A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cinque Terre vs. Hvar for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning, traditional, and charming coastal region. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cinque Terre and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Cinque Terre and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Cinque Terre is known for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Hvar is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort.

How is Cinque Terre different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cinque Terre or Hvar?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Hvar is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Cinque Terre or Hvar Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Hvar is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Hvar is not a resort destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots 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 Cinque Terre or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Is Cinque Terre or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Cinque Terre is one of the most recognized in the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Hvar Better for Hiking?

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

Around Cinque Terre visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

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 Cinque Terre or Hvar?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Cinque Terre or Hvar Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hvar. 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 Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Cinque Terre or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre is a great coastal region for couples, as it has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. 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.

Cinque Terre is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cinque Terre and Hvar.

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

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 Cinque Terre or Hvar a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable coastal region. 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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Cinque Terre or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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.

In Hvar, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Hvar?

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Hvar?

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic destination of Hvar. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cinque Terre or Hvar?

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

Hvar is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary 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 Cinque Terre and Hvar, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Hvar?

Hvar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Hvar. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 24°C (75°F), 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 Cinque Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Cinque Terre often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hvar. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Cinque Terre usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. In October, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Hvar. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Cinque Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cinque Terre in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cinque Terre often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in January than Hvar. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Hvar. Most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 14°C (57°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Cinque Terre usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Hvar. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Cinque Terre