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

Should you visit Caen 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 Caen 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.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Caen and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Caen and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Caen and Hvar.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hvar. 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 Caen or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Caen or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Caen or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Hvar Better for Hiking?

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

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Hvar?

Hvar is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Caen or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Caen or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Hvar. 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 Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen 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 Caen can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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

Is Caen or Hvar a more walkable city?

Caen and Hvar are nice when it comes to walkability.

Caen is somewhat walkable. The city center is best explored 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 Caen Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Caen?

How long in Caen or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Caen 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 Caen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Caen. 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.

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. 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.

A weekend in Caen or Hvar?

Caen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Five days in Caen or Hvar?

You'll find food and museums around the important destination of Caen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful destination of Hvar. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Hvar?

The important city of Caen offers museums and nightlife. 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.

The historic island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

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 Caen and Hvar, we can see that Caen 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 Caen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Caen 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 Caen Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caen or Hvar?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Caen as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Caen 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 the summer, Caen is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caen in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Hvar averages at about 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 Caen this time of the year. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Hvar. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Hvar in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. Caen is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Hvar. Many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Caen is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caen in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Hvar. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Caen