A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cannes vs. Girona for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cannes or Girona?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cannes and Girona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Cannes and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cannes or Girona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Girona. While Girona is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Girona is known for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Cannes is more touristy than Girona and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Cannes different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cannes or Girona?

Cannes
Girona

Girona is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Cannes or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cannes
Girona

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Cannes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Cannes or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Cannes
Girona

Cannes is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Cannes or Girona Better for Music?

Cannes
Girona

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Girona is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Cannes The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Girona is not a live music destination.


Is Cannes or Girona Better for Resorts?

Cannes
Girona

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Girona is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cannes for its luxury resorts. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Girona is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Girona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes
Girona

Cannes is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Girona Better for Beaches?

Cannes
Girona

Cannes is a well-known place for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cannes for it's beautiful beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Girona is not a beach destination.


Is Cannes or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Cannes
Girona

Girona is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its historic old town.

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Many visitors go to Cannes to see the historical old town. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Girona?

Cannes
Girona

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Cannes make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Cannes or Girona Better for Families?

Cannes
Girona

Cannes is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.


Is Cannes or Girona Better for Couples?

Cannes
Girona

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Cannes is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Girona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Cannes or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cannes
Girona

Girona is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Girona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Girona Better for Students?

Cannes
Girona

Girona is very good for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Cannes is not popular with students.


Is Cannes or Girona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cannes
Girona

Both Cannes and Girona offer good public transit options.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Cannes or Girona a more walkable city?

Cannes
Girona

Girona is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Cannes is very walkable. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

For even more information, also check out Is Cannes Worth Visiting? and Is Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cannes or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cannes than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Girona than Cannes 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 Girona.


  • How many days in Cannes or Girona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cannes 2-4 
    Girona 1-2

One day in Cannes or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Cannes. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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


A weekend in Cannes or Girona?

Cannes 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.

Girona 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 Cannes or Girona?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. 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 Cannes or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the luxury destination of Cannes. This resort 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Girona. 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona or Cannes?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cannes is €137, while the average daily cost in Girona is €140. 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 Cannes and Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cannes 75
    Girona 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cannes 150
    Girona 138
Compare Hotels in Cannes and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Cannes or Girona? 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 Cannes


Hotels in Girona


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: Cannes Hotel Prices and Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cannes 16
    Girona 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $78
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Port to Nice Cote Airport (NCE): $82
  • Cannes Hotels to Nice Intl Airport NCE Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $91
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $101
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Cannes or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona and Cannes 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
    Cannes 45
    Girona 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

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

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cannes 30
    Girona 24

Tours and Activities in Cannes

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:

  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Explore Guided walking Tour with a local guide: $37
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Scenic Coves RIB Boat Tour: $48
  • Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $48
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Guided Tour in Cannes by a Screenwriter: History, Glamour & Cinema: $55
  • 1 or 2-Hour Gyropod Tour: $58
  • Exclusive 2 hours City Tour in Cannes in a Vintage Bus: $64
  • City Tour in Cannes aboard our Classic French Bus!: $65
  • Half Day Tour in Cannes, Antibes and St Paul de Vence: $65
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.28
  • Audio Tour Imprescindible a tu ritmo: $6.41
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
  • Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cannes 18
    Girona 9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

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

  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $130
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $139
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $759
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $1,273

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


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


Which is Bigger, Cannes or Girona?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Cannes and Girona, 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 Cannes or Girona?

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 Cannes or Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cannes is generally around the same temperature as Girona. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 23°C (73°F), and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Cannes usually receives less rain than Girona. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cannes 23°C (73°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cannes or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Cannes during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Girona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. Cannes usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cannes 17°C (63°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cannes or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Girona. The winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In the winter, Cannes is a little warmer than Girona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cannes in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Girona averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In January, Cannes usually receives more rain than Girona. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cannes 9°C (48°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Cannes or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Girona. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Cannes is generally around the same temperature as Girona. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 13°C (56°F), and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cannes usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cannes 13°C (56°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Cannes

Cannes Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)