A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arachova vs. Caen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Arachova or Caen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Caen, 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.

Arachova

Arachova is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and bustling town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Arachova and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arachova or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arachova. Although Arachova and Caen are both popular with visitors, Arachova has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arachova is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Caen is known for its museums and big city activities. Arachova is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. It is also home to Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Arachova different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Caen Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Caen is not a skiing destination.

Arachova is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Caen is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arachova or Caen?

Caen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Is the Food Better in Arachova or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Arachova and Caen can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arachova makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Caen has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Arachova or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Arachova is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Arachova has a large number of nightlife venues. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Arachova or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Arachova is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Arachova. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is Arachova or Caen Better for Hiking?

Arachova is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Arachova. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Caen?

Arachova is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arachova. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Arachova or Caen Better for Families?

Arachova is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Arachova is a very family-friendly destination. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Arachova or Caen Better for Couples?

Arachova is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Arachova makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Arachova or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Arachova or Caen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caen is well known for its public transit. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Caen is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

While Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.

Is Arachova or Caen a more walkable city?

Arachova and Caen both are good when exploring on foot.

Arachova is somewhat walkable. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Arachova Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arachova and Caen. In our opinion, Arachova has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Arachova than Caen. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Arachova 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 Caen.

One day in Arachova or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arachova. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Arachova or Caen?

Arachova is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Arachova or Caen?

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Arachova. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Arachova or Caen?

The beautiful town of Arachova offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Arachova or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova and Caen, 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 Arachova or Caen?

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 Arachova or Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Caen. Many travelers come to Arachova for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Arachova is much warmer than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arachova this time of the year. In the summer, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Caen. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arachova or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Arachova in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

In the autumn, Arachova is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arachova in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Arachova usually receives less rain than Caen. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arachova or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Arachova during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Arachova for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. In January, Arachova is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 10°C (51°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Caen. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arachova or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Caen. The spring months attract visitors to Arachova because of the small town charm. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

Arachova is much warmer than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arachova usually receives less rain than Caen. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Arachova