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

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Carcassonne and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Carcassonne and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Carcassonne different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Carcassonne and Hvar offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is very popular for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Hvar is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Carcassonne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Carcassonne or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Is Carcassonne or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a town with good options for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Carcassonne or Hvar Better for Hiking?

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

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Hvar?

Hvar is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Carcassonne or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Carcassonne and Hvar.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

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 Carcassonne or Hvar a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Hvar?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the party-oriented island of Hvar. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Hvar?

Carcassonne 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Hvar?

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

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Hvar?

The historical town of Carcassonne offers food and museums. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Hvar. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Carcassonne and Hvar, we can see that Carcassonne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Carcassonne Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Hvar?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Carcassonne 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 the summer, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°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 Carcassonne this time of the year. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Hvar. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Hvar in the Winter?

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

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Hvar in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°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. Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Hvar. Carcassonne gets 56 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 Carcassonne