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

Should you visit Caen 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 Caen 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.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Caen and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Amalfi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amalfi. Although Caen and Amalfi are popular destinations, Amalfi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amalfi is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also well known for the dramatic coastline. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Amalfi, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Caen or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Amalfi is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Amalfi has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Caen or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Caen or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a good destination for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is Caen or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. 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.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Amalfi?

Amalfi is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Amalfi. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Amalfi Better for Families?

Both Caen and Amalfi are nice family-friendly destinations.

Caen is a family-friendly city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Amalfi. 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 Caen or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Caen or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Caen is a good city to visit for backpackers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen 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 Caen can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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 Caen or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Caen?

How long in Caen or Amalfi?

Both Caen and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Caen. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

One day in Caen or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Caen. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Amalfi. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Caen or Amalfi?

Caen 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.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Amalfi?

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the dramatic destination of Amalfi. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Caen or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Caen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque town of Amalfi. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Amalfi?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Caen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Caen is cooler than Amalfi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caen in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Amalfi averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Amalfi. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Amalfi. The autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Caen as well as Amalfi. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. Caen is much colder than Amalfi in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Caen usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Caen is cooler than Amalfi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caen in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Amalfi averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Caen