A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pompeii vs. Zadar for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pompeii or Zadar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pompeii and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zadar. Although Pompeii and Zadar are both popular with visitors, Zadar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zadar is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Pompeii different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Pompeii or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Pompeii or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Pompeii is not a resort destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Is Pompeii or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pompeii or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Pompeii or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Zadar?

Zadar is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Pompeii or Zadar Better for Families?

Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Zadar is a family-friendly archeological site. 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 Pompeii or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Pompeii or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Pompeii or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Zadar is very popular with students. 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Pompeii and Zadar.

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

You'll find some public transit in Zadar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Pompeii or Zadar a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Pompeii on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pompeii or Zadar to fill your time. In our opinion, Zadar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zadar than Pompeii. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

In Pompeii, many people enjoy the museums that this iconic destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Pompeii or Zadar?

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Pompeii or Zadar?

You'll find museums around the famous destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking 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 Pompeii and Zadar, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii 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 Pompeii or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Zadar. Most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pompeii is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 23°C (74°F), 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 Pompeii this time of the year. In the summer, Pompeii often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Zadar. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during autumn. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. In October, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Zadar. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pompeii or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Pompeii during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pompeii is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pompeii in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Pompeii often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Zadar. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Pompeii usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Pompeii