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

Should you visit Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a historic, off-the-beaten-path, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ravenna and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Ravenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Ravenna and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Ravenna different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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 Ravenna or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Ravenna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

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 Ravenna or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Hvar is a world class 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Ravenna or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. 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.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ravenna or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a very popular place for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Ravenna or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Hvar?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ravenna. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

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 Ravenna or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Ravenna and Hvar are very good family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Hvar is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Ravenna or Hvar Better for Couples?

Ravenna and Hvar both very good destinations for a couple.

Ravenna makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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 Ravenna or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ravenna and Hvar.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

You'll find some public transit in Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Ravenna or Hvar a more walkable city?

Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable town. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Ravenna Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Hvar?

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

Couples should spend more time in Hvar than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Hvar?

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ravenna or Hvar?

Ravenna is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Ravenna or Hvar?

Ravenna is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ravenna or Hvar?

Because Ravenna is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Ravenna and Hvar, we can see that Hvar is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Hvar?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the small town charm 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.

Ravenna is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Ravenna usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, 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, Ravenna is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ravenna in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In October, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Hvar. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ravenna or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Ravenna during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ravenna in the winter. In January, Ravenna is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 3°C (37°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Hvar. Many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Ravenna is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Hvar. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Ravenna