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

Should you visit Toulon or Hvar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Toulon and Hvar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hvar

Hvar is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Toulon and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Toulon and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Toulon attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Hvar is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Toulon and Hvar have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Toulon or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hvar is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Toulon or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its diving and snorkeling.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Is Toulon or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Toulon or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Toulon or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Hvar?

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

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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 Toulon or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hvar is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Toulon or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

Both Toulon and Hvar offer nice public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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

Is Toulon or Hvar a more walkable city?

Toulon 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.

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable port 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 Toulon Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Toulon or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Toulon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toulon or Hvar?

Toulon 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Hvar?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Hvar?

The authentic port city of Toulon 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Hvar. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Hvar?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Toulon is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Hvar. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Toulon is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Hvar. Most visitors come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toulon is cooler than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Hvar during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives less rain than Hvar. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Hvar. The spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the spring, Toulon is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Toulon