A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Sibenik for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik, 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a charming, authentic, and local town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Palma de Mallorca and Sibenik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Palma de Mallorca and Sibenik are both popular with visitors, Palma de Mallorca has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sibenik is known for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Sibenik and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also home to the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Sibenik is popular for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Sibenik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

Sibenik is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sibenik can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Sibenik offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Palma de Mallorca is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Sibenik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Sibenik is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Palma de Mallorca has diverse options. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Sibenik is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

With a selection of resorts, Sibenik makes a nice vacation spot. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sibenik is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is renowned for its beaches. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Sibenik is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for its Old Town?

Sibenik is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Many visitors go to Sibenik to see the historical old town. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Sibenik is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Sibenik is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Sibenik.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Sibenik offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Sibenik are both great destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Sibenik is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for Couples?

Sibenik is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Sibenik makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Sibenik are both great destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Sibenik.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik a more walkable city?

Sibenik is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sibenik. The old town is car-free and easily explored on foot.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Sibenik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sibenik or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palma de Mallorca and Sibenik. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than in Sibenik. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sibenik.

Couples should spend more time in Sibenik than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca than Sibenik 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Sibenik, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic town of Sibenik, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palma de Mallorca has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local destination of Sibenik. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

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

Sibenik is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palma de Mallorca and Sibenik, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Sibenik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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.

When is the best time to visit Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik?

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 Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik in the Summer?

Both Sibenik and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sibenik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Sibenik in the summer. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Sibenik fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Sibenik. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sibenik during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik in the Autumn?

Both Sibenik and Palma de Mallorca during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Sibenik for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Sibenik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Sibenik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

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

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Sibenik. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik in the Winter?

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

In January, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 11°C (52°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Sibenik during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Sibenik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Sibenik. The spring months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sibenik this time of year.

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Sibenik in the spring. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Sibenik fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sibenik. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sibenik. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 212 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in April than Sibenik. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sibenik and Palma de Mallorca