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

Should you visit Avignon 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 Avignon 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.

Avignon

Avignon is a historical, quaint, and charming town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Avignon and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Avignon 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, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Avignon and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Avignon is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Avignon different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Avignon 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 Avignon are among the most recognizable in the world. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon 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 Avignon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity 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 Avignon or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Avignon or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Avignon 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.

Avignon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Avignon or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a very popular place for the beach. However, Avignon 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Avignon or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Avignon or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Avignon 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.

Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Hvar?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Avignon and Hvar.

Avignon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

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 Avignon or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hvar. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Avignon or Hvar Better for Couples?

Avignon and Hvar both very good destinations for a couple.

Avignon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Couples visit Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Avignon or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular island for 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Avignon and Hvar.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

You'll find some public transit in Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Avignon or Hvar a more walkable city?

Avignon is renowned 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.

It is easy to get around Avignon on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy 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 Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Avignon or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Avignon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Avignon. 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.

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

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Avignon or Hvar?

Avignon 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.

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Avignon or Hvar?

Avignon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Avignon or Hvar?

Because Avignon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-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 Avignon and Hvar, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Avignon Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Hvar?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Avignon 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 Avignon 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 Avignon or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm 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, Avignon is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 24°C (75°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In the summer, Avignon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Avignon because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Avignon usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Avignon. In October, Avignon usually receives more rain than Hvar. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Avignon or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Avignon during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Avignon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Hvar. Many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Avignon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during spring. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Avignon usually receives less rain than Hvar. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Avignon