A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Zadar for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Zadar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

You'll generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Zadar. Santiago de Compostela is bigger than Zadar, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Zadar is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city 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 Santiago de Compostela are among the most recognizable in the world. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Santiago de Compostela and Zadar.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santiago de Compostela. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Santiago de Compostela offers plenty to do in the evening. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santiago de Compostela or Zadar.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Zadar offers lots of family activities. 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 Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela and Zadar are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santiago de Compostela is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. 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.

It's common for students to visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Santiago de Compostela and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

While Zadar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Zadar a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Zadar both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

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 Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santiago de Compostela or Zadar to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zadar than Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela than Zadar 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this inspirational destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The town of Zadar offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

The laid back destination of Zadar offers museums and nightlife. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

Santiago de Compostela is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the iconic destination of Santiago de Compostela. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Zadar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Zadar. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Zadar?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Zadar. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Zadar. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Santiago de Compostela is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 11°C (51°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Zadar. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Santiago de Compostela during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Santiago de Compostela