A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Naples vs. Zadar for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Naples or Zadar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples 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.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Naples and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Naples is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Naples different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Zadar. 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.

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

Naples is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Naples is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Naples offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Naples is not a resort destination.

Zadar is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Naples is not a resort destination.

Is Naples or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Naples or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Zadar. 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Naples or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Naples and Zadar both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Naples to see the historical old town. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Zadar is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Naples or Zadar?

Naples is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Naples is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples or Zadar Better for Families?

Naples and Zadar are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Zadar offers lots of family activities. 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 Naples or Zadar Better for Couples?

Naples and Zadar are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Zadar is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Naples or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples and Zadar are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Zadar is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Is Naples or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Naples has some very good public transit options. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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

Is Naples or Zadar a more walkable city?

Naples and Zadar both are very good when exploring on foot.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

Zadar is very walkable. 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 Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Naples?

How long in Naples or Zadar?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples 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 Naples.

One day in Naples or Zadar?

Each neighborhood in Naples has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Naples or Zadar?

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

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 Naples or Zadar?

Naples is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Naples. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Naples or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Naples. 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 food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, 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 Naples and Zadar, we can see that Naples 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 Naples would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Naples 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 Naples Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Naples or Zadar?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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 Naples 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 Naples or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Naples and Zadar. Many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Naples is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 23°C (74°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. Naples usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Naples gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Naples usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Naples gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Naples or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Naples as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Naples is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Naples often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Naples usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Naples gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Naples are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Naples because of the museums, 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 the winter, Naples is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Naples in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Naples usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Naples gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Naples. In January, Naples usually receives more rain than Zadar. Naples gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Naples or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Naples during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Naples often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Naples usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zadar. Naples gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Naples