A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Hvar for Attractions, Nightlife, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

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. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is well known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Hvar is well known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Santiago de Compostela are among the most recognizable in the world. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Santiago de Compostela and Hvar.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santiago de Compostela. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Santiago de Compostela visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Hvar Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a city with good options for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city to visit for students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Santiago de Compostela and Hvar.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Hvar a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

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 Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

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

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

Santiago de Compostela 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.

The vibrant destination of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

The inspirational city of Santiago de Compostela offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Hvar. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. You'll find plenty of activities on 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Santiago de Compostela and Hvar, we can see that Hvar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Hvar?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Hvar. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Hvar. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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, Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In January, Santiago de Compostela is generally a little warmer than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 11°C (51°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Hvar. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Santiago de Compostela during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Santiago de Compostela