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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Hvar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a peaceful, relaxed, and traditional island. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of Saaremaa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. With stunning beauty, Hvar attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hvar travel costs.

Saaremaa and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Saaremaa and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Saaremaa is known for its small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Hvar can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hvar makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Saaremaa or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an amazing island to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Hvar has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Saaremaa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Saaremaa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saaremaa or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is great for the beach. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saaremaa. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Is Saaremaa or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Hvar?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Hvar More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Saaremaa and Hvar.

With stunning beauty, Saaremaa attracts visitors from all around. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

Hvar is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful island with nice beaches and charming buildings.

Is Saaremaa or Hvar Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hvar. 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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Hvar Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Hvar are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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.

Is Saaremaa or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

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

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

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

Hvar is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Hvar offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Hvar a more walkable city?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable island. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Saaremaa or Hvar. In our opinion, Hvar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hvar than Saaremaa. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Saaremaa or Hvar?

Saaremaa 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.

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 Saaremaa or Hvar?

Saaremaa is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. 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 Saaremaa or Hvar?

Because Saaremaa 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.

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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Saaremaa and Hvar, we can see that Hvar is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Hvar?

Saaremaa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Hvar. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saaremaa is much colder than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Hvar. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saaremaa can be very cold during spring. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Hvar. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Saaremaa