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

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a scenic, traditional, and understated seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Ventimiglia and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or Zadar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zadar. Although Ventimiglia 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, and beaches, while Ventimiglia is known for its shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ventimiglia is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Ventimiglia different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zadar is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Ventimiglia and Zadar both to be high quality destinations.

Dining out in Ventimiglia is an experience not to be missed. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

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.

Is Ventimiglia or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

Zadar has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Ventimiglia or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great destination for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great destination for the beach. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Is Ventimiglia or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Ventimiglia and Zadar.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

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 the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or Zadar?

Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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 Ventimiglia or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ventimiglia or Zadar.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ventimiglia. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

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 Ventimiglia or Zadar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ventimiglia and Zadar make for a high quality place to visit.

Couples visit Ventimiglia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Zadar is a great seaside 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.

Is Ventimiglia or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is a great destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is a great destination for students. However, Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

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.

Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

Is Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia and Zadar.

You'll find some public transit in Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Is Ventimiglia or Zadar a more walkable city?

Ventimiglia and Zadar both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

Zadar is very walkable. 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 Ventimiglia Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or Zadar?

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

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

Even though Ventimiglia is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the coastal town of Zadar. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Zadar?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Zadar. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Ventimiglia or Zadar?

Ventimiglia is a fun place to experience. Ventimiglia is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The coastal town of Zadar offers museums and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ventimiglia or Zadar?

Ventimiglia is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Zadar. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Ventimiglia and Zadar, we can see that Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ventimiglia or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ventimiglia and Zadar. The summer months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Ventimiglia is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Ventimiglia average around 23°C (73°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Ventimiglia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ventimiglia usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Ventimiglia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ventimiglia usually receives less rain than Zadar. Ventimiglia gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ventimiglia as well as Zadar. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ventimiglia averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Ventimiglia often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Ventimiglia gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ventimiglia usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Ventimiglia gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Ventimiglia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ventimiglia for 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 the winter, Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ventimiglia in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during winter. Ventimiglia gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Ventimiglia gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Ventimiglia during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ventimiglia is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Ventimiglia average around 13°C (56°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Ventimiglia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Ventimiglia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zadar. Ventimiglia gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Ventimiglia