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

Should you visit Cefalu 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 Cefalu 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.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a charming, coastal, and historic fishing village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cefalu and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Cefalu is more popular for its resorts, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hvar is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good 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.

Cefalu offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time on the beach or getting lost in the town's charm, but if you're looking for specific sights and museums you can check out the Cathedral, Museo Mandralisca, or Tempio di Diana.

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

Foodies will find both Cefalu and Hvar both to be very good destinations.

Cefalu has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite being a popular tourist hot spot, there are still charming restaurants around town that serve up local dishes made with local ingredients. Many seaside restaurants have a charming atmosphere and a unique Sicilian flare.

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 Cefalu or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

People head to Hvar just to party. 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.

Cefalu is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town is small and mellow without a huge party scene. There are some beach resorts with bars and clubs attached where you can enjoy a drink by the water.

Is Cefalu or Hvar Better for Resorts?

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

In Cefalu, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Hvar is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu 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.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cefalu or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Cefalu and Hvar both offer very good beaches.

Many people visit Cefalu for it's beautiful beaches. The town has nice beaches with good swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some of the beaches can get quite crowded but the water is blue and the views are nice. Some of the best beaches near town include Cefalu Beach, Kalura Beach, and Lido Angeli Del Mare.

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.

Is Cefalu or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

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

Cefalu is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Cefalu and Hvar, and they are notable.

Cefalu offers some nice hiking trails. There are a few walking trails outside of town but the most popular is hiking to the top of La Rocca. It's at least an hours walk to the top but from there you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Hvar?

Hvar is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Cefalu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small, touristy town, so shopping isn't the main attraction. There are some interesting shops that are fun to pop into though.

Is Cefalu or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hvar is very family-friendly. 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 Cefalu. Kids will enjoy beach time or wandering down the promenade, Lungomare. You can swim or simply relax by the water. Another fun activity is to climb the nearby mountain of La Rocca. The kids might even spot a local animal.

Is Cefalu or Hvar Better for Couples?

Cefalu is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

Cefalu is a great fishing village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's natural beauty and Italian atmosphere make this a perfect couples destination. There are water activities for the adventurous as well as beautiful beaches and great restaurants.

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.

Is Cefalu or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options 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.

Cefalu is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a big backpacker vibe to the town, and you won't find tons of hostels, but there are affordable places that budget travelers can stay.

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

Hvar is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cefalu. Public transit is limited but taxis are a good alternative for getting out of town and into the surrounding areas.

Is Cefalu or Hvar a more walkable city?

Cefalu 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.

Cefalu is a very walkable fishing village. The town is small enough to explore on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable fishing village. 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 Cefalu Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Hvar?

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

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Cefalu. 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 Cefalu than Hvar. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cefalu that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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.

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 Cefalu or Hvar?

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Cefalu or Hvar?

Cefalu is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This fishing village 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.

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 Cefalu or Hvar?

Because Cefalu is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Cefalu and Hvar, we can see that Cefalu 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 Cefalu Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Hvar?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu 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 Cefalu 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 Cefalu or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, 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.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°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 Cefalu this time of the year. In the summer, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, 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 the autumn, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Hvar in the Winter?

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

In January, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Hvar in the Spring?

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

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°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 Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Hvar. Cefalu 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 Cefalu