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

Should you visit Cagliari or Hvar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Hvar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a laid back, relaxed, 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hvar

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

Cagliari and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cagliari than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cagliari is better known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Cagliari and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Cagliari is well known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. Also, Cagliari is famous for Castello.

How is Cagliari different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cagliari 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 Cagliari. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

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 Cagliari or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Hvar can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Cagliari has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

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 Cagliari or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Hvar has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Cagliari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

Is Cagliari or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cagliari or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Cagliari and Hvar are superb choices for a beach vacation.

Cagliari is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. 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 Cagliari or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Cagliari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Cagliari or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is very good for its hiking trails. However, Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Hvar. 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.

Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Hvar?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cagliari and Hvar.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cagliari. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Many visitors go to Hvar to go 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 Cagliari or Hvar Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Cagliari or Hvar.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cagliari is very family-friendly. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

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 Cagliari or Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Cagliari and Hvar are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

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 Cagliari or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cagliari 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Cagliari or Hvar Better for Students?

Cagliari is a city with good options for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Cagliari is a good city to visit for students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

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

Cagliari has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

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 Cagliari or Hvar a more walkable city?

Cagliari 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.

Cagliari is a very walkable city. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

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 Cagliari Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Cagliari or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cagliari, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cagliari. 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.

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 Cagliari or Hvar?

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. 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.

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 Cagliari or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Cagliari. This city 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 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 Cagliari or Hvar?

The relaxed city of Cagliari offers nightlife and food. 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, 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 Cagliari and Hvar, we can see that Cagliari 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 Cagliari would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cagliari 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 Cagliari Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Hvar?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Hvar. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 24°C (75°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 Cagliari this time of the year. In the summer, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cagliari in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Hvar. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cagliari or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Cagliari during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 10°C (50°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Hvar. The spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 14°C (57°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. In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Hvar. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Cagliari