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

Should you visit Villach or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Villach 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.

Villach

Villach is a historic, nature-filled, and outdoorsy town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Zadar

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

Villach and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zadar than Villach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zadar is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Villach is known for its hiking and small town charm. Villach is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.

How is Villach different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Villach or Zadar.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Villach. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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.

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

Zadar is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

Dining out in Zadar is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Villach or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Villach and Zadar.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

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 Villach or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is notable for its resorts. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not a resort destination.

Is Villach or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Villach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Villach or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is notable for the beach. However, Villach is not a beach destination.

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.

Villach is not a beach destination.

Is Villach or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Villach or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Villach is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Villach is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Zadar?

Zadar is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Many visitors go to Zadar to go shopping. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Villach or Zadar Better for Families?

Villach is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Villach is a very kid-friendly town. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Zadar is a family-friendly town. 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 Villach or Zadar Better for Couples?

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

Villach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Villach or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Villach and Zadar are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Villach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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.

Is Villach or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is notable for students. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Zadar is a popular place for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Villach or Zadar a more walkable city?

Zadar is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Villach?

How long in Villach or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Villach or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Villach 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 Villach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

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

In Villach, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this nature-filled destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This 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 shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Villach or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

In Zadar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer.

Five days in Villach or Zadar?

Villach is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Villach. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Zadar is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Villach or Zadar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Villach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Zadar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Zadar. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, 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 Villach and Zadar, we can see that Villach 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 Villach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Villach 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 Villach Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Villach or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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 Villach 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 Villach or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking, 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, Villach is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 24°C (75°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Villach. Villach usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Villach usually receives more rain than Zadar. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Villach or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Villach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Villach is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Villach often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Zadar. Many travelers come to Villach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Villach is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Villach in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Villach usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Villach usually receives less rain than Zadar. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Villach or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Villach as well as Zadar. Many visitors come to Villach in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the spring, Villach often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Villach