A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Aegina or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Marseille? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Aegina and Marseille: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Aegina or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille. Although Aegina and Marseille are popular destinations, Marseille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Aegina attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Aegina is famous for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port.

How is Aegina different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aegina
Marseille

Aegina is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Aegina can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Aegina
Marseille

Marseille 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, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

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 Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Marseille

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Marseille has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

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.

Is Aegina or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Marseille

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Aegina and Marseille are nice choices.

Aegina is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Marseille to enjoy the beach. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.


Is Aegina or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Marseille

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

Marseille offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Marseille?

Aegina
Marseille

Marseille 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 Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

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 Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Aegina
Marseille

Marseille is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Aegina does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Aegina does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Aegina or Marseille Better for Families?

Aegina
Marseille

Aegina is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Aegina is a family-friendly island. 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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Aegina or Marseille Better for Couples?

Aegina
Marseille

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

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

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 Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Marseille

Aegina and Marseille 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.

Marseille is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.


Is Aegina or Marseille Better for Students?

Aegina
Marseille

Marseille is a great destination for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Marseille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Aegina is not popular with students.

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

Aegina
Marseille

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

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 Marseille offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Aegina or Marseille a more walkable city?

Aegina
Marseille

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

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas 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 Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aegina and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marseille than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Aegina or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Aegina or Marseille?

You'll find shopping and museums around the island of Aegina. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aegina has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. 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 Marseille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Aegina. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marseille 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 Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active island of Aegina. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. 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 Marseille?

Aegina is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic destination of Marseille. 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille 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 Marseille is €148. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Marseille? 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 Marseille


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 Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Marseille 28

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • “Airport-Marseille Center Transfers: Luxury and Comfort VTC.”: $87
  • Airport Marseille Transfer to Marseille Old Port: $91
  • Aix en Provence-Transfer from or to Marseille Airport: $102
  • Arles-Transfer From or To Airport MARSEILLE: $218
  • Arrival Private Transfer Marseille Airport MRS to Marseille city or Port by Van: $101
  • Arrival Transfer: MRS Airport to Marseille in Business Car: $109
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $642
  • Departure Private Transfer Marseille city or Port to Marseile Airport MRS by Van: $101
  • Departure Private Transfer from Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port by Van: $101
  • Departure Transfer: Marseille to MRS Airport in Business Car: $109
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Marseille Hotel or Address): $215
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
    Marseille 42

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

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

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Marseille 38

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.52
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $9.84
  • Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Marseille 27

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Marseille, 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 Marseille?

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 Marseille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Marseille. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Aegina is a little warmer than Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the summer, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in July than Marseille. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Aegina or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aegina in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Aegina is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aegina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during autumn. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aegina usually receives less rain than Marseille. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Aegina or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Aegina during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Aegina is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 10°C (51°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Marseille. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Marseille. The spring months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Aegina is a little warmer than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Marseille. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Aegina

Aegina Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)