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

Should you visit Calais or Split?

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

Should I visit Calais or Split? 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 undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Split

Split is a touristy, fun-filled, and budget-friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Calais and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Split?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Split than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Split is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also home to Diocletian's Palace. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Split is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

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 Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Split is a world class party destination. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is well known for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Calais or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Calais or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Split is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Calais or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Split?

Split 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 Split. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Split Better for Families?

Split is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Split is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Calais offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Calais or Split Better for Couples?

Split is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Split is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

Split is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Split is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Split.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

While Split offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Calais or Split a more walkable city?

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

Split is a very walkable destination. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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 Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Calais?

How long in Calais or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Calais or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Calais, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split 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 Split.

One day in Calais or Split?

In Calais, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Split. 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 Calais or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Split is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 Split?

Calais is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Calais. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Calais. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Split. This city 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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Calais or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais and Split, 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 Split?

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 Calais or Split in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Calais as well as Split. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Calais is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In the summer, Calais often gets less sunshine than Split. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets more rain in July than Split. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Calais is cooler than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Split. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Calais or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Calais during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. In the winter, Calais is much colder than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets less sunshine than Split. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in January than Split. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Split. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Split. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Calais