A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hvar vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hvar and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Hvar

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

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Hvar and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Hvar is well known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Mont-Saint-Michel is well known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Hvar different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hvar is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hvar. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

People head to Hvar just to party. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great destination for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Both Hvar and Mont-Saint-Michel are destinations which offer notable hiking.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Hvar is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hvar offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Hvar is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Hvar and Mont-Saint-Michel offer notable public transit options.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel has some public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable island. There are many stunning walks in the area.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable island. 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 Hvar Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Hvar?

How long in Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hvar than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Hvar, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel than Hvar. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mont-Saint-Michel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Hvar, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the energetic island of Hvar, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

Five days in Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-oriented destination of Hvar. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hvar and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Hvar Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Hvar has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Hvar and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hvar and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hvar is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Hvar averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hvar usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Hvar gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hvar usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hvar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hvar as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hvar is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hvar in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In the autumn, Hvar often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hvar gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Hvar usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hvar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Hvar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In January, Hvar is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Hvar average around 8°C (47°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Hvar usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Hvar gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hvar usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hvar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hvar or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Hvar during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

Hvar is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Hvar averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. In the spring, Hvar often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hvar gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Hvar usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Hvar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Hvar