A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sibenik vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Sibenik or Kotor?

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 Sibenik and Kotor. 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.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a authentic, local, and undiscovered town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Sibenik and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sibenik or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sibenik. Although Sibenik and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Sibenik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sibenik is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Kotor is known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Sibenik is popular for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty. It is also home to Krka National Park. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Sibenik different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sibenik or Kotor?

Sibenik is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Sibenik specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Sibenik or Kotor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kotor is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sibenik. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Sibenik is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Sibenik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Sibenik is very good for its resorts. However, Kotor is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

Sibenik has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sibenik is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Sibenik has a few snorkeling spots. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Sibenik is well known for its beaches. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Sibenik is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Sibenik. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Sibenik is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Sibenik is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sibenik or Kotor?

Sibenik is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Sibenik is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for Families?

Sibenik is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sibenik is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for Couples?

Sibenik and Kotor both high quality destinations for a couple.

Sibenik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sibenik and Kotor are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Sibenik is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kotor is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Sibenik or Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sibenik is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Sibenik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Sibenik or Kotor a more walkable city?

Sibenik and Kotor are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sibenik. The old town is car-free and easily explored on foot.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Sibenik Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Sibenik?

How long in Sibenik or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Sibenik or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sibenik, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

Couples should spend more time in Sibenik than Kotor. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sibenik that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sibenik than Kotor 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 Sibenik.

One day in Sibenik or Kotor?

In Sibenik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Sibenik or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sibenik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Sibenik or Kotor?

Sibenik is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sibenik. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a great place to explore. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sibenik or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Sibenik. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Sibenik or Kotor?

Sibenik has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Sibenik and Kotor, 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 Sibenik or Kotor?

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 Sibenik or Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Sibenik during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sibenik for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Sibenik is around the same temperature as Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Sibenik averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sibenik. In the summer, Sibenik often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Sibenik gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Sibenik usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Sibenik gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sibenik or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sibenik and Kotor. Many visitors come to Sibenik in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Sibenik is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sibenik in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Sibenik, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sibenik usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during autumn. Sibenik gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sibenik usually receives less rain than Kotor. Sibenik gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sibenik or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sibenik as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Sibenik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

In January, Sibenik is generally a little warmer than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Sibenik average around 8°C (47°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Sibenik often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Sibenik gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Sibenik usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Sibenik gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sibenik or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Sibenik are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Sibenik because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Sibenik is around the same temperature as Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Sibenik averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sibenik. Sibenik usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during spring. Sibenik gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Sibenik usually receives less rain than Kotor. Sibenik gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Sibenik