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

Should you visit Girona or Hvar?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Girona and Hvar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Girona and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Girona or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Girona, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Hvar is more touristy than Girona and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Girona different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona 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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Girona and Hvar can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Hvar is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Girona or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Girona or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a well-known place for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Girona or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Girona is one of the most recognized in the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Girona or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Girona is not a hiking destination.

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.

Girona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Girona or Hvar?

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

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Hvar Better for Couples?

Girona and Hvar both very good destinations for a couple.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hvar. 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 budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Girona or Hvar Better for Students?

Girona is a city with good options for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Both Girona and Hvar offer notable public transit options.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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

Is Girona or Hvar a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Girona?

How long in Girona or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Girona or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Girona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Girona. 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.

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Girona. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Girona or Hvar?

Girona 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 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 Girona or Hvar?

You'll find shopping and museums around the charming destination of Girona. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Girona or Hvar?

The colorful city of Girona offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 historic 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Girona and Hvar, we can see that Girona 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 Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona 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 Girona Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Girona or Hvar?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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 Girona 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 Girona or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Girona is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Girona. Girona usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Girona usually receives more rain than Hvar. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Girona or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Girona during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the autumn, Girona is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Girona in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Girona often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Girona or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Hvar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Girona is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 8°C (46°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during winter. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Girona usually receives less rain than Hvar. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Girona or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Girona as well as Hvar. Many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Girona is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the spring, Girona often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Girona