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

Should you visit Sorrento or Hvar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sorrento and Hvar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a laid back, colorful, and historic small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sorrento or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Sorrento and Hvar are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Hvar is more touristy than Sorrento and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Sorrento different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hvar is a island with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Hvar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Sorrento have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Sorrento or Hvar Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is notable for its resorts. However, Hvar is not a resort destination.

In Sorrento, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Hvar is not a resort destination.

Is Sorrento or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sorrento is a small city with minimal options for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Is Sorrento or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. 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.

Sorrento offers a nice beach destination. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Is Sorrento or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

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 Sorrento or Hvar?

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

Sorrento is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

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 Sorrento or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Sorrento and Hvar are great to visit with kids.

Sorrento is a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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.

Is Sorrento or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Sorrento is a great small city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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 Sorrento or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento and Hvar are world-class places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sorrento is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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.

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

Sorrento is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sorrento can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

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

Is Sorrento or Hvar a more walkable city?

Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is a very walkable small city. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable small 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 Sorrento Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Sorrento?

How long in Sorrento or Hvar?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento than Hvar 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 Sorrento.

One day in Sorrento or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Sorrento or Hvar?

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

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 Sorrento or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Sorrento. This small city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Sorrento or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the accessible small city of Sorrento. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, 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 Sorrento and Hvar, we can see that Sorrento 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 Sorrento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sorrento 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 Sorrento Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sorrento or Hvar?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sorrento and Hvar. The summer months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the summer, Sorrento is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sorrento in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sorrento usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Sorrento gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Sorrento gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sorrento or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sorrento as well as Hvar. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sorrento is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 17°C (63°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sorrento usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Sorrento gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Sorrento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Sorrento usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Sorrento gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. In January, Sorrento usually receives more rain than Hvar. Sorrento gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sorrento or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Sorrento during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sorrento in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sorrento is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sorrento in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Sorrento often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Sorrento usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hvar. Sorrento gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Sorrento