A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Rijeka for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Aegina or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Rijeka? 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.

Aegina

Aegina is a relaxing, vibrant, and fun island. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aegina and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Aegina or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rijeka. Although Aegina and Rijeka are popular destinations, Rijeka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its big city activities, while Aegina attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and small town charm. Aegina is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle.

How is Aegina different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rijeka and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Rijeka?

Aegina
Rijeka

Aegina is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Aegina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Rijeka

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Aegina and Rijeka can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Aegina area. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Aegina or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Rijeka

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Rijeka has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife in Rijeka has something for everybody. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Aegina or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Rijeka

Aegina is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

Many people head to Aegina to enjoy the beach. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.


Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Rijeka?

Aegina
Rijeka

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rijeka and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Aegina or Rijeka Better for Families?

Aegina
Rijeka

Rijeka is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rijeka is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Aegina offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Is Aegina or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Aegina
Rijeka

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Rijeka make for a nice place to visit.

Aegina is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.


Is Aegina or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Rijeka

Aegina and Rijeka are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Rijeka is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Aegina or Rijeka Better for Students?

Aegina
Rijeka

Rijeka is a popular place for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Rijeka is popular with students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Aegina is not popular with students.

Is Aegina or Rijeka Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Rijeka

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aegina and Rijeka.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

While Rijeka offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.


Is Aegina or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Aegina
Rijeka

Aegina and Rijeka both are nice when exploring on foot.

Aegina is a somewhat walkable island. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Rijeka Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aegina or Rijeka to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Rijeka than Aegina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rijeka, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aegina than Rijeka. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aegina that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aegina than Rijeka if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Aegina.


  • How many days in Aegina or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Aegina or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aegina. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rijeka. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Rijeka?

Aegina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Aegina or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun destination of Aegina. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the slow-paced destination of Rijeka. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €92, while the average daily cost in Rijeka 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 Aegina and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Rijeka? 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 Aegina


Hotels in Rijeka


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: Aegina Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Rijeka 16

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Aegina 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
    Aegina 34
    Rijeka 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Rijeka 16


When comparing the travel costs between Aegina and Rijeka, we can see that Rijeka 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 Aegina Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Rijeka, 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 Aegina or Rijeka?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aegina or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Rijeka. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Aegina is a little warmer than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Aegina is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aegina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the autumn, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aegina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Aegina is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 10°C (51°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Aegina during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Aegina is a little warmer than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the spring, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Aegina

Aegina Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)