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

Should you visit Athens or Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina. 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 historic, ancient, and vibrant 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a charming, authentic, and historic town. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Athens and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Piazza Armerina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Piazza Armerina are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Athens is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Piazza Armerina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Piazza Armerina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Athens or Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Athens or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. 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 visitors explore the old town while visiting Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Piazza Armerina?

Athens is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Athens offers some nice shopping areas. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

Athens is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Athens or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

Athens and Piazza Armerina both good 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.

Piazza Armerina is a nice destination for couples. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Athens or Piazza Armerina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town 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.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Athens or Piazza Armerina Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

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

Athens is notable for its public transit. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Piazza Armerina has some public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Is Athens or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

Athens and Piazza Armerina are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Piazza Armerina is very walkable. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Athens?

How long in Athens or Piazza Armerina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Piazza Armerina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Piazza Armerina because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Piazza Armerina.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Piazza Armerina. 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 Athens than Piazza Armerina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Athens that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Athens or Piazza Armerina?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Piazza Armerina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Piazza Armerina?

Athens is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A week in Athens or Piazza Armerina?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Piazza Armerina. 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.

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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Piazza Armerina?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

Both Piazza Armerina and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Piazza Armerina this time of year.

In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Piazza Armerina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 325 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in July than Piazza Armerina. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Piazza Armerina. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

Athens is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Piazza Armerina during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Piazza Armerina. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Piazza Armerina. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Piazza Armerina in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Athens is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 153 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Piazza Armerina. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

Both Piazza Armerina and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Piazza Armerina during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Piazza Armerina. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Athens