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

Should you visit Arachova or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova 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.

Arachova

Arachova is a outdoorsy, bustling, and beautiful town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Arachova and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arachova or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Arachova and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Arachova attracts visitors for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Arachova and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Arachova is famous for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing.

How is Arachova different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Hvar Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a town with good options for snow skiing. However, Hvar is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Arachova is a great destination to visit. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Hvar is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Arachova and Hvar have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Arachova is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Arachova or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Arachova and Hvar can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arachova makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Hvar has a huge number of terrific 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 Arachova or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Hvar is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Many people head to Arachova for the nightlife scene. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Is Arachova or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arachova 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.

Arachova is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arachova or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is well known for its beaches. However, Arachova 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.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Arachova or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Arachova is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Arachova is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Arachova or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Arachova 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.

Arachova is a popular spot for hiking. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

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 Arachova or Hvar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hvar and Arachova.

Arachova is a great destination for shopping. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hvar. 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 Arachova or Hvar Better for Families?

Arachova and Hvar are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Arachova is a very family-friendly place to visit. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hvar is very family-friendly. 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 Arachova or Hvar Better for Couples?

Arachova and Hvar are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Arachova frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

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 Arachova or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Arachova 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 Arachova and Hvar.

You'll find some public transit in Arachova, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are some public buses in the area.

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 Arachova or Hvar a more walkable city?

Arachova and Hvar both are nice when exploring on foot.

Arachova is somewhat walkable. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Arachova Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Arachova or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arachova. 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.

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Arachova or Hvar?

Arachova is a fun place to experience. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hvar, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Arachova or Hvar?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Arachova. This 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.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Arachova or Hvar?

The bustling town of Arachova offers shopping and museums. 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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Arachova or Hvar?

Arachova has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Arachova 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 Arachova 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 Arachova or Hvar in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Arachova is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arachova in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during summer. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arachova usually receives less rain than Hvar. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arachova or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Hvar. Many travelers come to Arachova for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Arachova is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 19°C (67°F), 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 Arachova this time of the year. In the autumn, Arachova often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arachova or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Arachova in the winter for the skiing, 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.

Arachova is a little warmer than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during winter. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arachova usually receives less rain than Hvar. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arachova or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Arachova during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Arachova for the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Arachova is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arachova in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the spring, Arachova often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Arachova