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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a vibrant, high energy, and bustling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Thessaloniki and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Thessaloniki different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Hvar both to be excellent destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Hvar is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Hvar just to party. 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.

The people in Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Is Thessaloniki or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Hvar?

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

Thessaloniki is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Thessaloniki or Hvar Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Hvar.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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 Thessaloniki or Hvar a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki and Hvar are notable when it comes to walkability.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable place. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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 Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Hvar?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Hvar?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Hvar. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Hvar?

The bustling city of Thessaloniki offers nightlife and food. 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 popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, 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 Thessaloniki and Hvar, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Hvar?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 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 Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hvar. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene 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, Thessaloniki is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Hvar. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki 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, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Hvar. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Thessaloniki is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Hvar. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Thessaloniki