A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. Hvar for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or Hvar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a historic, vibrant, and laid-back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Aix-en-Provence and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Aix-en-Provence and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its food and shopping. Hvar is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Aix-en-Provence different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hvar and Aix-en-Provence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aix-en-Provence or Hvar.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Hvar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Aix-en-Provence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Hvar is a must-see party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is well known for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Aix-en-Provence make it a world-class shopping destination. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Hvar is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence and Hvar are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Hvar is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Aix-en-Provence is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Hvar is not popular with students.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aix-en-Provence and Hvar.

You'll find some public transit in Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

While Hvar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Hvar a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable town. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable town. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Aix-en-Provence or Hvar. In our opinion, Hvar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hvar than Aix-en-Provence. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hvar than Aix-en-Provence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hvar that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar than Aix-en-Provence 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 Hvar.

One day in Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The vibrant destination of Hvar offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

Aix-en-Provence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The island of Hvar offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

You'll find shopping and museums around the relaxing destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

The laid-back town of Aix-en-Provence offers museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aix-en-Provence and Hvar, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. And not only is Hvar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hvar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hvar 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 Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence than you might in Hvar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence and Hvar, 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 Aix-en-Provence or Hvar?

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 Aix-en-Provence or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and Hvar. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aix-en-Provence is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 24°C (75°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aix-en-Provence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during summer. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Hvar. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as Hvar. Many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Aix-en-Provence is cooler than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the autumn, Aix-en-Provence often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hvar. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Hvar in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Aix-en-Provence is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during winter. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Hvar. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Aix-en-Provence during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Aix-en-Provence is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 13°C (56°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. In the spring, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Aix-en-Provence