A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Turku vs. Hvar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Turku or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku or Hvar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Turku or Hvar?

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

Hvar

Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.

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


Which place is cheaper, Hvar or Turku?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €159, while the average daily cost in Hvar is €208. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Turku and Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku 76
    Hvar 81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku 152
    Hvar 162
Compare Hotels in Turku and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Turku or Hvar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Turku


Hotels in Hvar


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Turku Hotel Prices and Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku 44
    Hvar 51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku

Also for Turku, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $95
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar and Turku change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Turku 56
    Hvar 96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.

  • Cooking Class on Hvar Island: A Farm-to-Table Experience: $189
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $206
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $284
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner/Lunch: $296

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku 22
    Hvar 19

Tours and Activities in Turku

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Turku.

  • Järvelä Sauna Experience in the Turku Archipelago: $19
  • Experience Turku with a local guide: $282

Tours and Activities in Hvar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:

  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $23
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $32
  • BLUE CAVE & 5 islands tour from Hvar: $112
  • Back to the Roots - Ancient Island Interactive Experience: $153
  • Beautiful Sites of Hvar -Private Walking Tour: $279
  • Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar: $117
  • Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar: $117
  • Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon, Pakleni Islands Group boat tour from Hvar: $117
  • Blue cave group tour with swimming and snorkelling from Hvar: $115
  • Blue cave tour with speed boat from town Hvar: $296
  • Boat Tour at Delfina Hvar: $96
  • Boutique Hvar Cycling Experience | Hosted by a Local Family: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku 12
    Hvar 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Hvar

Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting Round Trip from Hvar - Family Winery at a Hilltop: $92
  • Private Hvar Island Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $116
  • Sunset E Bike Tour and Wine Tasting on Hvar Island: $124
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $136
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $169
  • Exclusive Hvar Wine Tour - Scenic Views & Local Wines: $188
  • Stari Grad Private Tuk Tuk Tour with Wine Tasting: $258
  • From Split: Private Blue Lagoon & Pakleni with Wine Tasting: $2,567


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Turku and Hvar, we can see that Hvar is more expensive. And not only is Turku much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Turku would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Turku 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 Hvar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hvar than you might in Turku.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Turku Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Turku or Hvar?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku 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 Turku or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Turku during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Turku is much colder than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Turku. In the summer, Turku often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Turku 16°C (61°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Turku or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Hvar. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Turku is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Turku in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Turku usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Turku usually receives less rain than Hvar. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Turku 6°C (43°F) 
    Hvar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Turku or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Turku as well as Hvar. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Turku can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Turku is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Turku average around -6°C (20°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Turku often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Turku -6°C (20°F) 
    Hvar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Turku or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Turku can be very cold during spring. Turku is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Turku usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Turku usually receives less rain than Hvar. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Turku 3°C (37°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Turku

Turku Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)