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

Should you visit Palermo or Zadar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Zadar 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a colorful, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zadar

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

Palermo and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palermo is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Zadar is known for its resorts, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Palermo is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Palermo different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Palermo or Zadar.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Zadar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Palermo or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palermo and Zadar offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zadar. 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 Palermo or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Palermo 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.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Palermo is not a resort destination.

In Zadar, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Palermo or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Palermo and Zadar offer good scuba diving or snorkeling.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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 Palermo or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Both Palermo and Zadar are considered to be excellent beach destinations.

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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.

Is Palermo or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Zadar?

Palermo 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.

Palermo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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 Palermo or Zadar Better for Families?

Palermo 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.

Palermo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Zadar is a family-friendly 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 Palermo or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Palermo or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a well-known place for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Zadar. 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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Zadar is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Zadar a more walkable city?

Palermo and Zadar both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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 Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palermo or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palermo 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 Palermo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Palermo. 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 Zadar than Palermo 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 Palermo or Zadar?

In Palermo, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this diverse destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Zadar, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Palermo or Zadar?

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

In Zadar, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Zadar has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Zadar?

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

Zadar is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

A week in Palermo or Zadar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Palermo. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Zadar. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Palermo and Zadar, we can see that Palermo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Zadar?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), 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 Palermo. Palermo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Zadar. Palermo 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 Palermo or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Palermo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the autumn, Palermo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Zadar. Most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Palermo is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Palermo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Zadar. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Zadar. The spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In April, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), 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 Palermo this time of the year. In the spring, Palermo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Palermo