A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Zadar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

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.

Malaga and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Malaga than Zadar. Malaga is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Malaga is better known for its nightlife and music, while Zadar is more popular for its museums, resorts, and beaches. Malaga is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Malaga different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zadar is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Zadar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Malaga and Zadar offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian 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 Malaga or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Malaga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Malaga or Zadar Better for Music?

Malaga is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Zadar is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Zadar is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Malaga and Zadar.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Is Malaga or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

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.

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Malaga or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Malaga and Zadar.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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 Malaga or Zadar?

Both Malaga and Zadar are notable shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

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 Malaga or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Zadar are notable family-friendly destinations.

Malaga is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Zadar is a family-friendly port city. 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.

Is Malaga or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Malaga or Zadar Better for Students?

Malaga and Zadar are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Zadar is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

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

Both Malaga and Zadar offer notable public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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

Is Malaga or Zadar a more walkable city?

Malaga and Zadar both are superb when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Malaga. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Zadar 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 Malaga.

One day in Malaga or Zadar?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this welcoming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This port city 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.

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 Malaga or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Malaga or Zadar?

Malaga is a fun place to experience. In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Malaga or Zadar?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this friendly destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed 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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Malaga and Zadar, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Zadar?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Zadar in the Summer?

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

Malaga is around the same temperature as Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°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 Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Zadar. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, 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, Malaga is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Zadar. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for 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, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Zadar in the Spring?

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

Malaga is around the same temperature as Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Malaga