuscany: $93
  • Castello di Brolio and Gaiole in Chianti eBike tour Virtual guided: $91
  • Cellar tour, Tasting of 6 wines, dish combined typical products: $58
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Typical Dining at a Local's Home in Lucca: $221
  • Chianti Lovers Tour- 2 Wineries and SuperTuscan Small Group from Lucca: $174
  • Cinque Terre Small Group Tour by Minivan from Lucca: $191
  • Cinque Terre Small Group Tour from Viareggio: $182

Tours and Activities in Sibenik

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

  • Panorama Tour - Eco City Tour Šibenik: $17
  • Daily or night walking tour through Medieval Šibenik: $29
  • Near Krka: Etnoland Entry Ticket with Multimedia Experience: $29
  • Private Walking Tour in Sibenik: $56
  • Private Sibenik Walking Historical Morning or Evening Tour: $57
  • Fortresses Sightseeing - Eco City Tour Šibenik: $61
  • Šibenik Panorama and 3 Fortresses tour -entrance fees included: $63
  • Vodice Dolphin Searching Cruise and Vrgada Island: $70
  • La Dolce Vita: Šibenik Boat Tour: $81
  • Via Ferrata tour - Čikola Canyon: $90
  • Krka Waterfalls National Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $92
  • Kornati island National Park & Telascica Nature Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lucca 13
    Sibenik 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucca:

  • Wine tasting in the historical Cantalici winery: $18
  • Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $23
  • Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $29
  • Wine tasting in Lucca: $47
  • Honest Wines- Wine tasting at Cantina Biagiotti: $53
  • Gourmet Organic Winery Tour & Wine Tasting in Lucca: $53
  • Large cutting board, 6 wine tasting and Guided tour: $70
  • Private wine tasting in your Villa in Versilia with sommelier: $76
  • RomanticOpera Concert at the Artist's Hillside Home, with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $98
  • Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $127
  • Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $128

Sample the Local Flavors in Sibenik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sibenik:

  • Game of Thrones & Wine Tour - Eco City Tour Šibenik: $73
  • Šibenik: 3 fortresses; City&wine tour; tasting and all fees inc: $104
  • From Split or Trogir: Krka National Park & Wine Tasting Tour: $642


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lucca or Sibenik?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Lucca and Sibenik, 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.