Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas or Zadar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zadar or Playa de las Americas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Zadar or Playa de las Americas? 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 Playa de las Americas?
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.
Playa de las Americas
If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.
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 from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZadar $95Playa de las Americas $209
The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is $95, while the average daily cost in Playa de las Americas is $209. 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 Playa de las Americas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZadar $54Playa de las Americas $123
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZadar $108Playa de las Americas $246
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Playa de las Americas
Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Playa de las Americas? 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.
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 Playa de las Americas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zadar $10Playa de las Americas $60
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Zadar or Playa de las Americas?
Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas 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
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Food Meals for one dayZadar $30Playa de las Americas $48
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zadar $20Playa de las Americas $32
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZadar $12Playa de las Americas $9.18
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zadar and Playa de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zadar or Playa de las Americas?
Zadar has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Playa de las Americas, 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 Playa de las Americas?
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 Playa de las Americas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Playa de las Americas. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
Zadar is around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas in the summer. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa de las Americas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In the summer, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Playa de las Americas. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 268 hours of full sun.
Zadar usually gets more rain in July than Playa de las Americas. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZadar 26°C (80°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zadar or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?
Both Playa de las Americas and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zadar is cooler than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zadar in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa de las Americas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas during autumn. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zadar usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZadar 18°C (64°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zadar or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?
Both Playa de las Americas and Zadar during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Zadar is generally much colder than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 8°C (47°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In the winter, Zadar often gets less sunshine than Playa de las Americas. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 191 hours of full sun.
Zadar usually gets more rain in January than Playa de las Americas. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZadar 8°C (47°F)Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Zadar or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Playa de las Americas. Most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Zadar is cooler than Playa de las Americas in the spring. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas during spring. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zadar usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZadar 15°C (59°F)Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Zadar
| Zadar | Playa de las Americas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.