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

Should you visit Fethiye or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Fethiye 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: Fethiye or Zadar?

Fethiye

Fethiye is a tourist town in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast. It has a beautiful marina and plenty of activities during the day or night. Fethiye's size, location, and easy access to transportation make it a great central starting point to explore the area. It's also a popular place to pick up the "Blue Cruise," a popular boat tour along the Mediterranean coast.

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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Fethiye?

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 Fethiye is $105, while the average daily cost in Zadar is $129. 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 Fethiye and Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fethiye $38
    Zadar $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fethiye $76
    Zadar $120
Compare Hotels in Fethiye and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Fethiye 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 Fethiye


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: Fethiye Hotel Prices and Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fethiye $27
    Zadar $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fethiye

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Fethiye are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $0.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye

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

  • Fethiye Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer and Lunch: $30
  • Quad Bike Safari Adventure in Fethiye with Transfer Service: $38
  • Private Transfer: Dalaman Airport to Fethiye Göcek Hotels: $41
  • 12 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer Option: $47
  • 12 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Private Departure Transfer From Fethiye Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $52
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye, Oludeniz Region Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $52
  • From Ferry Transfer to Rhodes: $53
  • Fethiye Scuba Diving with Lunch and Transfer: $54
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $55
  • Babadag Cable Car Ticket With Fethiye Transfer: $59
  • Fethiye Scuba Diving Trip with Mermaid Diving INCL Lunch-Transfer: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Novalja: $299
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $295
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $286
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $286
  • Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $262
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Split with 2 hours for sightseeing: $244
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Pag Island: $239
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport to Novalja: $239
  • Private Transfer from Zadar to Zagreb with 2h of Sightseeing: $237
  • Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $199
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Starigrad Paklenica: $194
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Cruise Port to Split Airport (SPU): $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Fethiye or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar and Fethiye 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
    Fethiye $47
    Zadar $57
Typical Food Prices in Fethiye

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fethiye:


  • Fruit
    $0.17
  • Soda
    $0.07

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fethiye

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

  • Turkish Cooking Class in a Village Garden: $94

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.
    Fethiye $30
    Zadar $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fethiye

For Fethiye, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Paragliding
    $5.81
  • Gorge Walk entry and photo
    $0.13

Tours and Activities in Fethiye

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

  • Full-Day Jeep Tour w/ Saklikent Visit & Lunch: $21
  • Jeep Safari Tour with Tlos, Saklikent, and Mud Bath: $23
  • Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour Including Lunch: $23
  • 12 Islands Boat Tour in Fethiye: $25
  • Tlos, Yakapark and Countryside Highlights Jeep Tour: $30
  • Quad Safari Adventure from Fethiye: $30
  • 7-HourJeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye Turkey: $33
  • Oludeniz Full Day Boat Cruise with Lunch and Butterfly Valley : $34
  • Full Day Oludeniz Boat Tour in Fethiye: $35
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye/Oludeniz/Hisaronu : $41
  • Full-Day Boat Tour in Fethiye Islands: $42
  • Jeep Safari Tour with Lunch and Natural Mud Bath: $42

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
    Fethiye $13
    Zadar $14

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 Fethiye and Zadar, we can see that Zadar is more expensive. And not only is Fethiye much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fethiye would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fethiye 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 Zadar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zadar than you might in Fethiye.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fethiye Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fethiye or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the sizes of Fethiye 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 Fethiye 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 Fethiye or Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Fethiye during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In the summer, Fethiye is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fethiye in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fethiye. In the summer, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Fethiye gets 385 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Fethiye usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fethiye 28°C (82°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fethiye and Zadar. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Fethiye is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 20°C (68°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Fethiye, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Fethiye gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Zadar. Fethiye gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Fethiye or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fethiye as well as Zadar. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fethiye is a little warmer than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

Fethiye receives a lot of rain in the winter. Fethiye usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fethiye 10°C (50°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Fethiye are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Fethiye is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fethiye in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fethiye. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during spring. Fethiye gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Zadar. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Zadar and Fethiye

Fethiye Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)