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

Should you visit Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a historic, off-the-beaten-path, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Ravenna and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Zadar?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Zadar than Ravenna. While Ravenna is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zadar is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Ravenna is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting. Also, Zadar is famous for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Ravenna different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ravenna is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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 Ravenna or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ravenna and Zadar offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Ravenna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Dining out in Zadar is an experience not to be missed. 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 Ravenna or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ravenna and Zadar.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ravenna. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Zadar has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Ravenna or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ravenna is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zadar to choose from. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Ravenna is not a resort destination.

Is Ravenna or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ravenna or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a very popular place for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Ravenna or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Zadar?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Ravenna and Zadar.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ravenna. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Many visitors go to Zadar to go shopping. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Ravenna or Zadar Better for Families?

Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Zadar is a family-friendly town. 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 Ravenna or Zadar Better for Couples?

Ravenna and Zadar both superb destinations for a couple.

Ravenna makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Couples visit Zadar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Ravenna or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Ravenna or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ravenna and Zadar.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

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 Ravenna or Zadar a more walkable city?

Ravenna and Zadar are superb when it comes to walkability.

Ravenna is a very walkable town. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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 Ravenna Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ravenna 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 Ravenna. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town 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 Ravenna or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. 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 Ravenna or Zadar?

Ravenna is a fun place to experience. Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Ravenna or Zadar?

Ravenna is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ravenna and Zadar, we can see that Zadar 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 Ravenna Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Zadar?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Zadar. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ravenna is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Ravenna usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ravenna is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ravenna in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In October, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Zadar. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ravenna or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Ravenna during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ravenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ravenna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ravenna is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 3°C (37°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Zadar. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Ravenna is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Zadar. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Ravenna