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

Should you visit Varenna or Hvar?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Hvar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic 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.

Varenna and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Varenna is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Varenna and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Varenna different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Varenna and Hvar.

Varenna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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 Varenna or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna 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 Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options 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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Varenna or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Varenna or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Varenna 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.

Varenna is a popular spot for hiking. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

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 Varenna or Hvar?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Varenna and Hvar.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Many visitors go to Hvar to go 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 Varenna or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna 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 Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Varenna or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Varenna is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

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

Varenna has some public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

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 Varenna or Hvar a more walkable city?

Varenna is renowned 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.

It is easy to get around Varenna on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable village. 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 Varenna Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Varenna 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 Varenna, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar than Varenna 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 Varenna or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Varenna. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Varenna or Hvar?

Varenna is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Hvar?

You'll find shopping and museums around the pristine destination of Varenna. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Varenna or Hvar?

The scenic village of Varenna offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Hvar?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Varenna is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 23°C (73°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 Varenna this time of the year. In the summer, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. Varenna usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the autumn, Varenna is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varenna in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In October, Varenna usually receives more rain than Hvar. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Varenna or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Varenna during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. In January, Varenna is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 5°C (41°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Varenna usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Hvar. Many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Varenna is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 13°C (55°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. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Varenna usually receives more rain than Hvar. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Varenna