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

Should you visit Zadar or Olympos?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Olympos? 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 Olympos?

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.

Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos 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 Olympos is $95. 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 Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zadar $54
    Olympos $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zadar $108
    Olympos $86
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Olympos? 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 Olympos


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 and Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zadar $10
    Olympos $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Transfer Zadar - Zagreb: $741
  • Transfer Zagreb - Zadar: $664
  • From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
  • From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
  • Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
  • From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
  • Private transfer (Taxi) - Zadar to Split: $284
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $276
  • Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos

Also for Olympos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Kemer Full Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch and Optional Transfer: $10
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $15
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Kemer Mega Star Boat Trip With Hotel Transfer and Lunch : $20
  • Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $22
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Kemer Horse Riding Experience with Transfer: $39
  • Kemer Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $40
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos 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
    Olympos $30

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos

For Olympos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar : $33
  • Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zadar $20
    Olympos $29

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

Tours and Activities in Olympos

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Olympos.

  • Spa Experience in Kemer with Pickup: $18
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Kemer: $20
  • Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
  • 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer Turkey with Two Dives and Lunch: $26
  • Pirate Boat Tour on the Beautiful Bays of Kemer: $27
  • Kemer Scuba Diving Experience: $27
  • Kemer Scuba Diving Experience: Two Dives with Lunch : $30
  • Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
  • Safari Adventure in the mountains from Kemer: $32
  • Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
  • Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zadar $12
    Olympos $18

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



When is the best time to visit Zadar or Olympos?

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 Olympos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Olympos. The summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 26°C (80°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In the summer, Zadar often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in July than Olympos. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zadar 26°C (80°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Olympos in the Autumn?

Both Olympos and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Zadar is cooler than Olympos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Olympos fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Olympos. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during autumn. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zadar usually receives more rain than Olympos. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zadar 18°C (64°F) 
    Olympos 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Olympos in the Winter?

Both Olympos and Zadar during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Zadar is cooler than Olympos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zadar in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Olympos averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Zadar often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in January than Olympos. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zadar 8°C (47°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Olympos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Olympos. Many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Zadar is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 15°C (59°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos this time of the year. In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zadar usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during spring. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zadar usually receives more rain than Olympos. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zadar 15°C (59°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Zadar

Zadar Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)