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

Should you visit Athens or Hvar?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Hvar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Athens and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Hvar is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens 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 Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is fantastic in both Athens and Hvar.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Hvar is a world class 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.

Is Athens or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is great for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

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.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Hvar?

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

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Hvar is a great destination for 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 Athens or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Athens and Hvar are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Hvar is 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 Athens or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Hvar is a great island 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Hvar are fantastic places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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.

Is Athens or Hvar Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Athens is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Athens can get you to some places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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

Is Athens or Hvar a more walkable city?

Athens 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.

Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Athens?

How long in Athens or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hvar than Athens. 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 Athens than Hvar 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Hvar?

Athens is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Athens or Hvar?

Athens is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Athens or Hvar?

Athens is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Athens or Hvar?

Athens is a historic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 Athens and Hvar, we can see that Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Hvar?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Hvar. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Athens is around the same temperature as Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Hvar. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Hvar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Athens is a little warmer than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Hvar. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Athens