A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zadar vs. Crete for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Zadar or Crete?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Crete? 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.

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.

Crete

Crete is a stunning, breathtaking, and world-renowned island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Zadar and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zadar or Crete?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Crete than Zadar, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Crete is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Zadar is known for its historical sights. Crete is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also home to the Palace of Knossos. Zadar is popular for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Zadar different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Crete 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.

Crete offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great 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.

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

Crete is an amazing island 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, Crete is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

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 Zadar or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Crete is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Crete offers plenty to do in the evening. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

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 Zadar or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Crete is a great choice. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

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.

Is Zadar or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

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.

Is Zadar or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for the beache. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Crete. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

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.

Is Zadar or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Zadar is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a 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.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Zadar or Crete Better for Hiking?

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

Crete is a popular spot for hiking. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zadar or Crete?

Both Zadar and Crete are good shopping destinations.

Zadar offers some nice shopping areas. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Crete has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Zadar or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Crete is a very family-friendly destination. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Zadar or Crete Better for Couples?

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

Crete makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

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 Zadar or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zadar and Crete are high quality destinations for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Crete. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Is Zadar or Crete Better for Students?

Zadar and Crete are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Crete is very popular with students. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

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

Both Zadar and Crete offer good public transit options.

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

Crete has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Zadar or Crete a more walkable city?

Zadar is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known 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.

Crete is generally not a very walkable town. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Zadar?

How long in Zadar or Crete?

Both Zadar and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Zadar. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Zadar, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete than Zadar 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 Crete.

One day in Zadar or Crete?

In Zadar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Crete, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this world-renowned destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Zadar or Crete?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Zadar or Crete?

Zadar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Crete is a fun place to experience. In Crete, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Zadar or Crete?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Zadar. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Crete, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this world-renowned destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

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

Which has a larger population, Zadar or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Crete, 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.