A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic 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.

Saint Andrews and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Saint Andrews different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Hvar?

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

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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 Saint Andrews or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

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 Saint Andrews or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Saint Andrews or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for the beach.

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 Saint Andrews. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Is Saint Andrews or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews and Hvar are both places where visitors can find notable hiking trails.

Saint Andrews has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. 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 Saint Andrews or Hvar?

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

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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 Saint Andrews or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly university town. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Saint Andrews or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Saint Andrews or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town 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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Hvar Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is renowned for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Saint Andrews is a very popular university town for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Both Saint Andrews and Hvar offer notable public transit options.

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Hvar a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews and Hvar both are notable when exploring on foot.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable university 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 Saint Andrews Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Hvar?

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

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Hvar?

Saint Andrews 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Hvar. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Hvar?

Saint Andrews 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Hvar?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the historic destination of Hvar. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Hvar?

Because Saint Andrews 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful island of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Saint Andrews and Hvar, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Hvar?

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

Both Hvar and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Andrews is much colder than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Hvar. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Saint Andrews during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Hvar. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Andrews can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Hvar. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint Andrews is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°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, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Saint Andrews