A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Almeria vs. Saint-Etienne for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Almeria and Saint-Etienne. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Almeria

Almeria is a cultural, historic, and natural region. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Almeria and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Almeria. Although Almeria and Saint-Etienne are roughly the same size, Almeria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Almeria is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its museums and shopping. Almeria is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Almeria different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Almeria or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Almeria is an amazing region to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Almeria, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

It's hard to distinguish whether Almeria or Saint-Etienne has a better nightlife scene.

Almeria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne Better for Resorts?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Almeria is an amazing region to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Almeria for its luxury resorts. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.


Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Almeria is an amazing region to visit for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Almeria offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Almeria is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Almeria. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Almeria is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Almeria for the hiking trails. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.


Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a city with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Almeria is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Almeria is very family-friendly. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Almeria is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Almeria is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.


Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Almeria is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Almeria. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Almeria and Saint-Etienne.

You'll find some public transit in Almeria, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Almeria or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Almeria
Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Almeria Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Almeria or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Almeria than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Almeria, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

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

Couples should spend more time in Almeria than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Almeria that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Almeria than Saint-Etienne 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 Almeria.


  • How many days in Almeria or Saint-Etienne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Almeria 1-3 
    Saint-Etienne 1-2

One day in Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the pristine destination of Almeria. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Almeria. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer.

Five days in Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the pristine destination of Almeria. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and nightlife around the beautiful region of Almeria. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne or Almeria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Almeria is €99, while the average daily cost in Saint-Etienne is €108. 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 Almeria and Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Almeria 44
    Saint-Etienne 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Almeria 88
    Saint-Etienne 92
Compare Hotels in Almeria and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Almeria or Saint-Etienne? 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 Almeria


Hotels in Saint-Etienne


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Almeria 20
    Saint-Etienne 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Almeria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Almeria:

  • Transfers desde Aeropuerto de Almería (LEI) a Vera Playa - 4 pasajeros: $125
  • Almería Private Transfer from the city centre or Cabo de Gata to Almería Airport: $66
  • Almería Private Transfer from Almería Airport to City centre or Cabo de Gata: $66
  • Tabernas: transfer + ticket Fort Bravo or Minihollywood: $62
  • Private Transfer from Almeria Airport to / from Almeria Spain: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne and Almeria 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
    Almeria 40
    Saint-Etienne 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Almeria

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

  • Spanish Paella Private Online Cooking Class: $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Almeria 16
    Saint-Etienne 25

Tours and Activities in Almeria

Here are a few actual costs in Almeria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Almería: Cathedral Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Almería: Cathedral and Convent of the Puras Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Almería: Guided City Discovery Tour: $16
  • Almería: Legends and Mysteries Evening Walking Tour: $11
  • Almeria : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $49
  • Almeria like a Local: Customized Private Tour : $52
  • Alcazaba Guided Tour: $16
  • Convent of the Puras Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $5.35
  • History and Hidden Corners Essential Walking Tour: $14
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $48
  • Spanish Civil War Shelters Ticket and Official Tour: $11
  • Andalusia: Almeria Cathedral Entry with Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Almeria 4.29
    Saint-Etienne 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Almeria

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

  • Almería Visit to Eco Winery Cortijo El Cura and wine tasting: $24
  • Almería Wine tour and tasting in English in Bio Winery: $24


When comparing the travel costs between Almeria and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Saint-Etienne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Almeria Expensive? and Is Saint-Etienne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Almeria and Saint-Etienne, 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 Almeria or Saint-Etienne?

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 Almeria or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Almeria during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Almeria because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In July, Almeria is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 26°C (78°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Almeria. In the summer, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Almeria gets 343 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Almeria gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Almeria 26°C (78°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Almeria or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Almeria and Saint-Etienne. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Almeria this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Almeria is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Almeria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Almeria gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Almeria usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Almeria gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Almeria 20°C (68°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Almeria or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Almeria as well as Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Almeria for the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Almeria is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Almeria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Almeria gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Almeria gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Almeria 13°C (55°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Almeria or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Almeria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Almeria in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Almeria is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Almeria gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Almeria usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Almeria gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Almeria 16°C (61°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Almeria

Almeria Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 26 mm (1 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)