A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rhodes vs. Rijeka for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Rhodes or Rijeka?

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 Rhodes and Rijeka. 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.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a active, world famous, and ancient island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rhodes and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rhodes or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rhodes than Rijeka, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rhodes is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Rhodes is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history. It is also home to Rhodes Old Town. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Rhodes different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rhodes or Rijeka?

Rhodes is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rhodes on the map. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Is the Food Better in Rhodes or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rhodes is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Rhodes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Rhodes is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Rijeka is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

If you're looking for night time activities Rhodes has a few options to choose from. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Rhodes is renowned for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Rhodes is a perfect choice. It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rhodes is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Rhodes. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rhodes is renowned for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Rhodes is a very popular vacation destination. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Rhodes is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Rhodes specifically for its hiking. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rhodes or Rijeka?

Rhodes is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Rhodes is a world class destination for shoppers. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Families?

Both Rhodes and Rijeka are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Rhodes is a very kid-friendly island. It's large size, varied activities, and wonderful outdoor setting makes this one of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece. There are many local villages that everyone will enjoy as well as beautiful walks and stunning beaches. Kids will appreciate the diversity of water activities that are available and the family-friendly restaurants ensure everyone can eat out comfortably.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rijeka. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Rhodes is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Rhodes has plenty to offer. The larger size and diversity of activities make this island a great option for a honeymoon. The beaches are breathtaking, but there are also a number of water sports that couples will enjoy. The hiking, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants will make for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rhodes is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rhodes is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. The island has something for everyone, and because it's one of the larger islands, there are more hostels and budget restaurants to choose from. You'll find all kinds of travelers on the island and there really is something that everyone can enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Students?

Rijeka is a good destination for students. However, Rhodes is not popular with students.

Rijeka is popular with students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Rhodes is not popular with students.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rhodes is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Rhodes. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Rhodes or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Rijeka is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Rhodes is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Rijeka is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Rhodes is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large so unless you're interested in hiking, most places are best reached with a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Rhodes Worth Visiting? and Is Rijeka Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Rhodes?

How long in Rhodes or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rhodes or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rhodes than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Rhodes, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rhodes than Rijeka 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 Rhodes.

One day in Rhodes or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Rhodes. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rijeka. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Rhodes or Rijeka?

Rhodes is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Rhodes or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rhodes. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. 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 Rhodes or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Rhodes. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Rijeka. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rhodes and Rijeka, we can see that Rhodes is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rhodes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rhodes than you might in Rijeka.

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

Which is Bigger, Rhodes or Rijeka?

Rhodes has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Rhodes and Rijeka, 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.