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

Should you visit Aegina or Lucca?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Lucca? 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 fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Lucca

Lucca is a quaint, popular, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aegina and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Aegina or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucca. Although Aegina and Lucca are popular destinations, Lucca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucca is very popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Aegina attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and small town charm. Aegina is famous for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Lucca is famous for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also well known for The Guinigi Tower.

How is Aegina different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aegina
Lucca

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

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 Lucca specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.


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

Aegina
Lucca

Lucca 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 Lucca is an experience not to be missed. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

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 Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Lucca

Aegina is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Aegina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Lucca has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

Is Aegina or Lucca Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Lucca

Aegina is a island with good options for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Aegina. 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.

Lucca is not a beach destination.


Is Aegina or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Lucca

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

Lucca offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Lucca?

Aegina
Lucca

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lucca and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lucca. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

Is Aegina or Lucca Better for Families?

Aegina
Lucca

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Lucca.

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.

Lucca offers lots of family activities. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.


Is Aegina or Lucca Better for Couples?

Aegina
Lucca

Lucca is a great destination for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Lucca frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

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 Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Lucca

Aegina and Lucca are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. 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.

Lucca is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

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

Aegina
Lucca

Aegina is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.


Is Aegina or Lucca a more walkable city?

Aegina
Lucca

Lucca is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Lucca is a very walkable destination. Much of the city can be explored 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 Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Lucca?

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

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

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


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

One day in Aegina or Lucca?

In Aegina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Lucca 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 Lucca?

Aegina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aegina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun destination of Aegina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Lucca. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lucca 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 Lucca 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 Lucca in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Lucca? 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 Lucca


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 Lucca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Lucca 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:

  • Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $125
  • Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Lucca?

Prices for flights to both Lucca 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
    Lucca 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucca

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

  • Flavors of Lucca Food Tour with Local Guide: $75
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Capannori with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $123
  • Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $149
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Gaiole in Chianti: $158
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pistoia: $158
  • Lucca Home Cooking Class: $191
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $202
  • 5 Hours Private Activity - Truffle Hunting with Dinner in San Miniato: $207

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Lucca 5.68

Tours and Activities in Lucca

Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking tour of Lucca and its walls: $11
  • join a walking tour small group!: $15
  • 2-Hour City Center Walking Tour: $16
  • Renaissance City Walls Walking Tour: $16
  • Guided City by Night Walking Tour: $16
  • Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Self-Guided Tour by Bike: $16
  • Your Lucca Walking Tour: $20
  • Self-Guided Tour by Bike with MAP: $20
  • walking tour on the stories & legends of the city!: $24
  • Musical Walking Tour with Puccini Museum Visit: $27
  • From Lucca to Pisa: Self-Guided Bike Tour: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Lucca 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucca:

  • Wine tasting in the historical Cantalici winery: $12
  • Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $16
  • Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $21
  • Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $80
  • Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $82
  • Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $97
  • Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $117
  • Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $119
  • Bike Ride & WIne Tasting: $131
  • Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Pisa: $149
  • Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Lucca: $149
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by shuttle: $152


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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Lucca?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Lucca, 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.

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