A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cadiz vs. La Rochelle for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cadiz or La Rochelle?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and La Rochelle can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a authentic, friendly, and undiscovered port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cadiz and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cadiz or La Rochelle?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Rochelle than Cadiz. While Cadiz is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Cadiz attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. La Rochelle is more touristy than Cadiz and is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also well known for The Old Port. Cadiz is famous for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cadiz or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

Is the Food Better in Cadiz or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in La Rochelle have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Both Cadiz and La Rochelle are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its beaches. However, Cadiz is not a good port city for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in La Rochelle. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

You can check out the beach in Cadiz. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its old town.

The old town of La Rochelle is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Cadiz is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Cadiz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or La Rochelle?

Cadiz is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Cadiz is well-known for its shopping. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Both Cadiz and La Rochelle are nice to visit with kids.

Cadiz is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly port city. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is renowned for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

La Rochelle is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cadiz and La Rochelle are nice destinations for backpackers.

Cadiz is a good port city to visit for backpackers. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

Plenty of backpackers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for students. However, Cadiz is not popular with students.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Cadiz is not popular with students.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Cadiz and La Rochelle offer nice public transit options.

Cadiz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

La Rochelle has some public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Cadiz or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Cadiz and La Rochelle both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

La Rochelle is a very walkable port city. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cadiz Worth Visiting? and Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Cadiz 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Cadiz or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly port city of Cadiz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Cadiz or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Cadiz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. 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.

Five days in Cadiz or La Rochelle?

The authentic port city of Cadiz offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Cadiz or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cadiz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

La Rochelle 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. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cadiz or La Rochelle?

Cadiz has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz and La Rochelle, 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 Cadiz or La Rochelle?

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 Cadiz or La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Cadiz for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cadiz is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cadiz in July average around 25°C (77°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Rochelle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cadiz this time of the year. In the summer, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in July than La Rochelle. Cadiz gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cadiz or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cadiz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Cadiz is generally a little warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 20°C (68°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cadiz. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Cadiz gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cadiz usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Cadiz gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cadiz or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Cadiz during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cadiz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cadiz is much warmer than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Cadiz gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cadiz or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cadiz and La Rochelle. The spring months attract visitors to Cadiz because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In the spring, Cadiz is much warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cadiz in April average around 17°C (63°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Cadiz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Cadiz gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cadiz usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Cadiz gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Cadiz