A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Villach vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Villach or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Villach or Kotor? 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 outdoorsy, historic, and nature-filled town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Kotor

Kotor is a dramatic, scenic, and beautiful coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Villach and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Villach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Villach is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Villach is well known for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Villach different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor 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 Kotor?

Villach is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Villach or Kotor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kotor is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Villach is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Villach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Villach or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Villach is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Villach is not a resort destination.

Is Villach or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Villach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Villach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Villach or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a popular place for the beach. However, Villach is not a beach destination.

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Villach is not a beach destination.

Is Villach or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Kotor has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Villach or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Villach. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Kotor?

Villach is a town with a few options for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Villach or Kotor Better for Families?

Villach is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Villach is 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Villach or Kotor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Villach and Kotor make for a great 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.

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Villach or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Villach and Kotor are great destinations for backpackers.

Villach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

Kotor is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Both Villach and Kotor offer respectable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Villach or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Villach?

How long in Villach or Kotor?

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

Families should spend more time in Kotor than Villach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kotor, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kotor than Villach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kotor that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kotor 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 Kotor.

One day in Villach or Kotor?

In Villach, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this nature-filled destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal town 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Villach or Kotor?

Villach is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Villach. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Kotor?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Villach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Villach or Kotor?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Villach and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Kotor. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Villach is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Villach in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Villach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Villach usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Villach usually receives more rain than Kotor. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Villach or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Villach as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Villach is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 16°C (60°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Villach often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Villach usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Villach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

Villach is cooler than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Villach usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Villach usually receives less rain than Kotor. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Villach or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Villach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Villach is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Villach in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Villach often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Villach usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Villach