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

Should you visit Aegina or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Toulon? 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Aegina and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Toulon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toulon than Aegina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toulon is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and small town charm. Aegina is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. Also, Toulon is famous for The Old Town.

How is Aegina different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aegina is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Aegina and Toulon can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Aegina area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Toulon. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Aegina or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Aegina is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Aegina offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Aegina or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Toulon has a few snorkeling spots. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aegina or Toulon Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Aegina and Toulon are notable 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 Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Aegina or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Toulon is worth visiting. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Toulon?

Toulon 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 Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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 Toulon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Toulon.

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.

Toulon offers lots of family activities. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Aegina or Toulon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Toulon make for a notable 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.

Toulon is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Aegina or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina and Toulon are notable 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.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

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

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 Toulon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Aegina or Toulon a more walkable city?

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

Toulon is a very walkable destination. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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 Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Toulon?

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

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

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

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

One day in Aegina or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aegina. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulon. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Toulon?

Aegina 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.

Toulon 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 Toulon?

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

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Aegina. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Toulon. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Toulon?

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

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 Toulon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Toulon. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aegina is a little warmer than Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aegina in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Toulon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives more rain than Toulon. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aegina or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Toulon. Many travelers come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 19°C (67°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the autumn, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aegina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Aegina is much warmer than Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Toulon. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aegina or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Aegina during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aegina is a little warmer than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aegina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the spring, Aegina often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Toulon. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Aegina