A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Corfu vs. Rijeka for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Corfu or Rijeka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Corfu or Rijeka, 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.

Corfu

Corfu is a striking, relaxing, and stunning island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a diverse, slow-paced, and coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Corfu and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Corfu or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Corfu. Although Corfu and Rijeka are both popular with visitors, Corfu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Corfu is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is known for its museums and big city activities. Corfu is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its charming villages, gorgeous beaches, and pristine landscape. It is also home to Canal d'Amour. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Corfu different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Corfu or Rijeka?

Rijeka is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Corfu or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Corfu is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Corfu has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The island's local dishes are heavily influenced by the surrounding areas. You'll find similarities to Greek and Venetian dishes as well France and Mediterranean flavors. Common ingredients include wine, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and several traditional dishes that you should try include pastitsado (red wine stew), sofrito (garlic seasoned beef), and veal fricando (roasted veal).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Corfu and Rijeka.

The nightlife in Corfu has something for everybody. It's a large island that attracts a number of students, so you can expect a party during the summer months. The most popular areas for nightlife are Kavos, Ipsos, Kontokali, and Sidari. You'll also find clubs in many of the resorts and there are often all night parties even during the off seasons.

Rijeka offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Corfu is renowned for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Corfu is a perfect choice. The diversity of resorts, from family-friendly to romantic or all-inclusive, means there really is something for everyone. There are also a number of villages so you can find a location that perfectly lines up with your needs.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Corfu is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Corfu. The island is large enough that it has a number of spots to choose from. One of the most beautiful is Afionas, in Port Timone. It's only accessible by boat or a 45 minute hike. Paleokastritsa is a more accessible snorkeling and dive area with facilities and luxury villas where you can stay. For scuba diving, you can also head to Agni, but the busy boat traffic means it's not the best place for snorkeling.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Corfu is renowned for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Corfu is a very popular vacation destination. The island is known for its stunning beaches which offer a diversity of settings ranging from family-friendly to natural or party-focused. The most famous beach resort area is Paleokastritsa but other nice places include Pelekas, Agios Gordis, and Glyfada. On the western side of the island you'll find mostly long sandy beaches and on the eastern side you'll find more pebble beaches.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Corfu is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Corfu specifically for its hiking. The stunning natural beauty of the island means you'll find some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Greek Isles. From the lush green rolling hills to the striking blue waters, there are many places to soak up this island's idyllic setting. The island is also rich in plant life and you'll find more than 30 species of orchids here. Popular hiking trails include Vlacherna Trail (good for beginners and families), Mount Pantokrator Trail (the most challenging on the island), and Old Town Hiking Trail which takes you through the history of the area.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Corfu or Rijeka?

Corfu is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Corfu. You'll find most of the shops concentrated in Corfu Town. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and items made from olive wood.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Families?

Corfu is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Corfu is one of the most popular family destinations. Because it is so beautiful with amazing beaches, it makes an ideal destination for kids and adults. There are many places where kids can swim as well as a number of great activities for everyone. The whole family will enjoy glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding, and even a visit to the popular Hydropolis Waterpark. There are also a huge number of kid-friendly resorts around the island.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Corfu is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Corfu has plenty to offer. It's idyllic natural setting and stunning beaches make this a truly romantic island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for newlyweds from around the world. There are luxury hotels and resorts that have spas, pools, and fine dining options. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a more adventurous experience, you'll find it all here.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Corfu is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Corfu is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. The island is a favorite, particularly during the crowded summer months. There are a number of hostels where backpackers can stay and an active nightlife if that's your style. There are also quiet and more peaceful settings if you want to escape the crowds.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Students?

Rijeka is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Corfu is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Corfu is not popular with students.

Is Corfu or Rijeka Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Corfu is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Corfu. There's a decent public bus system on the island. The blue buses stay near Corfu Town while the green buses go further around the island.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Corfu or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Corfu is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Corfu is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around Corfu Town, and if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach there's really no need for a car.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Corfu Worth Visiting? and Is Rijeka Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Corfu?

How long in Corfu or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Corfu or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Corfu than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Corfu, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Corfu than Rijeka 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 Corfu.

One day in Corfu or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Corfu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Rijeka, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this slow-paced destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Corfu or Rijeka?

Corfu is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Corfu or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Corfu. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rijeka is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Rijeka. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Corfu or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Corfu. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Rijeka. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Corfu and Rijeka, we can see that Corfu is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Corfu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Corfu than you might in Rijeka.

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

Which is Bigger, Corfu or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Corfu and Rijeka, 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 Corfu or Rijeka?

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 Corfu or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Corfu during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Corfu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Corfu is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Corfu in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Corfu. In the summer, Corfu often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Corfu gets 358 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Corfu usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Corfu gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Corfu or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Corfu and Rijeka. The autumn months attract visitors to Corfu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In October, Corfu is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Corfu average around 18°C (65°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Corfu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during autumn. Corfu gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Corfu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Corfu usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Corfu gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Corfu or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Corfu as well as Rijeka. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Corfu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Corfu is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Corfu averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Corfu often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Corfu gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Corfu receives a lot of rain in the winter. Corfu usually gets more rain in January than Rijeka. Corfu gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Corfu or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Corfu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Corfu for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Corfu is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Corfu in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Corfu usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Corfu gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Corfu usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Corfu gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Corfu