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

Should you visit Coimbra or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Coimbra or Zadar? 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: Coimbra or Zadar?

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Coimbra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €138, while the average daily cost in Zadar is €110. 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 Coimbra and Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Zadar 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Zadar 102
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Zadar? 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 Coimbra


Hotels in Zadar


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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Zadar 9.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Private transfer in Coimbra City : $95
  • Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $159
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $274
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $298

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Zrmanja River Kayaking, with optional transfer from Zadar: $66
  • Private Transfers to Airports & Top Destinations: $72
  • Zadar Private Transfers to or from any location: $80
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $262
  • Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $69
  • Transfer From Zadar Airport to Town Zadar: $67
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $295
  • Private Transfer: Zadar (Airport) to/from Biograd na moru or Crvena Luka Resort: $106
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Zagreb with 2h of Sightseeing: $237
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Split, Hotel-to-Hotel: $165
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Split with 2 hours for sightseeing: $244
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar and Coimbra 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
    Coimbra 83
    Zadar 49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

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

  • Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $142

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
  • Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Zadar 19

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
  • Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
  • Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour: $5.96
  • Coimbra Downtown Walking Tour with uptown insights : $5.96
  • Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: $5.96
  • Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
  • Tomar’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Tour of Fado Traditions in Coimbra: $9.99
  • Coimbra City Tour : $24
  • Cycle to Ancient Dolmens in Azenha. History, Theory & Folklore Guided Tour: $36
  • Coimbra Adventure Discovery and Learning with a Local: $42
  • Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale: $48

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: $65
  • Private Sunset tour with Antares Sailing : $107
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
  • Zadar Boat Tour Half Day: $42
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $181
  • 2 Hour Quad Buggy ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $116
  • 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
  • 3 Islands Luxury Boat Tour with Aperol Spritz: $33
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
  • Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling: $38
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $238
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Zadar 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
  • Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
  • City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
  • City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Zadar, we can see that Coimbra 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 Coimbra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Zadar?

Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Zadar, 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 Coimbra or Zadar?

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 Coimbra or Zadar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Zadar. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In July, Coimbra is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In the summer, Coimbra often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Zadar in the Autumn?

Both Zadar and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Coimbra is around the same temperature as Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Coimbra usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In October, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Zadar. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Coimbra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Coimbra is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Coimbra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Zadar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Zadar. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during spring. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Zadar. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Coimbra

Coimbra Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)