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

Should you visit Santorini or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini 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.

Santorini

Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. 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. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Santorini and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Hvar?

Both Hvar and Santorini have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Santorini is better known for its resorts, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hvar is more popular for its food, nightlife, and beaches. Santorini is well known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Hvar is well known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine.

How is Santorini different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Santorini and Hvar.

Santorini offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.

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 Santorini or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hvar is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hvar has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Hvar is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Is Santorini or Hvar Better for Resorts?

Santorini is renowned for its resorts. However, Hvar is not a resort destination.

Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Hvar is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Santorini and Hvar.

Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Is Santorini or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great island for the beache. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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 Santorini. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Is Santorini or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Santorini is a island with good options for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Santorini to see the old town. The historic towns of Fira and Oia are the two most popular with visitors, although they have become more built up and less historic over the past few decades. Historical areas are still found within these towns mixed in with restaurants, shops, and hotels set among the beautiful cliff-side views.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Hvar Better for Hiking?

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

Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

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 Santorini or Hvar?

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

Santorini is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

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 Santorini or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hvar is very family-friendly. 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.

Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

Is Santorini or Hvar Better for Couples?

Santorini is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

Santorini is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

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 Santorini or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

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

Santorini and Hvar both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

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

Is Santorini or Hvar a more walkable city?

Santorini and Hvar are notable when it comes to walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Santorini or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Santorini due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar than Santorini 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 Santorini or Hvar?

Santorini is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Hvar. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Hvar?

Santorini is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historic destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Hvar?

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant island of Hvar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Hvar?

Even though Santorini is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Hvar, we can see that Santorini 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini 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 Santorini Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Hvar?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.