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

Should you visit Genoa or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Genoa 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.

Genoa

Genoa is a historic, vibrant, and colorful port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Genoa and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Genoa or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Genoa and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its museums and historical sights. Hvar is more touristy than Genoa and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Genoa different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Genoa 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 Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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 Genoa or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Genoa and Hvar.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hvar makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Genoa or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Hvar is a must-see 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Genoa or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Genoa or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is great for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination 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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Genoa or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is a port city with good options for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Genoa to see the old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Genoa or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Genoa or Hvar?

If you're looking to go shopping, Genoa and Hvar both offer plenty of good spots.

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Hvar is a great destination for shopping. 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 Genoa or Hvar Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Genoa. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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.

Is Genoa or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Genoa is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Genoa or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Is Genoa or Hvar Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Genoa is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Genoa can get you to some places easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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

Is Genoa or Hvar a more walkable city?

Genoa 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.

Genoa is a very walkable port city. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable port 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 Genoa Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Genoa?

How long in Genoa or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Genoa or Hvar. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Genoa. 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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this party-oriented destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Genoa or Hvar?

Genoa 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Genoa or Hvar?

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

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hvar. Lots of people come for the nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Genoa or Hvar?

The colorful port city of Genoa 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the party-oriented 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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Genoa and Hvar, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Genoa or Hvar?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Genoa 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 Genoa 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 Genoa or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Genoa during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Genoa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Genoa is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 25°C (76°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Genoa. In the summer, Genoa often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Genoa gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Genoa gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Genoa and Hvar. Many travelers come to Genoa for the shopping scene 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.

Genoa is around the same temperature as Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Genoa averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Genoa usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Genoa gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Genoa usually receives more rain than Hvar. Genoa gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Genoa or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Genoa as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Genoa 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, Genoa is a little warmer than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Genoa in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Genoa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Genoa gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Genoa gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Genoa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Genoa is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 15°C (58°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Genoa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during spring. Genoa gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Genoa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Genoa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Genoa