A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pisa vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Pisa or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a classic, charming, and iconic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Pisa and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Pisa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Pisa is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Hvar is more touristy than Pisa and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Pisa different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pisa is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pisa. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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 Pisa or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Pisa offers plenty to do in the evening. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Pisa or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pisa or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great island for the beache. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

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.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Is Pisa or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

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

Pisa is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Pisa or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for hiking. However, Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Hvar?

Pisa is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Pisa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hvar is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Pisa or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is a great island for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Hvar is a great island if you're traveling as 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pisa or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Pisa or Hvar Better for Students?

Pisa is renowned for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Pisa is a very popular city for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Pisa and Hvar both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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

Is Pisa or Hvar a more walkable city?

Pisa 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.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Pisa or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pisa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pisa. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Pisa or Hvar?

Pisa is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

Five days in Pisa or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the classic destination of Pisa. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the energetic destination of Hvar. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pisa or Hvar?

The iconic city of Pisa offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The energetic island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in 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 Pisa and Hvar, we can see that Pisa 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 Pisa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pisa 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 Pisa Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Hvar?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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 Pisa 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 Pisa or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Pisa during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pisa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Pisa is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pisa. In the summer, Pisa often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Pisa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hvar. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pisa and Hvar. Most visitors come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area 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, Pisa is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pisa in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Pisa usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pisa usually receives more rain than Hvar. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pisa or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Hvar. The winter months attract visitors to Pisa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In January, Pisa is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 7°C (45°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Pisa often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Pisa usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Pisa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Pisa usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. In April, Pisa usually receives more rain than Hvar. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Pisa