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

Should you visit Biarritz or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Hvar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hvar

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

Biarritz and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its resorts, shopping, and small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Biarritz and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Biarritz different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hvar is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Biarritz or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Biarritz and Hvar.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Dining out in Hvar is an experience not to be missed. 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 Biarritz or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

The people in Biarritz know how to have a good time. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Biarritz or Hvar Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is notable for its resorts. However, Hvar is not a resort destination.

In Biarritz, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Hvar is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Biarritz or Hvar Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Biarritz and Hvar are excellent choices.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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.

Is Biarritz or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Hvar?

Biarritz is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Biarritz or Hvar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Hvar.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz or Hvar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Hvar make for a excellent place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Biarritz and Hvar.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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 Biarritz or Hvar a more walkable city?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable seaside 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 Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Hvar?

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

Couples should spend more time in Hvar than Biarritz. 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 Hvar than Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Biarritz or Hvar?

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 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 Biarritz or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Biarritz or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the relaxing seaside town of Biarritz. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

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 The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to 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 Biarritz and Hvar, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Hvar?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Biarritz is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, 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 Biarritz this time of the year. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Biarritz is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Biarritz in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In October, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Hvar. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Biarritz or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Biarritz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In January, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 8°C (47°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in January than Hvar. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Hvar. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Biarritz is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Hvar. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Biarritz