A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zadar vs. Costa de Prata for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zadar or Costa de Prata?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Costa de Prata? 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.

Where Should I go: Zadar or Costa de Prata?

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

Costa de Prata

Costa de Prata is a region located on the Silver Coast of Portugal, an hour north of Lisbon. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and relaxed, welcoming, atmosphere. The area experiences gorgeous weather nearly all year round, with temperatures in the high 70's and 80's Fahrenheit from May-September. June-August sees the warmest ocean temperatures, making these the best months for swimming. Even during their winter, temperatures rarely dip below 60°F, although ocean temperatures drop, making swimming a bit colder.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Costa de Prata or Zadar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is $95, while the average daily cost in Costa de Prata is $162. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zadar and Costa de Prata in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zadar $54
    Costa de Prata $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zadar $108
    Costa de Prata $166
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Costa de Prata

Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Costa de Prata? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Zadar


Hotels in Costa de Prata


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zadar $10
    Costa de Prata $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport (ZAD): $71
  • Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
  • Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
  • Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Zaton Holiday Resort: $77
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from The Garden, Tisno: $152
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Petrcane: $70
  • Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to or from Vir Island: $106
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $240
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Costa de Prata?

Prices for flights to both Costa de Prata and Zadar change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zadar $30
    Costa de Prata $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zadar $20
    Costa de Prata $14

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
  • Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
  • 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
  • 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
  • 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
  • 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
  • Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
  • Daysailing & SUP experience: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zadar $12
    Costa de Prata $8.71

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zadar and Costa de Prata, we can see that Costa de Prata 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 Costa de Prata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Costa de Prata 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 Zadar Expensive? and Is Costa de Prata Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Zadar or Costa de Prata?

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 Zadar or Costa de Prata in the Summer?

Both Costa de Prata and Zadar during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zadar is a little warmer than Costa de Prata in the summer. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Costa de Prata, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the summer, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Costa de Prata. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 308 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in July than Costa de Prata. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zadar 26°C (80°F) 
    Costa de Prata 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Costa de Prata in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Costa de Prata. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the autumn, Zadar is around the same temperature as Costa de Prata. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zadar in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Costa de Prata averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zadar usually receives more sunshine than Costa de Prata during autumn. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Costa de Prata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zadar usually receives less rain than Costa de Prata. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zadar 18°C (64°F) 
    Costa de Prata 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Costa de Prata in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Costa de Prata. Many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Zadar is generally cooler than Costa de Prata. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 8°C (47°F), and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Zadar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Costa de Prata. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Costa de Prata. Zadar usually gets less rain in January than Costa de Prata. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zadar 8°C (47°F) 
    Costa de Prata 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Costa de Prata in the Spring?

Both Costa de Prata and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Zadar is around the same temperature as Costa de Prata in the spring. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Costa de Prata. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Costa de Prata during spring. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zadar usually receives less rain than Costa de Prata. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zadar 15°C (59°F) 
    Costa de Prata 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Costa de Prata and Zadar

Zadar Costa de Prata
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)