A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Zadar for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Marbella or Zadar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Zadar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a ritzy, glamorous, and fun-filled resort town. 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 relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Marbella and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Marbella than Zadar. Marbella is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Zadar is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Marbella is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Marbella different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zadar is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Zadar has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is an amazing resort town 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.

Marbella has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Zadar Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Marbella is very popular with diverse venues. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Zadar is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Marbella is a great choice. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zadar. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Is Marbella or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Marbella a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Zadar. 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 Marbella or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for the beache. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Marbella. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Is Marbella or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Zadar to see the historical old town. 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Zadar?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Zadar Better for Families?

Marbella is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Marbella is a very kid-friendly resort town. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Zadar is a family-friendly resort town. 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 Marbella or Zadar Better for Couples?

Marbella is an amazing resort town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Marbella makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Marbella or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Is Marbella or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

Zadar is a great town to visit as a student. 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Zadar is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Zadar a more walkable city?

Marbella and Zadar are very good when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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 Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marbella or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marbella than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

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

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

One day in Marbella or Zadar?

In Marbella, many people enjoy the live music and food that this high energy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort 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.

The beautiful town of Zadar offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Zadar is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zadar, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Zadar?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. In Marbella, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Zadar?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glamorous destination of Marbella. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Zadar is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Marbella and Zadar, we can see that Marbella 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Zadar?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 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 Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marbella is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Zadar. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In January, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Zadar. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Zadar. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Zadar. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Marbella