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

Should you visit Volterra or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Volterra 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.

Volterra

Volterra is a historic, charming, and medieval town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back 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.

Volterra and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zadar. Although Volterra and Zadar are popular destinations, Zadar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zadar is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Volterra attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Volterra is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. 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 Volterra different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Volterra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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.

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

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

Zadar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Volterra or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Zadar is a popular place for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Volterra or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Volterra or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volterra or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for its beaches. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Volterra or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

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

Volterra offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

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 Volterra or Zadar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zadar and Volterra.

Volterra is a great destination for shopping. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zadar. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Volterra or Zadar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Zadar.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

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 Volterra or Zadar Better for Couples?

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Volterra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

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 Volterra or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is well known for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Volterra or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not popular with students.

Is Volterra 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, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Volterra or Zadar a more walkable city?

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Volterra on foot. Most people explore the town on foot.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. 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 Volterra Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Zadar?

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

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

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

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

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

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 Volterra or Zadar?

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

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 Volterra or Zadar?

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

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 Volterra or Zadar?

Volterra 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. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra 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 Volterra 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 Volterra or Zadar in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Volterra is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volterra in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volterra usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volterra usually receives less rain than Zadar. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volterra or Zadar in the Autumn?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Volterra often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Volterra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Volterra usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Volterra is cooler than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Volterra usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volterra usually receives less rain than Zadar. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Volterra or Zadar in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Volterra is cooler than Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volterra in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Volterra often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Volterra