A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto de la Cruz vs. Zadar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz or Zadar?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Puerto de la Cruz and Zadar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Puerto de la Cruz or Zadar?

Puerto de la Cruz

The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Puerto de la Cruz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €112, 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 Puerto de la Cruz and Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto de la Cruz 51
    Zadar 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto de la Cruz 102
    Zadar 102
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz


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: Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices and Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto de la Cruz 40
    Zadar 9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar city to Zadar Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar : $49
  • Transfer from Zadar Airport to Zadar City: $49
  • Split Airport (SPU) to Zadar hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63
  • Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto de la Cruz or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar and Puerto de la Cruz 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
    Puerto de la Cruz 34
    Zadar 28

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.
    Puerto de la Cruz 28
    Zadar 19

Tours and Activities in Zadar

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

  • Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • Zadar historical guided tour: $16
  • Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $21
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
  • Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
  • Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
  • Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto de la Cruz 5.00
    Zadar 12

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 Puerto de la Cruz and Zadar, we can see that Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Puerto de la Cruz or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Puerto de la Cruz is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 24°C (75°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 Puerto de la Cruz. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Zadar. Puerto de la Cruz gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Puerto de la Cruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Puerto de la Cruz is a little warmer than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 21°C (70°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 Puerto de la Cruz. In the autumn, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and Zadar. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz is much warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Zadar. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as Zadar. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Puerto de la Cruz is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 20°C (68°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 Puerto de la Cruz this time of the year. In the spring, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)