A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Finale Ligure for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Annecy or Finale Ligure?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Annecy and Finale Ligure can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a scenic, historic, and relaxing area. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Annecy and Finale Ligure: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Annecy or Finale Ligure?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Annecy and Finale Ligure are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Finale Ligure attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Annecy is more touristy than Finale Ligure and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle. Finale Ligure is famous for its sandy beaches and great food.

How is Annecy different from Finale Ligure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Finale Ligure and Annecy. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Annecy or Finale Ligure?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Annecy and Finale Ligure.

Annecy offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Finale Ligure. The natural beauty is the main attraction to this part of Liguria, but there are also medieval towns such as Finalborgo and historic places such as Castel Gavone.


Is the Food Better in Annecy or Finale Ligure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

Annecy is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Finale Ligure has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood, local flavors, and even a couple of Michelin starred restaurants make this area a foodie's paradise. The dishes are rich in flavors and fine dining is common throughout the area.

Is Annecy or Finale Ligure Better for Nightlife?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

Annecy is a popular place for nightlife. However, Finale Ligure is a area with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Annecy has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Finale Ligure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This beautiful coastline is filled with fine dining restaurants and some nice wine and cocktail bars. It's not known for its party scene, but there are some nice places to spend the evening.

Is Annecy or Finale Ligure Better for Resorts?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Finale Ligure makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find a mix of smaller local hotels, many with pools, along the coastline. There are also a number of apartments to choose from.

Annecy is not a resort destination.


Is Annecy or Finale Ligure Better for Beaches?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a great area for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Finale Ligure is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This stretch of coastline has the longest sandy beaches in Liguria. You'll also find dramatic cliffs and beautiful views.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Annecy or Finale Ligure Better for its Old Town?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

Annecy is terrific for its historic old town. However, Finale Ligure does not have a historic old town.

Annecy has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Finale Ligure does not have a historic old town.

Is Annecy or Finale Ligure Better for Hiking?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

You'll find great hiking in both Annecy and Finale Ligure.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Finale Ligure is a popular spot for hiking. There are many walking and trekking trails along the coast and through the hills. You'll pass medieval towns and beautiful viewpoints that let you experience the Ligurian coastline in all of its beauty.


Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Finale Ligure?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

If you're looking to go shopping, Annecy and Finale Ligure both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Many visitors go to Finale Ligure to go shopping. You'll find clothing boutiques, food specialty stores, and places to pick up anything that you may have forgotten.

Is Annecy or Finale Ligure Better for Families?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Annecy or Finale Ligure.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Finale Ligure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This section of the Italian Riviera has the longest sandy beach in Liguria. There are also places where kids can swim and just relax from sightseeing and travel.

Is Annecy or Finale Ligure Better for Couples?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

Annecy is terrific for romance. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Finale Ligure is a great alpine town if you're traveling as a couple. With its sandy beaches and seaside cliffs, this area makes a great romantic getaway. Italian food on the Italian Riviera - what could be more romantic.


Is Annecy or Finale Ligure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

For backpackers, both Annecy and Finale Ligure are nice places to visit.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

It's common for backpackers to visit Finale Ligure. While there aren't a lot of hostels, there are a few reasonably priced guesthouses to choose from.

Is Annecy or Finale Ligure Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

Annecy and Finale Ligure both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Finale Ligure has a few public transit options. There are both trains and buses through the area.

Is Annecy or Finale Ligure a more walkable city?

Annecy
Finale Ligure

Annecy is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Finale Ligure is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking routes throughout this stretch of coastline.


For even more information, also check out Is Annecy Worth Visiting? and Is Finale Ligure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Finale Ligure or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Finale Ligure?

It's fun to spend time in either Annecy or Finale Ligure. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Annecy than Finale Ligure. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Finale Ligure 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 Annecy.


  • How many days in Annecy or Finale Ligure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Annecy 2-4 
    Finale Ligure 2-4

One day in Annecy or Finale Ligure?

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Finale Ligure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Annecy or Finale Ligure?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

Finale Ligure 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 Annecy or Finale Ligure?

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This alpine town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Finale Ligure. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Annecy or Finale Ligure?

Annecy is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Finale Ligure. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Finale Ligure or Annecy?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Annecy is €178, while the average daily cost in Finale Ligure is €143. 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 Annecy and Finale Ligure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Annecy 92
    Finale Ligure 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Annecy 184
    Finale Ligure 148
Compare Hotels in Annecy and Finale Ligure

Looking for a hotel in Annecy or Finale Ligure? 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 Annecy


Hotels in Finale Ligure


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: Annecy Hotel Prices and Finale Ligure Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Annecy 37
    Finale Ligure 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Annecy

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

  • Lyon : Luxury private transfer to Annecy in Van: $374
  • Private transfer from Geneva airport to Annecy: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Annecy or Finale Ligure?

Prices for flights to both Finale Ligure and Annecy 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
    Annecy 58
    Finale Ligure 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Annecy

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

  • Annecy Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Annecy Old Town with Local Guide: $148
  • Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking and Meal with a Local in Annecy: $188
  • Private Walking Food Tour: $348

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Annecy 41
    Finale Ligure 28

Tours and Activities in Annecy

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $12
  • Yakapedaler : bike rental tour with the Annecy lac: $21
  • Full-day private tour from Geneva to Annecy: $40
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour: $43
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $44
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $55
  • Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour: $64
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $66
  • Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Annecy 34
    Finale Ligure 6.99

Sample the Local Flavors in Annecy

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

  • Wine Tour with private driver: $850


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Annecy Expensive? and Is Finale Ligure Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Annecy or Finale Ligure?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Finale Ligure. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Finale Ligure, 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 Annecy or Finale Ligure?

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 Annecy or Finale Ligure in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Finale Ligure. Most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Finale Ligure because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Annecy is generally cooler than Finale Ligure. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 22°C (71°F), and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Finale Ligure. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In the summer, Annecy often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Finale Ligure. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Finale Ligure receives 295 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Finale Ligure. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Annecy 22°C (71°F) 
    Finale Ligure 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Annecy or Finale Ligure in the Autumn?

Both Finale Ligure and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Finale Ligure this time of year.

Annecy is cooler than Finale Ligure in the autumn. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Finale Ligure during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Finale Ligure receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Finale Ligure. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Annecy 14°C (56°F) 
    Finale Ligure 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Annecy or Finale Ligure in the Winter?

Both Finale Ligure and Annecy during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Finale Ligure for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. In the winter, Annecy is much colder than Finale Ligure. Typically, the winter temperatures in Annecy in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Finale Ligure averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Finale Ligure. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Finale Ligure receives 127 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Finale Ligure. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Annecy 4°C (39°F) 
    Finale Ligure 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Annecy or Finale Ligure in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Finale Ligure. Many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Finale Ligure in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Annecy is generally cooler than Finale Ligure. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 11°C (53°F), and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Finale Ligure during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Finale Ligure receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives around the same amount of rain as Finale Ligure. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Annecy 11°C (53°F) 
    Finale Ligure 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Finale Ligure and Annecy

Annecy Finale Ligure
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)


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