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

Should you visit Aegina or Florence?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Florence? 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 active, relaxing, and vibrant island. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aegina and Florence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)


Is there more to do in Aegina or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence. Although Aegina and Florence are both popular with visitors, Florence has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Florence is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is known for its nightlife, beaches, and small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Aegina and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens.

How is Aegina different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aegina
Florence

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Florence on the map. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

Many visitors head to Aegina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.


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

Aegina
Florence

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Florence

Aegina is a great island for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Aegina has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Aegina or Florence Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Florence

Aegina is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

Aegina has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.


Is Aegina or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Florence

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Florence?

Aegina
Florence

Florence is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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.

Is Aegina or Florence Better for Families?

Aegina
Florence

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Florence.

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.

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.


Is Aegina or Florence Better for Couples?

Aegina
Florence

Florence is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Aegina or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Florence

Florence is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Aegina
Florence

Florence is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Aegina is not popular with students.


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

Aegina
Florence

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

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 Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Aegina or Florence a more walkable city?

Aegina
Florence

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

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Florence?

Both Aegina and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Aegina or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Florence 2-7

One day in Aegina or Florence?

The island of Aegina offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Aegina or Florence?

Aegina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aegina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence 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 Florence?

Aegina is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Florence?

Aegina is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artistic destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Florence 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 Florence is €154. 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 Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Florence 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Florence 174
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Florence? 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 Florence


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 Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Florence 22

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    25
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    30
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    5.00
  • Bus From Airport
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Florence to Pisa Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Florence Airport To/From Florence Hotels): $65
  • Private Transfer from Florence to Milan: $216
  • Arrival Private Transfer Florence Station SMN to Florence City by Sedan or Van: $60
  • Chianti Wine Tastings and Visit to 3 Cellars with Lunch&Transfer: $234
  • Departure Private Transfer Florence City to Florence Station SMN by Sedan or Van: $60
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Montecatini Terme - RoundTrip Transfer: $183
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Siena or Sovicille - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
  • Florence Airport (FLR): One-Way/Roundtrip Private Transfer: $314
  • Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
  • Florence Airport Transfers : Airport FLR to Florence City in Luxury Van: $202
  • Florence Airport Transfers : Florence City to Airport FLR in Business Car: $177

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence 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
    Florence 36

Typical Food Prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    6.50
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
  • Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
  • Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Florence 30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    11
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    4.00
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    100
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    20
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    6.00
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • The Best tour in Renaissance and Medici Tales: $0.02
  • Renaissance and Medici Tales Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
  • Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.26
  • Sunset Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.27
  • Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.27
  • Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
  • The Towers of Florence Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Florence: $5.44
  • Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Florence 18

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    4.20
  • Bottle of Wine
    7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
  • Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
  • 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
  • From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
  • Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
  • Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
  • Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
  • Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Aegina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the summer, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Florence. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Florence 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Florence. Many visitors come to Aegina in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Aegina is a little warmer than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Florence during autumn. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aegina usually receives less rain than Florence. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Florence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Aegina is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Florence. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Florence 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In April, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Florence during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Florence. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Florence 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Florence and Aegina

Aegina Florence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)