A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Connemara vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Connemara or Arles?

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

Should I visit Connemara or Arles? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Connemara and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arles. Although Connemara and Arles are popular destinations, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Connemara attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Arles is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also well known for L'Amphithéâtre Romain. Connemara is famous for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Connemara different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Arles on the map. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Connemara and Arles.

Dining out in Connemara is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Connemara or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Arles 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 Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

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 Arles Better for Beaches?

Connemara is well known for the beach. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Connemara or Arles Better for its Old Town?

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

Arles has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Connemara or Arles Better for Hiking?

Connemara is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

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.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Arles?

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

Many visitors go to Arles to go shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Connemara or Arles Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Connemara or Arles as a family destination.

Connemara is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Arles is not always a place people visit with their families. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Connemara or Arles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Connemara and Arles make for a great place to visit.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Arles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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

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

Arles has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

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 Arles a more walkable city?

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

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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 Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Connemara or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Connemara than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Connemara, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

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

One day in Connemara or Arles?

In Connemara, many people enjoy the food and museums that this dramatic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Arles. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Connemara or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Connemara or Arles?

Connemara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Connemara. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic town of Arles. 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 museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Connemara or Arles?

You'll find museums and food around the remote destination of Connemara. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arles 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Connemara and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Connemara or Arles?

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 Connemara or Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Arles. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Connemara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

Connemara is much colder than Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Connemara usually receives more rain than Arles. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Connemara or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Connemara as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Connemara for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Connemara is cooler than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Connemara in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Arles. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Connemara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Connemara usually gets more rain in October than Arles. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Connemara are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Connemara in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Connemara is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 6°C (42°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. In January, Connemara usually receives more rain than Arles. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Connemara or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Connemara during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

Connemara is cooler than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Arles. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Connemara