A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Hvar for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Annecy or Hvar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Annecy and Hvar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hvar

Hvar is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Annecy is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is well known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Hvar is well known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort.

How is Annecy different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Annecy or Hvar?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Annecy and Hvar.

Annecy offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. 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 Annecy or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy 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 Annecy have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

Hvar is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Annecy or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hvar. 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.

Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Annecy or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great island for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Annecy or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Annecy or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Annecy is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Hvar?

If you're looking to go shopping, Annecy and Hvar both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Many visitors go to Hvar to go shopping. 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 Annecy or Hvar Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Annecy or Hvar.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

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.

Is Annecy or Hvar Better for Couples?

Annecy is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

Annecy is a great alpine town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Annecy or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hvar is extremely popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Annecy or Hvar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Annecy and Hvar both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Hvar has a few public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Annecy or Hvar a more walkable city?

Annecy 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.

Annecy is a very walkable alpine town. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable alpine 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 Annecy Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Hvar?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar than Annecy 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 Annecy or Hvar?

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Annecy or Hvar?

Annecy is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Annecy or Hvar?

Annecy is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This alpine town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Annecy or Hvar?

Because Annecy is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Hvar. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day 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 Annecy and Hvar, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Hvar?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Annecy 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 Annecy or Hvar?

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 Annecy or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Annecy during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Annecy is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Annecy. In the summer, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Hvar. Many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Annecy is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Annecy in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Annecy usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. In January, Annecy is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 4°C (39°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Annecy is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Annecy