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

Should you visit Zakynthos or Hvar?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zakynthos and Hvar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Zakynthos or Hvar?

Zakynthos

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is a breathtaking island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're traveling on a budget, seeking scenic sights, engaging in activities, or savoring Greek cuisine, Zakynthos has it all. Exploring Zakynthos without breaking the bank is absolutely possible despite its generally high prices for hotels. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations, dine at local tavernas, and enjoy many of the island's attractions for free or at a low cost, such as on the numerous hiking trails with epic views. Also, utilize public buses or rent a scooter for economical travel around the island.

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 Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar or Zakynthos?

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 Zakynthos is €521, while the average daily cost in Hvar is €131. 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 Zakynthos and Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zakynthos 334
    Hvar 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zakynthos 668
    Hvar 76
Compare Hotels in Zakynthos and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos


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: Zakynthos Hotel Prices and Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zakynthos 84
    Hvar 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zakynthos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zakynthos:

  • Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki One Way Transfer: $24
  • Private Airport Transfer - Argassi One Way : $28
  • Private Airport Transfer - Laganas One Way Transfer: $37
  • Zante Water Village Admission Ticket & Transfers Included: $41
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykanas - One Way Journey: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki Return Transfer: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer - Alykes One Way Journey: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer Zakynthos Town - Return Journey: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer - Argassi Return Journey: $56
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykes- Return Journey: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykanas- Return Journey: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $585
  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik with Korčula Stopover: $3,394

Is it cheaper to fly into Zakynthos or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar and Zakynthos 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
    Zakynthos 126
    Hvar 66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zakynthos

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

  • Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch: $107

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

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

  • Traditional Hvar Cooking Classes, Dinners & 'Poje' Field Tour!: $167
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $205
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $208
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner/Lunch: $256
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $298

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zakynthos 74
    Hvar 7.51

Tours and Activities in Zakynthos

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

  • Go karting experience: $27
  • 3 Hours Marathonissi Island Tour, Keri Caves and Turtles Spotting: $30
  • Zante Water Village Admission Ticket: $30
  • Zakynthos West Coast Tour and Navagio Bay: $35
  • Zakynthos boat tour:Shipwreck& Local blue caves with 3 Swim Stops: $36
  • Zakynthos Half Day Tour and Cruise Turtle Island and Keri Caves: $36
  • Turtle Cruise of Marathonisi Island and Keri Peninsula: $41
  • Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach with Blue Caves Land and Sea Tour: $42
  • Mizithres Sunset Cruise in Zakynthos: $45
  • VIP Full Day Tour Shipwreck Blue Caves and top view: $54
  • Tour Zakynthos Shipwreck,Blue Caves, Kremmidi Beach Excursion: $54
  • Zakynthos Small Group Tour Shipwreck bay Blue Caves by Land & Sea: $54

Tours and Activities in Hvar

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

  • 50 Shades of Blue: Blue Cave & 5 Islands Boat Tour from Hvar: $12
  • Local Delicacies Tasting Experience in Hvar Town: $24
  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $24
  • Private Multi-Activity Experience in Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa: $27
  • Stand Up Paddle school - learn to SUP and make your first SUP tour: $30
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $32
  • Timeless Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $41
  • Pakleni Islands Self-Guided Kayaking Tour: $53
  • Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands: $54
  • Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht: $68
  • Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands Boat Tour with Swim: $70
  • Hvar Island Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zakynthos 22
    Hvar 9.21

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: $93
  • Hvar Island E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting and Starters: $115
  • Private Hvar Island Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $117
  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $129
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $173
  • Private Best Beaches Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $1,001


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zakynthos and Hvar, we can see that Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zakynthos or Hvar?

Zakynthos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Zakynthos 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.