A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Zadar for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Tenerife or Zadar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Zadar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a scenic, vibrant, and adventure-filled island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Zadar

Zadar is a relaxed, coastal, and vibrant town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Zadar are popular destinations, Tenerife has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tenerife is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Zadar attracts visitors for its museums, food, and historical sights. Tenerife is more touristy than Zadar and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also well known for Mount Teide. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Tenerife different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zadar is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Zadar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Zadar is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zadar. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Tenerife has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or Zadar Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, very good resorts can be found in both Tenerife and Zadar.

Tenerife is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

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.

Is Tenerife or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Is Tenerife or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Both Tenerife and Zadar have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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.

Is Tenerife or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Zadar to see the historical old town. 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

People visit Tenerife specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Zadar?

Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

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 Tenerife or Zadar Better for Families?

Tenerife is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tenerife is a very family-friendly destination. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

Zadar is a family-friendly island. 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 Tenerife or Zadar Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Zadar are both very good to visit as a couple.

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

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 Tenerife or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zadar is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or Zadar Better for Students?

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

Zadar is a great town to visit as a student. 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.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Tenerife and Zadar.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

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 Tenerife or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Zadar is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

For even more information, also check out Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tenerife or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tenerife than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Zadar?

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this volcanic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

The beautiful town of Zadar offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Zadar is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zadar, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Zadar?

Tenerife is a fun place to experience. In Tenerife, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Zadar?

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this scenic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Zadar is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, 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 Tenerife and Zadar, we can see that Tenerife 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 Tenerife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tenerife 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 Tenerife Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tenerife is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the summer, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Zadar. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Tenerife during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Tenerife is much warmer than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Zadar. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Zadar. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Tenerife