A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Palma de Mallorca for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Athens or Palma de Mallorca?

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 Palma de Mallorca. 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 ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Athens and Palma de Mallorca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Palma de Mallorca?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Palma de Mallorca. Athens is bigger than Palma de Mallorca, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Athens and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Palma de Mallorca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Athens from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Palma de Mallorca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is world-class in both Athens and Palma de Mallorca.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is great for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Palma de Mallorca draws a good crowd. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is great for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The rich history of Athens can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Palma de Mallorca?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Palma de Mallorca both offer plenty of notable 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for shopping. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Families?

Both Athens and Palma de Mallorca are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Couples?

Athens and Palma de Mallorca both notable destinations for a couple.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Palma de Mallorca is a great city to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca Better for Students?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Athens is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Athens can move around easily with public transportation. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Athens or Palma de Mallorca a more walkable city?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palma de Mallorca or Athens?

How long in Athens or Palma de Mallorca?

In either Athens or Palma de Mallorca, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Palma de Mallorca because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 3-5 days is enough time in Palma de Mallorca.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Palma de Mallorca. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Palma de Mallorca 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.

Five days in Athens or Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Palma de Mallorca, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Palma de Mallorca Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Palma de Mallorca?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Palma de Mallorca, 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 Palma de Mallorca?

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 Athens or Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Palma de Mallorca. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 24°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Palma de Mallorca. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Palma de Mallorca. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Palma de Mallorca. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.

Athens is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Athens usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Palma de Mallorca. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Athens is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Palma de Mallorca. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Athens