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

Should you visit Arachova or Saint-Etienne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Saint-Etienne, 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 outdoorsy, bustling, and beautiful town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Arachova and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arachova. Although Arachova and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations, Arachova has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arachova is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Arachova is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. It is also well known for Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Arachova different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Saint-Etienne Better for Skiing?

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

Arachova is a good destination for skiing. However, Saint-Etienne is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Arachova is a great destination to visit. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a skiing destination.


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

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

Both Arachova and Saint-Etienne have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Arachova is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

Arachova is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arachova has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

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 Arachova or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

Arachova is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Arachova for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.


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

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

Arachova 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 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Arachova or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

Arachova 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 Arachova for the hiking trails. 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.

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 Arachova or Saint-Etienne?

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

Arachova is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arachova. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

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.


Is Arachova or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

Arachova 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, Arachova is very family-friendly. 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.

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 Arachova or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

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

Arachova is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

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

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

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

You'll find some public transit in Arachova, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are some public buses in the area.

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 Arachova or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Arachova
Saint-Etienne

Arachova and Saint-Etienne both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

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

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

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

How long in Arachova or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Arachova than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Arachova 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 Arachova.


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

One day in Arachova or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Arachova. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Arachova or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arachova. 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Arachova or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Arachova. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Arachova. 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne or Arachova?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, 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 Arachova and Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arachova 50
    Saint-Etienne 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arachova 100
    Saint-Etienne 92
Compare Hotels in Arachova and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Arachova 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 Arachova


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.
    Arachova 51
    Saint-Etienne 44

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

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne and Arachova 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
    Arachova 29
    Saint-Etienne 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    Saint-Etienne 25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arachova 6.43
    Saint-Etienne 10


When comparing the travel costs between Arachova and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Arachova 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Arachova or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova 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 Arachova 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 Arachova or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Arachova during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arachova for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Arachova is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arachova in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the summer, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Arachova is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Arachova usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Arachova is much warmer than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

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

Both Saint-Etienne and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Arachova because of the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In the spring, Arachova is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arachova in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arachova usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Arachova gets 25 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
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Arachova

Arachova Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)