A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Girona for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antalya or Girona?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Girona? 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a vibrant, high energy, and relaxing vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Antalya and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Girona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya than Girona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antalya is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Girona is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Antalya is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Antalya different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Girona?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Girona and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and Girona can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Antalya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Girona makes for a great culinary experience. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Antalya is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Antalya offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Girona is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Girona is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Resorts?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Girona is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Girona is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Beaches?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Girona is not a hiking destination.

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Girona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Girona?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antalya make it a world-class shopping destination. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Families?

Antalya is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Antalya is a very kid-friendly vacation spot. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Girona make for a superb place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Girona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antalya is a great vacation spot to visit for backpackers. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Students?

Girona is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Girona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Antalya is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Antalya can get you to some places easily. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Antalya or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Antalya or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Antalya than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Girona 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 Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Antalya. 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.

In Girona, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Antalya or Girona?

Antalya 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.

In Girona, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Girona has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Girona is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Antalya or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the luxurious destination of Antalya. This vacation spot 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Antalya and Girona, we can see that Girona 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Girona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Girona?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Girona, 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 Antalya or Girona?

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 Antalya or Girona in the Summer?

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

In July, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Girona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Girona. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Girona. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Girona in the Autumn?

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

Antalya is a little warmer than Girona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Girona during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Girona. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Girona in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Antalya is a little warmer than Girona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Girona averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Girona. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Girona. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Girona in the Spring?

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

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Girona during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Girona. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Girona and Antalya