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

Should you visit Villach or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Villach 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.

Villach

Villach is a historic, nature-filled, and outdoorsy town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Villach and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Villach and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Villach is known for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Villach and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Villach is popular for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

How is Villach different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Villach or Hvar.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Villach. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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 Villach or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hvar is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Villach or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Hvar is a must-see party destination. 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 Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Villach or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Villach or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is notable for the beach. However, Villach is not a beach destination.

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.

Villach is not a beach destination.

Is Villach or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Villach is a town with good options for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Villach to see the old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Villach or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Villach 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.

Villach is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

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 Villach or Hvar?

Hvar is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Villach or Hvar Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Villach or Hvar.

Villach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Hvar is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Villach or Hvar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Villach and Hvar make for a excellent place to visit.

Villach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

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 Villach or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is terrific for backpackers. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a very popular island to visit 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.

Villach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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

Hvar is a popular place for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Villach or Hvar a more walkable city?

Hvar is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable island. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Villach Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Villach?

How long in Villach or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Villach or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Villach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Villach. 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 Villach or Hvar?

Villach is a fun place to experience. 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 Villach or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nature-filled destination of Villach. This town 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 Villach or Hvar?

The nature-filled town of Villach offers nightlife and museums. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Villach or Hvar?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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 Villach 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 Villach or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Villach in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Villach is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 24°C (75°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Villach. Villach usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Villach usually receives more rain than Hvar. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Villach or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Villach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area 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.

Villach is cooler than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Villach often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Hvar. The winter months attract visitors to Villach 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 the winter, Villach is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Villach in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Villach usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Villach usually receives less rain than Hvar. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Villach or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Villach as well as Hvar. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Villach is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 13°C (56°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the spring, Villach often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Villach