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

Should you visit Athens or Amalfi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Amalfi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a picturesque, stunning, and dramatic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Athens and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Athens and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Athens is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy.

How is Athens different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is an amazing city 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 Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Amalfi can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Is Athens or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Athens or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

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

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

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

Athens offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

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 Athens or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is great for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Amalfi for the hiking trails. 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.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Amalfi?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Amalfi both offer plenty of good spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Amalfi is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Athens or Amalfi Better for Families?

Athens is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Athens or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Amalfi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Athens or Amalfi Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Athens can get you around easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Athens?

How long in Athens or Amalfi?

Both Athens and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Athens has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Athens than Amalfi. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Athens. 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 Athens than Amalfi 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Amalfi?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Amalfi. 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.

A weekend in Athens or Amalfi?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Five days in Athens or Amalfi?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Athens or Amalfi?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Amalfi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 Athens and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Athens.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Amalfi?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Amalfi?

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 Athens or Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Amalfi. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Amalfi. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

Athens is a little warmer than Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Amalfi in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Athens is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Athens