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

Should you visit Zadar or Playa del Ingles?

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

Should I visit Zadar or Playa del Ingles? 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 del Ingles?

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 del Ingles

Translating to "Englishman's Beach," Playa del Ingles is a sea resort located on the south coast of the Gran Canaria island of Spain's Canary Islands. Since the 1960s it has been built up to accommodate tourists from around the world, especially from Europe. Some of the most popular attractions include an abundance of bars and clubs as well as beachside activities like swimming, surfing, scuba, and snorkeling.

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 Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Playa del Ingles 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 Playa del Ingles is $193. 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 del Ingles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zadar $54
    Playa del Ingles $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zadar $108
    Playa del Ingles $198
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Playa del Ingles

Looking for a hotel in Zadar or Playa del Ingles? 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 Playa del Ingles


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
    Playa del Ingles $66

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 Playa del Ingles?

Prices for flights to both Playa del Ingles 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
    Playa del Ingles $52

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
    Playa del Ingles $36

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
    Playa del Ingles $8.42

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 del Ingles, we can see that Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zadar or Playa del Ingles?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Playa del Ingles. When comparing the sizes of Zadar and Playa del Ingles, 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 del Ingles?

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 del Ingles in the Summer?

Both Playa del Ingles and Zadar during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zadar is generally a little warmer than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 26°C (80°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Playa del Ingles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zadar. In the summer, Zadar often gets more sunshine than Playa del Ingles. Zadar gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 293 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Ingles. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zadar 26°C (80°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Playa del Ingles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Playa del Ingles. Many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Zadar is cooler than Playa del Ingles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles during autumn. Zadar gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zadar usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zadar 18°C (64°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Playa del Ingles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Playa del Ingles. Most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Zadar is much colder than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zadar in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the winter, Zadar often gets less sunshine than Playa del Ingles. Zadar gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 187 hours of full sun.

Zadar usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Ingles. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zadar 8°C (47°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Zadar or Playa del Ingles in the Spring?

Both Playa del Ingles and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Zadar is generally cooler than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 15°C (59°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Ingles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. Zadar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Ingles during spring. Zadar gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zadar usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zadar 15°C (59°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Playa del Ingles and Zadar

Zadar Playa del Ingles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 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) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)