A Travel Price Comparison for Croatia Sibenik vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Sibenik or Hvar?

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 Sibenik and Hvar. 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.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a undiscovered, charming, and authentic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sibenik and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sibenik or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Sibenik and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sibenik attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, historical sights, and small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Sibenik and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Sibenik is famous for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty.

How is Sibenik different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sibenik is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sibenik. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

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 Sibenik or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Sibenik and Hvar.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sibenik. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hvar. 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 Sibenik or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Hvar is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Sibenik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Is Sibenik or Hvar Better for Resorts?

Sibenik is a town with good options for its resorts. However, Hvar is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sibenik makes a nice vacation spot. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Hvar is not a resort destination.

Is Sibenik or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sibenik is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Sibenik has a few snorkeling spots. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Is Sibenik or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Sibenik and Hvar both offer very good beaches.

Many people visit Sibenik for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

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.

Is Sibenik or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Sibenik is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Sibenik is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Sibenik or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Sibenik is not a hiking destination.

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.

Sibenik is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sibenik or Hvar?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Sibenik and Hvar.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Sibenik. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Hvar offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Sibenik or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Sibenik and Hvar are very good family-friendly destinations.

Sibenik is a very family-friendly destination. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

Hvar is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Sibenik or Hvar Better for Couples?

Sibenik and Hvar both very good destinations for a couple.

Sibenik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.

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.

Is Sibenik or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Sibenik is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Sibenik and Hvar.

Sibenik has some public transit options. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

You'll find some public transit in Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Sibenik or Hvar a more walkable city?

Sibenik is renowned 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.

It is easy to get around Sibenik on foot. The old town is car-free and easily explored on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable 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 Sibenik Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Sibenik?

How long in Sibenik or Hvar?

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sibenik. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Sibenik or Hvar?

Sibenik is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Sibenik or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Sibenik. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sibenik or Hvar?

The undiscovered town of Sibenik offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Sibenik 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 Sibenik Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sibenik or Hvar?

Sibenik has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Sibenik 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 Sibenik 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 Sibenik or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sibenik as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Sibenik for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sibenik is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sibenik in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sibenik this time of the year. In the summer, Sibenik often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Sibenik gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Sibenik usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hvar. Sibenik gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sibenik or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Sibenik are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Sibenik because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In October, Sibenik is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Sibenik average around 18°C (64°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sibenik. Sibenik usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during autumn. Sibenik gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sibenik usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Sibenik gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sibenik or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Sibenik during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sibenik this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sibenik is around the same temperature as Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Sibenik averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Sibenik often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Sibenik gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Sibenik usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hvar. Sibenik gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sibenik or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sibenik and Hvar. Many travelers come to Sibenik for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sibenik is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sibenik in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Sibenik, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sibenik usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during spring. Sibenik gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sibenik usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Sibenik gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Sibenik