A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pontevedra vs. Zadar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pontevedra or Zadar?

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

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

Where Should I go: Pontevedra or Zadar?

Pontevedra

An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Pontevedra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pontevedra is €120, while the average daily cost in Zadar is €89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pontevedra and Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pontevedra 61
    Zadar 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pontevedra 122
    Zadar 102
Compare Hotels in Pontevedra and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Pontevedra or Zadar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Pontevedra


Hotels in Zadar


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pontevedra Hotel Prices and Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pontevedra 23
    Zadar 9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport (ZAD): $71
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
  • Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
  • Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Zaton Holiday Resort: $77
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from The Garden, Tisno: $152
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Petrcane: $70
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to or from Vir Island: $106
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $240
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Pontevedra or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar and Pontevedra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pontevedra 42
    Zadar 28
Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pontevedra 19
    Zadar 19

Tours and Activities in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
  • Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
  • Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
  • 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
  • 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
  • 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
  • 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
  • Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
  • Daysailing & SUP experience: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pontevedra 20
    Zadar 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra

Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


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


Which is Bigger, Pontevedra or Zadar?

Pontevedra has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra or Zadar in the Summer?

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

Pontevedra is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Pontevedra averages around 21°C (70°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 Pontevedra this time of the year. In the summer, Pontevedra often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Pontevedra gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Pontevedra usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Pontevedra gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pontevedra 21°C (70°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Pontevedra or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Pontevedra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pontevedra is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pontevedra in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Pontevedra usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Pontevedra gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. In October, Pontevedra usually receives more rain than Zadar. Pontevedra gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pontevedra 17°C (62°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Pontevedra or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Pontevedra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In January, Pontevedra is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Pontevedra average around 10°C (50°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Pontevedra often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Pontevedra gets 110 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 Pontevedra. Pontevedra usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Pontevedra gets 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pontevedra 10°C (50°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Pontevedra or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pontevedra and Zadar. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Pontevedra is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Pontevedra averages around 13°C (56°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. Pontevedra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Pontevedra gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Pontevedra usually receives more rain than Zadar. Pontevedra gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pontevedra 13°C (56°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Pontevedra

Pontevedra Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 232 mm (9.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 186 mm (7.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 228 mm (9 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)