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

Should you visit Chania or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Hvar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chania

Chania is a historic, idyllic, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chania and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Chania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chania is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Hvar is known for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Chania and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Chania is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor.

How is Chania different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chania 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 Chania. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

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 Chania or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chania is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Chania have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Chania or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Is Chania or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find good snorkeling or scuba diving in both Chania and Hvar.

Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Is Chania or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Chania is renowned for the beache. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for the beach.

Chania is considered to be a world-class beach destination. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

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.

Is Chania or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

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

Chania is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Chania is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Chania is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Hvar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hvar and Chania.

Many visitors go to Chania to go shopping. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

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 Chania or Hvar Better for Families?

Chania and Hvar are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Chania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

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.

Is Chania or Hvar Better for Couples?

Chania and Hvar are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Hvar is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Chania or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Chania is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Is Chania 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 Chania and Hvar.

You'll find some public transit in Chania, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

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 Chania or Hvar a more walkable city?

Chania 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.

Chania is a very walkable city. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

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 Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Chania?

How long in Chania or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Chania or Hvar. In our opinion, Chania has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chania than Hvar. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chania than Hvar 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 Chania.

One day in Chania or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chania. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Chania or Hvar?

Chania is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Chania or Hvar?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic destination of Chania. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Chania or Hvar?

The picturesque city of Chania offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Hvar?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Hvar. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°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 Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Hvar. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chania as well as Hvar. Many travelers come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chania is a little warmer than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°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, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hvar. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Chania is a little warmer than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Chania usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Chania. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Hvar. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Chania during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Chania