A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Carcassonne for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Aegina or Carcassonne?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Carcassonne? 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.

Aegina

Aegina is a vibrant, fun, and active island. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Aegina and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Aegina or Carcassonne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aegina than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aegina is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Carcassonne is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Aegina is well known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Also, Aegina is famous for the Temple of Athena Aphaia. Carcassonne is well known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Aegina different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Carcassonne?

Aegina
Carcassonne

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aegina or Carcassonne.

Aegina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Many visitors head to Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Carcassonne is an experience not to be missed. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Carcassonne

Aegina is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Aegina has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Aegina or Carcassonne Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Carcassonne

Aegina is a good destination for its beaches. However, Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Aegina offers a nice beach destination. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.


Is Aegina or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Carcassonne offers a nice historic old town area. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Carcassonne?

Aegina
Carcassonne

Aegina is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aegina or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Aegina
Carcassonne

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Carcassonne.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Carcassonne offers lots of family activities. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.


Is Aegina or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Aegina
Carcassonne

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Carcassonne make for a notable place to visit.

Aegina is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Aegina or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Carcassonne is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Is Aegina or Carcassonne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Carcassonne

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aegina and Carcassonne.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

While Carcassonne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.


Is Aegina or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Aegina
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aegina or Carcassonne to fill your time. In our opinion, Carcassonne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Carcassonne than Aegina. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne than Aegina 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 Carcassonne.


  • How many days in Aegina or Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in Aegina or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active island of Aegina. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Carcassonne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Aegina. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Carcassonne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Aegina or Carcassonne?

The active island of Aegina offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carcassonne. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aegina. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Carcassonne. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €92, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is €106. 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 Aegina and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Carcassonne 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Carcassonne 122
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Carcassonne? 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 Aegina


Hotels in Carcassonne


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: Aegina Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Carcassonne 7.14

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Aegina 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
    Aegina 34
    Carcassonne 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Carcassonne 14

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Carcassonne 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Carcassonne?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Carcassonne, 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 Aegina or Carcassonne?

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 Aegina or Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Carcassonne. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aegina is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aegina in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the summer, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in July than Carcassonne. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Aegina because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In October, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 19°C (67°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aegina usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Carcassonne in the Winter?

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

Aegina is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in January than Carcassonne. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Carcassonne. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aegina is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aegina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Aegina

Aegina Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)