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

Should you visit Aegina or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Pisa? 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Aegina and Pisa: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa


Is there more to do in Aegina or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pisa. Although Aegina and Pisa are both popular with visitors, Pisa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pisa is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is known for its small town charm. Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also home to The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Aegina different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aegina
Pisa

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

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 Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.


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

Aegina
Pisa

Pisa 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 Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Pisa

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Pisa has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Pisa has something for everybody. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Aegina or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Pisa

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Aegina and Pisa are good 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 Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.


Is Aegina or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Pisa

Pisa 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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Pisa?

Aegina
Pisa

Pisa 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Aegina
Pisa

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Pisa.

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.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.


Is Aegina or Pisa Better for Couples?

Aegina
Pisa

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Pisa make for a good place to visit.

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

Pisa is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Aegina or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Pisa

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

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Aegina
Pisa

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

Many students frequent Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Aegina is not popular with students.


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

Aegina
Pisa

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

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 Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Aegina or Pisa a more walkable city?

Aegina
Pisa

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

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Pisa?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Aegina or Pisa?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pisa. 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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 Pisa. 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 Pisa?

The relaxing 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 shopping and museums when visiting the world-famous destination of Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pisa 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 Pisa is €120. 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 Pisa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Pisa 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Pisa 120
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Pisa

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Pisa? 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 Pisa


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 Pisa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Pisa 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

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

  • Departure Private Transfer from Pisa to La Spezia by car or van: $203
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $396
  • From Florence: Round-trip Transfer to Pisa & Cinque Terre: $1,230
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER: from Pisa to Florence with private chauffeur: $120
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to La Spezia Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Pisa Airport (PSA)to Montecatini Terme Resorts-RoundTrip Transfer: $127
  • Pisa Private Transfer from Pisa city centre to Pisa Airport: $87
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Pisa to Florence: $245
  • Private Transfer From Pisa To Florence, English Speaking Driver: $209
  • Private Transfer from Calambrone to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Pisa?

Prices for flights to both Pisa 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
    Pisa 50

Typical Food Prices in Pisa

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


  • Dinner
    75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

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

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $39
  • Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
  • Pisa Food Tour: $95
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
  • Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $521

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Pisa 20

Tours and Activities in Pisa

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

  • Tower of Pisa & Square of Miracles self guided audio tour: $4.27
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Pisa: $8.72
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • The Best of Pisa Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Pisa Cathedral Guided Tour and Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $16
  • Square of Miracles guided tour with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $17
  • Baptistery and Cathedral Ticket with Audio Guide: $19
  • Camposanto and Cathedral Entry Tickets and Audio Guide: $19
  • Guided Walking Tour with Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Pisa -

Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa

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

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
  • Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $663


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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Pisa?

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

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 Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Aegina during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

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

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

Aegina usually gets less rain in July than Pisa. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Aegina or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Pisa. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aegina usually receives less rain than Pisa. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Aegina or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

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

Aegina usually gets less rain in January than Pisa. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Aegina or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aegina in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Pisa. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Pisa 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pisa and Aegina

Aegina Pisa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)