A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamplona vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Pamplona or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Pamplona 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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

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. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Pamplona and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pamplona than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pamplona is better known for its historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Pamplona and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Pamplona is well known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Pamplona different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Pamplona and Hvar.

Pamplona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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 Pamplona or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Pamplona has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Is Pamplona or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pamplona or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Pamplona or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona is a city with good options for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Pamplona to see the old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Pamplona or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

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 Pamplona or Hvar?

Both Pamplona and Hvar are notable shopping destinations.

Pamplona offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

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 Pamplona or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Pamplona or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Pamplona or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers. Also, Pamplona 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 and backpackers visit Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

Is Pamplona or Hvar Better for Students?

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

Pamplona is a good city to visit for students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Both Pamplona and Hvar offer notable public transit options.

Pamplona has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Pamplona or Hvar a more walkable city?

Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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 Pamplona Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Pamplona 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 Pamplona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona. 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 Hvar than Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pamplona or Hvar?

Pamplona is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hvar, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Pamplona. This city 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 is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pamplona or Hvar?

The elegant city of Pamplona 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in 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 Pamplona and Hvar, we can see that Pamplona 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 Pamplona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamplona 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 Pamplona Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Hvar?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Pamplona is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 20°C (68°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 Pamplona. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Hvar. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Pamplona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, 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, Pamplona is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamplona in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Hvar. The winter months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

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

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Hvar. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Hvar. The activities around the city are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Pamplona is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 12°C (54°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, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Pamplona