A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arles vs. Amalfi for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Arles or Amalfi?

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 Arles and Amalfi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a charming, picturesque, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Arles and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Arles and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Arles is known for its museums and historical sights. Amalfi is more touristy than Arles and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Arles different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arles or Amalfi?

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Arles or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Amalfi has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Arles or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Amalfi is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Amalfi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Arles or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arles or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is very good for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Amalfi to enjoy the beach. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Arles or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its old town. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Arles offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Arles or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Amalfi?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Amalfi and Arles.

Many visitors go to Arles to go shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Amalfi. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Arles or Amalfi Better for Families?

Amalfi is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Amalfi. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Arles or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Amalfi has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Arles is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Arles or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Arles and Amalfi.

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Arles or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Arles Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Arles?

How long in Arles or Amalfi?

Both Arles and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Arles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arles, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amalfi than Arles 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 Amalfi.

One day in Arles or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Arles or Amalfi?

Arles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Arles or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. In Amalfi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Arles or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Arles. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this dramatic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Arles or Amalfi?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Arles and Amalfi, 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 Arles or Amalfi?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Arles or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Arles is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 24°C (75°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Amalfi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during summer. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arles usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arles or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Arles during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Arles is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Arles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Amalfi. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Amalfi. Most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Arles is cooler than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arles in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Arles usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arles or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arles as well as Amalfi. The spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In April, Arles is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 13°C (56°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In the spring, Arles often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Arles