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

Should you visit Taormina 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 Taormina 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a exclusive, opulent, and historic 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Taormina and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Taormina and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Taormina is known for its resorts and small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Taormina and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Taormina different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Hvar and Taormina.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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.

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

Both Taormina and Hvar offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hvar makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Taormina or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Hvar is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Taormina offers plenty to do in the evening. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Is Taormina or Hvar Better for Resorts?

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

In Taormina, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Hvar is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Taormina or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great island for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

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.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Taormina or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

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.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Hvar?

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and Hvar both offer plenty of good spots.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Hvar is a great destination for shopping. 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 Taormina or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hvar. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Taormina and Hvar are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Taormina or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

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

Taormina and Hvar both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

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

Is Taormina or Hvar a more walkable city?

Taormina 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.

Taormina is a very walkable town. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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 Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Taormina or Hvar. In our opinion, Hvar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hvar than Taormina. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hvar than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Hvar?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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.

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 Taormina or Hvar?

Taormina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Taormina or Hvar?

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Taormina or Hvar?

Because Taormina is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Taormina and Hvar, we can see that Taormina 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 Taormina Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Hvar?

Taormina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Taormina during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, 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 July, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the summer, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Hvar. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Taormina is a little warmer than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Hvar. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Taormina or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Hvar. Many travelers come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Taormina is a little warmer than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Taormina in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Hvar. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Taormina