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

Should you visit Zadar or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Kotor? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic coastal 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. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Zadar and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zadar or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Zadar and Kotor are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zadar attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Kotor is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also well known for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral). Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Zadar different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor 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 Kotor?

Zadar is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is an amazing coastal 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, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Zadar is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Zadar or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Zadar is well known for its resorts. However, Kotor is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Is Zadar or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's nice scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Zadar and Kotor.

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.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Is Zadar or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Zadar is well known for its beaches. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Zadar or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an amazing coastal 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.

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Zadar or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zadar or Kotor?

Zadar is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Zadar is a great destination for shopping. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zadar or Kotor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Zadar or Kotor.

Zadar is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Kotor is a family-friendly town. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Zadar or Kotor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Zadar and Kotor make for a great place to visit.

Zadar is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Zadar or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zadar and Kotor are great 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Zadar or Kotor Better for Students?

Zadar is well known for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Zadar is very popular with students. 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Zadar is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor 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 Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Zadar or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored 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 Zadar Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Zadar?

How long in Zadar or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Zadar or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Zadar, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

In Zadar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this laid back 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.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal town 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. Kotor 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.

A week in Zadar or Kotor?

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.

Kotor 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Zadar or Kotor?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Kotor, 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 Zadar or Kotor?

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 Zadar or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Kotor. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 26°C (80°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during summer. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zadar usually receives less rain than Kotor. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zadar or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zadar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Zadar usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zadar or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Zadar is a little warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zadar in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during winter. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Zadar usually receives less rain than Kotor. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zadar or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Zadar during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 15°C (59°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the spring, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Kotor. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zadar usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Zadar