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

Should you visit Arachova or Rijeka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Rijeka, 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 bustling, beautiful, and outdoorsy town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arachova and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Arachova or Rijeka?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arachova than Rijeka, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arachova is better known for its skiing, food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Rijeka is more popular for its beaches and big city activities. Arachova is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. Also, Arachova is famous for Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. Rijeka is well known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Arachova different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Rijeka Better for Skiing?

Arachova
Rijeka

Arachova is very good for snow skiing. However, Rijeka is not a skiing destination.

Head to Arachova for some great skiing and other winter activities. 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.

Rijeka is not a skiing destination.


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

Arachova
Rijeka

Both Arachova and Rijeka have notable 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.

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

Arachova
Rijeka

Arachova is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Arachova is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Arachova or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Arachova
Rijeka

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Arachova and Rijeka.

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Rijeka for the nightlife scene. 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 Arachova or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Arachova
Rijeka

Rijeka is a town with a few options for its beaches. However, Arachova is not a beach destination.

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.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Arachova or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Arachova
Rijeka

Arachova is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Arachova. 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Arachova or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Arachova
Rijeka

Arachova is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

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.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Rijeka?

Arachova
Rijeka

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rijeka 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 Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Arachova or Rijeka Better for Families?

Arachova
Rijeka

Arachova and Rijeka are both excellent 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, Rijeka is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Arachova or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Arachova
Rijeka

Arachova is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Arachova is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

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 Arachova or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arachova
Rijeka

Rijeka is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Rijeka Better for Students?

Arachova
Rijeka

Rijeka is a nice place to visit for students. However, Arachova 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.

Arachova is not popular with students.

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

Arachova
Rijeka

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

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


Is Arachova or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Arachova
Rijeka

Arachova and Rijeka both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arachova or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Arachova than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.


  • How many days in Arachova or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arachova 2-3 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Arachova or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arachova. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The town of Rijeka offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Arachova or Rijeka?

Arachova 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rijeka, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Arachova or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arachova. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Rijeka is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Arachova. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Arachova?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, 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 Arachova and Rijeka in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Arachova 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 Arachova


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: Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arachova 51
    Rijeka 16

Is it cheaper to fly into Arachova or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Arachova 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
    Arachova 29
    Rijeka 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    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
    Arachova 6.43
    Rijeka 16


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

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


Which is Bigger, Arachova or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova 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 Arachova 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 Arachova or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Rijeka. Most visitors come to Arachova for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Arachova is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 27°C (81°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

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

In July, Arachova usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Arachova 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
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Rijeka. The autumn months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Arachova is a little warmer than Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

Arachova usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Arachova 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
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Arachova is much warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arachova in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

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

In January, Arachova usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Arachova 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
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Arachova during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arachova for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Arachova is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 16°C (60°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

Arachova usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Arachova 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
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Arachova

Arachova 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)