A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sestri Levante vs. Zadar for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Sestri Levante or Zadar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sestri Levante and Zadar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Zadar

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

Sestri Levante and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sestri Levante or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zadar. Although Sestri Levante and Zadar are both popular with visitors, Zadar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zadar is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Sestri Levante is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its two bays and coastal setting. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Sestri Levante different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sestri Levante or Zadar?

Zadar is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Sestri Levante or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Sestri Levante and Zadar.

Sestri Levante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zadar makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Sestri Levante or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Zadar has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Sestri Levante or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its resorts.

In Zadar, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Is Sestri Levante or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is great for the beach. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its beaches.

The beaches at Zadar attract visitors from all over. 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.

Sestri Levante offers a nice beach destination. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is Sestri Levante or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is great for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Zadar is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sestri Levante or Zadar?

Zadar is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Zadar Better for Families?

Both Sestri Levante and Zadar are good to visit with kids.

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Zadar is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Sestri Levante or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is great for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Zadar is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Sestri Levante or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination 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.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

Is Sestri Levante or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Sestri Levante and Zadar both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Sestri Levante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Zadar has a few public transit options. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Is Sestri Levante or Zadar a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is an amazing seaside town 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 Sestri Levante on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best 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 Sestri Levante Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Sestri Levante?

How long in Sestri Levante or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sestri Levante or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sestri Levante than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sestri Levante, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante or Zadar?

Even though Sestri Levante is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This seaside 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 nightlife and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Sestri Levante or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. 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.

Zadar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Sestri Levante or Zadar?

Sestri Levante is a fun place to experience. Sestri Levante 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sestri Levante or Zadar?

Sestri Levante 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Zadar. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical 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 Sestri Levante and Zadar, we can see that Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sestri Levante or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Sestri Levante 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.