A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Calais vs. Naples for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Calais or Naples?

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

Should I visit Calais or Naples? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais and Naples: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Calais or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Calais. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Calais attracts visitors for its beaches. Naples is more touristy than Calais and is known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Calais or Naples?

Calais
Naples

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

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Calais or Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Calais
Naples

Naples is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Calais
Naples

Naples is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Calais or Naples Better for Beaches?

Calais
Naples

Calais is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Naples is not a beach destination.


Is Calais or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Calais
Naples

Naples is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Naples?

Calais
Naples

Naples is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Calais or Naples Better for Families?

Calais
Naples

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Naples.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.


Is Calais or Naples Better for Couples?

Calais
Naples

Naples is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Calais or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calais
Naples

Naples is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Naples Better for Students?

Calais
Naples

Naples is a popular place for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Calais is not popular with students.


Is Calais or Naples Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calais
Naples

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Calais or Naples a more walkable city?

Calais
Naples

Naples is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Calais Worth Visiting? and Is Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Calais?

How long in Calais or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Calais and Naples. In our opinion, Naples has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Naples than Calais. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Calais 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 Naples.


  • How many days in Calais or Naples? Ideal Length of Stay
    Calais 1-3 
    Naples 1-3

One day in Calais or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Naples is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Calais or Naples?

Calais 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.

Naples 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 Calais or Naples?

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

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

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic big city of Naples. This city 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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Naples or Calais?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Calais is €139, while the average daily cost in Naples is €129. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Calais and Naples in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Calais 77
    Naples 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Calais 154
    Naples 132
Compare Hotels in Calais and Naples

Looking for a hotel in Calais or Naples? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Calais


Hotels in Naples


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Calais Hotel Prices and Naples Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Calais 47
    Naples 21

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:


  • Subway Ticket
    1.20
  • Alibus From Airport
    3.00
  • Short Taxi Ride
    7.34
  • Train to Pompeii
    3.20
  • Taxi
    15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:

  • Airport transfers to Naples by car: $80
  • Amalfi Coast Private Transfer Service from/to Naples: $224
  • Amalfi Coast: Transfer to/from Airport/Station/Porto: $267
  • Aurora Car service transfer private from Positano to Naples or viceversa: $98
  • Capri Island: All Inclusive private transfer from Naples : $262
  • Car Private Transfer from Naples airport, train station to Sorrento (1-3 Pax): $207
  • Deluxe private transfer NAPLES Train Station to SORRENTO or vv: $103
  • Deluxe private transfer from NAPLES TO POSITANO or vv : $169
  • From Naples Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Amalfi Coast: $138
  • From Naples Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Naples: $74
  • From Naples Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $159
  • From Naples Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Salerno: $159

Is it cheaper to fly into Calais or Naples?

Prices for flights to both Naples and Calais change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Calais 35
    Naples 40

Typical Food Prices in Naples

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    28
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    49
  • Napoli Pizza
    7.24
  • Dinner
    25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Naples.

  • Napoli: Traditional Tiramisu Cooking Class with Limoncello: $36
  • Small Group Naples Pizza Making Class with Drink Included: $46
  • Street Food Tour of Naples with Top-Rated Local Guide & Fun Facts: $46
  • Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert: $46
  • Authentic Italian Pizza-Making Workshop with Drinks: $46
  • Authentic Pizza Class with Drinks Included in the Center of Naples: $47
  • Authentic Italian Pizza Making Class with local pizzaiolo: $53
  • Food Tour with Davide: $53
  • Virtual Cooking Class: become a Pizza PRO!: $55
  • Food Tour of Naples with Davide: $55
  • Napoli Street Food Tour in Pignasecca: $58
  • Make Neapolitan Pizza With A View Of Naples Like No Other: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Calais 8.92
    Naples 30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples

Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance
    9.00
  • Castelnuovo Museum Entrance
    5.00
  • Entrance to Pompeii
    11

Tours and Activities in Naples

Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Monuments and Historic District Self-Guided Tour: $4.27
  • Pompeii Self Guided Audio Tour: $4.27
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Napoli: Entrance Tickets to Sant'Anna dei Lombardi Complex: $6.42
  • Naples from Ancient Greece to today: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Naples Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • San Lorenzo Maggiore and Neapolis Sotterrata Ticket: $9.62
  • Città della Scienza Interactive Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • National Archaeological Museum Self-Guided 3D Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Castel Sant'Elmo Ticket and Pemcards: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Calais 12
    Naples 21

Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:


  • Beer
    4.10
  • Beer
    4.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Naples

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:

  • Guided Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $16
  • Mount Vesuvius: Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $51
  • Regional food and wine tasting: $53
  • Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Napoli: $63
  • Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Naples City Center: $64
  • Full-Day Bike Guided Tour in Napoli with Wine Tasting: $64
  • Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch Included: $75
  • Mount Vesuvius 4-Hour Volcano Tour with Wine Tasting: $79
  • Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $86
  • Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $90
  • Vesuvius Half-Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $95
  • From Wine Tasting Tour on Vesuvius Slopes with Lunch: $97


When comparing the travel costs between Calais and Naples, we can see that Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Naples Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Calais or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais and Naples, 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 Calais or Naples?

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 Calais or Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Calais is cooler than Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Naples. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Naples during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Naples. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Calais 17°C (63°F) 
    Naples 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Calais or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Calais during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Calais is cooler than Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Calais in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Naples. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Calais usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Calais 12°C (54°F) 
    Naples 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Calais or Naples in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Naples. Most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Naples because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can be very cold during winter. In January, Calais is generally much colder than Naples. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 4°C (40°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Naples. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Calais 4°C (40°F) 
    Naples 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Calais or Naples in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Calais as well as Naples. The spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

Calais is much colder than Naples in the spring. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Naples. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Calais 9°C (47°F) 
    Naples 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Naples and Calais

Calais Naples
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)