A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Attractions

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a charming, picturesque, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Aix-en-Provence and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Aix-en-Provence and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its shopping. Amalfi is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Aix-en-Provence different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi and Aix-en-Provence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Amalfi is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Aix-en-Provence and Amalfi.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aix-en-Provence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Many restaurants in Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Amalfi is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Amalfi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Amalfi has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Amalfi has a beach worth visiting. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Amalfi to see the historical old town. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

Aix-en-Provence is an amazing town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Aix-en-Provence make it a world-class shopping destination. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for Families?

Amalfi is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Amalfi. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Amalfi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Aix-en-Provence is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aix-en-Provence and Amalfi.

You'll find some public transit in Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Aix-en-Provence. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

One day in Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The dramatic destination of Amalfi offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

Aix-en-Provence 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.

The town of Amalfi offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

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

The dramatic town of Amalfi offers museums and nightlife. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aix-en-Provence and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Aix-en-Provence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aix-en-Provence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aix-en-Provence 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Aix-en-Provence.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence and Amalfi, 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 Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi?

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 Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aix-en-Provence is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 24°C (75°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Amalfi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during summer. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Aix-en-Provence during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. In the autumn, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and Amalfi. Many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Aix-en-Provence is cooler than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as Amalfi. Most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Aix-en-Provence is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 13°C (56°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the spring, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Aix-en-Provence