A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Connemara vs. Annecy for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Connemara or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Connemara or Annecy? 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.

Connemara

Connemara is a dramatic, breathtaking, and scenic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Connemara and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Connemara and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Connemara is known for its beaches and hiking. Annecy is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Connemara different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Connemara or Annecy?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Connemara or Annecy.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Connemara. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Connemara or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Connemara or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Connemara or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Connemara is a great region for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Connemara or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Annecy has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Connemara or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Connemara is renowned for hiking. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Connemara specifically for its hiking. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Annecy?

Annecy is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Connemara or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Connemara or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is terrific for couples. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for romance.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Connemara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Connemara or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Connemara or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Annecy is a popular place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Connemara or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Connemara is not a very walkable region. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Connemara Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Annecy?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Connemara 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 Annecy.

One day in Connemara or Annecy?

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

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Connemara or Annecy?

Connemara is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this alpine town has to offer. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Connemara or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Connemara or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Connemara. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Connemara or Annecy?

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 Connemara or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Connemara as well as Annecy. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Connemara this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Connemara is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 16°C (60°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. In the summer, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Connemara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Connemara for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Connemara is cooler than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. In October, Connemara usually receives more rain than Annecy. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Connemara or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Connemara during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Connemara in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Connemara is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Connemara in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Connemara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. Connemara usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Annecy. Most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Connemara is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 9°C (48°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during spring. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Connemara usually receives less rain than Annecy. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Connemara