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

Should you visit Cork or Hvar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cork and Hvar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cork

Cork is a youthful, energetic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cork and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cork or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Cork 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, and impressive beauty, while Cork attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Cork and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Cork is famous for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer.

How is Cork different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cork 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 Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

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 Cork or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cork and Hvar offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cork makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

Hvar has a huge number of terrific 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 Cork or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Hvar is a world class party destination. 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.

Cork has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

Is Cork or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cork is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Cork is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cork or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is notable for its beaches. However, Cork is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. 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.

Cork is not a beach destination.

Is Cork or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Cork is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. 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.

Cork is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cork or Hvar?

Cork is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Cork is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

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.

Is Cork or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hvar is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Cork or Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Cork and Hvar are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cork is a very popular place to visit for couples. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

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 Cork or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Cork or Hvar Better for Students?

Cork is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Hvar is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Cork or Hvar a more walkable city?

Cork and Hvar both are nice when exploring on foot.

Cork is somewhat walkable. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Cork Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Cork?

How long in Cork or Hvar?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Cork or Hvar?

Cork 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.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Five days in Cork or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Cork. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful destination of Hvar. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cork or Hvar?

The cultural city of Cork offers nightlife and food. 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.

The energetic island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Cork 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 Cork Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cork or Hvar?

Cork has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Cork 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 Cork 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 Cork or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Cork are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cork because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the summer, Cork is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cork in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Cork usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Cork gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cork usually receives more rain than Hvar. Cork gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cork or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Cork during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cork this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cork is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 11°C (52°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cork often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Cork gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Cork gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cork and Hvar. Many travelers come to Cork for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cork is cooler than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cork usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Cork gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cork gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cork usually receives more rain than Hvar. Cork gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cork or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cork as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Cork in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cork is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cork in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the spring, Cork often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Cork gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Cork gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Cork