A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake Garda vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Lake Garda or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Lake Garda or Hvar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a scenic, playful, and fun lake. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Lake Garda and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake Garda or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Lake Garda, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its nightlife and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Lake Garda is more popular for its hiking. Hvar is more touristy than Lake Garda and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Lake Garda is well known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Lake Garda different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake Garda or Hvar?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Lake Garda and Hvar.

Lake Garda offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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 Lake Garda or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Lake Garda has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Dining out in Hvar is an experience not to be missed. 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 Lake Garda or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

The people in Lake Garda know how to have a good time. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Lake Garda or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lake Garda or Hvar Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lake Garda and Hvar are excellent choices.

Lake Garda is considered a top beach destination. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

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.

Is Lake Garda or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Lake Garda is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake Garda or Hvar?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Lake Garda and Hvar.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lake Garda. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Many visitors go to Hvar to go 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 Lake Garda or Hvar Better for Families?

Lake Garda is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is an extremely popular lake to visit for families. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hvar. 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 Lake Garda or Hvar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lake Garda and Hvar make for a excellent place to visit.

Lake Garda makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Couples visit Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Lake Garda or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hvar is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

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

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda can get you to some places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

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

Is Lake Garda or Hvar a more walkable city?

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable lake. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable lake. 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 Lake Garda Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Lake Garda?

How long in Lake Garda or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Lake Garda or Hvar. In our opinion, Lake Garda has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lake Garda than Hvar. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lake Garda than Hvar. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lake Garda that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant island of Hvar, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lake Garda or Hvar?

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Hvar, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Lake Garda or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the playful destination of Lake Garda. This lake offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Lake Garda or Hvar?

The energetic lake of Lake Garda offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Hvar is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to 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 Lake Garda and Hvar, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lake Garda as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Lake Garda in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In the summer, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Lake Garda gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Lake Garda usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Lake Garda gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Lake Garda are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lake Garda is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lake Garda in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Lake Garda gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lake Garda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Lake Garda gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Lake Garda during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

The weather in Lake Garda can be very cold. In January, Lake Garda is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Lake Garda average around 2°C (36°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lake Garda often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Lake Garda gets 98 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Lake Garda usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Lake Garda gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lake Garda or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake Garda and Hvar. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Lake Garda usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Lake Garda gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lake Garda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Lake Garda gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Lake Garda