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

Should you visit Toulon or Zadar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Toulon and Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Toulon and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Zadar?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zadar than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Zadar, Zadar has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zadar is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Toulon attracts visitors for its shopping. Toulon is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also well known for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Toulon different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Toulon and Zadar have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Zadar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Toulon or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zadar is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Both Toulon and Zadar are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

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 Toulon or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Toulon is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zadar. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Toulon is not a resort destination.

Is Toulon or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Is Toulon or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Toulon or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

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.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Zadar?

Toulon 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.

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to 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 Toulon or Zadar Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Zadar.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Zadar is a family-friendly port city. 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 Toulon or Zadar Better for Couples?

Zadar is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Is Toulon or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Zadar is very popular with students. 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.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Both Toulon and Zadar offer nice public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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

Is Toulon or Zadar a more walkable city?

Toulon and Zadar both are great when exploring on foot.

Toulon is very walkable. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Zadar is a very walkable port city. 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 Toulon Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Zadar?

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

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Toulon. 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 Toulon. 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Zadar?

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Zadar?

Toulon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulon. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Zadar?

You'll find food and shopping around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Toulon. 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 nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Zadar. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, 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 Toulon and Zadar, we can see that Toulon 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 Toulon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toulon 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 Toulon Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Zadar?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Toulon is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Zadar. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In October, Toulon is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Zadar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toulon is cooler than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives less rain than Zadar. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Zadar. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Toulon is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Toulon