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

Should you visit Calais or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic 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 party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Calais and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Calais and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Calais and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Calais or Hvar.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Hvar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Calais or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hvar is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Calais or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Calais or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Calais or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Hvar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hvar and Calais.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

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.

Is Calais or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Calais or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Calais or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a very popular island to visit 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Hvar.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

While Hvar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Calais or Hvar a more walkable city?

Calais and Hvar both are good when exploring on foot.

Calais is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

Hvar is somewhat walkable. 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 Calais Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Calais?

How long in Calais or Hvar?

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

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Calais. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Calais or Hvar?

Calais 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 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 Calais or Hvar?

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

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 Calais or Hvar?

The coastal city of Calais offers nightlife and food. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Calais and Hvar, we can see that Calais 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Calais or Hvar?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Calais or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Hvar. Many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Calais is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Hvar. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Calais or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Calais as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene 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.

Calais is cooler than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Calais 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.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. In the winter, Calais is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Hvar. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Calais or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Calais during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Calais