A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Malaga and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Hvar?

Both Hvar and Malaga have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Malaga is better known for its music and historical sights, while Hvar is more popular for its museums, beaches, and hiking. Hvar is more touristy than Malaga and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hvar is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Malaga and Hvar offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian 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 Malaga or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and Hvar are fantastic when it comes to partying.

Malaga is a world class party destination. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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.

Is Malaga or Hvar Better for Music?

Malaga is notable for its live music scene. However, Hvar is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Hvar is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Malaga and Hvar.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

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.

Is Malaga or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

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.

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Malaga or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Hvar?

Both Malaga and Hvar are notable shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

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 Malaga or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Malaga and Hvar are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular port city 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.

Is Malaga or Hvar Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Hvar offer notable public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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

Is Malaga or Hvar a more walkable city?

Malaga 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.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible 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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Malaga or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Malaga due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Hvar 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 Malaga.

One day in Malaga or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Malaga or Hvar?

Malaga is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Malaga or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the historic destination of Malaga. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Malaga or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful port city of Malaga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, 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 Malaga and Hvar, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Hvar?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, 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.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°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 Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Hvar. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, 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, Malaga is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Hvar in the Winter?

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

In January, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Hvar in the Spring?

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

Malaga is around the same temperature as Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Malaga