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

Should you visit Arles or Kotor?

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 Kotor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a peaceful, remote, and dramatic coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Arles and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Arles, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Arles is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Arles different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor 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 Kotor?

Arles is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Arles that are not to be missed. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Arles is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Arles has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Arles or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Arles is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Arles or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arles or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Arles or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Arles and Kotor are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

With a famous historical old-town, Arles offers plenty to see. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

The rich history of Kotor can be explored in its historical center. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Arles or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Kotor?

Arles is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Arles is a great destination for shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Arles or Kotor Better for Families?

Kotor 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 Kotor. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

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 Kotor Better for Couples?

Both Arles and Kotor are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Kotor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Arles or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is well known for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kotor is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

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

Arles is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Arles or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Arles?

How long in Arles or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Arles or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arles, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kotor 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 Kotor.

One day in Arles or Kotor?

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Arles or Kotor?

Arles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Arles. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Arles. 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 museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Arles or Kotor?

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

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the summer, Arles is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arles in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during summer. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arles usually receives less rain than Kotor. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arles or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Arles during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Arles is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 16°C (61°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Arles often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Kotor. Many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.

Arles is a little warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during winter. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Arles usually receives less rain than Kotor. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arles or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arles as well as Kotor. Many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Arles is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arles in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°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 Kotor. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Arles usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Arles