A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Karlovy Vary vs. Hvar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Karlovy Vary or Hvar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Karlovy Vary and Hvar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Hvar?

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

Hvar

Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar or Karlovy Vary?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $81, while the average daily cost in Hvar is $109. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Karlovy Vary and Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karlovy Vary $39
    Hvar $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karlovy Vary $78
    Hvar $80
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary or Hvar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Karlovy Vary


Hotels in Hvar


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices and Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Hvar $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar and Karlovy Vary change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Karlovy Vary $26
    Hvar $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.

  • Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner: $180
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $187
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $202
  • Hvar Abandoned Village Tour with Local Dinner: $214
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner: $234
  • Food Tour: Traditional Flavours and Food Sampling on Hvar: $262
  • The Best of Hvar in a Day with Wine tasting and Local Dinner: $273
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $12
    Hvar $7.99

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
  • Private Walking Tour: $227
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353

Tours and Activities in Hvar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:

  • BLUE CAVE & 5 islands tour from Hvar: $98
  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $22
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $23
  • 3-Hour Lavender Tour from Hvar: $150
  • Adventurous Blue and Green Cave group tour: $86
  • Back to the Roots - Ancient Island Interactive Experience: $141
  • Beach bar Laganini and Hula Hula half-day Private Boat Tour: $918
  • Blue & Green cave tour with yacht from town Hvar: $229
  • Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar: $109
  • Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar: $107
  • Blue cave group tour with swimming and snorkelling from Hvar: $76
  • Blue cave tour with speed boat from town Hvar: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karlovy Vary $6.54
    Hvar $9.80

Sample the Local Flavors in Hvar

Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $118
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $157
  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from Hvar: $175


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

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


Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Hvar?

Karlovy Vary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Karlovy Vary during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karlovy Vary in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. In the summer, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Karlovy Vary gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Karlovy Vary usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Hvar. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Karlovy Vary is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 11°C (51°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Karlovy Vary gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Hvar. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F) 
    Hvar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Karlovy Vary as well as Hvar. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Karlovy Vary can be very cold during winter. Karlovy Vary is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Karlovy Vary often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Karlovy Vary gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Karlovy Vary usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F) 
    Hvar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Karlovy Vary are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the spring, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karlovy Vary in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Karlovy Vary usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Karlovy Vary gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives less rain than Hvar. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)