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

Should you visit Aegina or Nice?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Nice? 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 relaxing, vibrant, and fun island. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Aegina and Nice: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Aegina or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Aegina and Nice are both popular with visitors, Nice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Aegina is known for its museums and small town charm. Nice is more touristy than Aegina and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens.

How is Aegina different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aegina
Nice

Aegina is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Aegina. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Aegina
Nice

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

For foodies, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Nice

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

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Aegina
Nice

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its resorts. However, Aegina is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Aegina is not a resort destination.


Is Aegina or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Aegina
Nice

Nice is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aegina or Nice Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Nice

Nice is a great destination for the beach. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Many people head to Aegina to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Aegina or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Nice

Nice is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Nice?

Aegina
Nice

Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Aegina
Nice

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Nice.

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.

Nice offers lots of family activities. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Aegina or Nice Better for Couples?

Aegina
Nice

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Nice

Aegina and Nice are good 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.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Aegina
Nice

Nice is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Aegina or Nice a more walkable city?

Aegina
Nice

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

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Nice?

In either Aegina or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Aegina because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Aegina or Nice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Nice 3-5

One day in Aegina or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Aegina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. 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 Nice?

Aegina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Aegina. This island offers something for everyone. 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 Nice. 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 Nice?

The vibrant island of Aegina offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Nice. This seaside destination 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nice 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 Nice 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 Aegina and Nice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Nice 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Nice 118
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Nice

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Nice? 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 Nice


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 Nice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Nice 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Arrival Transfer from Côte d'Azur Airport NCE to Nice City in Private Car: $44
  • Arrival Transfer from Nice Airport NCE to Nice city by Sedan: $59
  • Arrival Transfer: Nice Airport NCE to Cannes in Luxury Van: $116
  • Arrival Transfer: Nice Airport NCE to Monaco in Business Car: $109
  • Cruise Port Hercule to Monaco hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Day Trip / transfer to and from aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur: $92
  • Departure Transfer: Monaco to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $109
  • Departure Transfer: Monaco to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $130
  • Departure Transfer: Villefranche Port to Nice Airport: $53
  • Ferry Transfer to Sainte Marguerite Island from Nice: $56
  • From Nice Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Monaco: $150
  • From Nice Airport: Private Transfer to Cannes: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Nice?

Prices for flights to both Nice 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
    Nice 49

Typical Food Prices in Nice

Some typical examples of dining costs in Nice are as follows:


  • Slushee
    2.50
  • Strawberries
    4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

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

  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $84
  • Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice: $95
  • The Flavors of Nice Food Tour: $103
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Nice Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $107
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $112
  • PRIVATE Award-Winning Nice Food Tour: 6 or 10 Tastings: $112
  • Food Tour + Wine Pairing Lunch with a local Sommelier: $133
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $147
  • Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Nice 12

Tours and Activities in Nice

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

  • Vieux Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Ticket to Musée National du Sport: $6.42
  • Nice Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Monaco Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Nice's Old Town Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Navigating A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nice city tour: audio guide app in your smartphone: $7.49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Nice 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

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

  • Nice Bar Crawl | Best Bars In 1 Night! VIP + FREE SHOTS: $5.99
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special: $17
  • Nice : Guided Pub / Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $21
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
  • Nice Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $45
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $52
  • New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Nice France: $53
  • Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $65
  • Wine Tasting: Tour de France in Nice City Centre: $74
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Saint Paul de Vence Tour from Nice: $84


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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Nice, 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 Nice?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aegina or Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Nice. Many visitors come to Aegina in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Nice. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Nice 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Aegina is a little warmer than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Nice 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Aegina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the winter, Aegina is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Nice. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Nice 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Aegina during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Nice and Aegina

Aegina Nice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)