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

Should you visit Connemara or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Connemara or Toulon? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Connemara and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Toulon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toulon than Connemara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toulon is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Connemara is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. Also, Toulon is famous for The Old Town.

How is Connemara different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Connemara is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Connemara makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Connemara or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Toulon 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 Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

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 Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Connemara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Connemara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Connemara or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Connemara is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

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.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Connemara or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Toulon is worth visiting. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Connemara or Toulon Better for Hiking?

Connemara is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Toulon?

Toulon is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Connemara or Toulon Better for Families?

Toulon is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

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 Toulon Better for Couples?

Connemara is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Connemara or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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 Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around 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 Toulon a more walkable city?

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

Toulon is a very walkable destination. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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 Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Connemara or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Connemara than Toulon 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 Toulon.

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

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

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

One day in Connemara or Toulon?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Toulon. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Connemara or Toulon?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Toulon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Connemara or Toulon?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the real world port city of Toulon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Connemara or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural 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.

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

When is the best time to visit Connemara or Toulon?

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 Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Connemara are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Connemara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Connemara is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Connemara in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Connemara usually receives more rain than Toulon. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Connemara or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Connemara during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Connemara for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Connemara is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 11°C (52°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. Connemara usually gets more rain in October than Toulon. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Toulon. Many visitors come to Connemara in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Connemara is cooler than Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Connemara usually receives more rain than Toulon. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Connemara or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Connemara as well as Toulon. Most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Connemara is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Connemara in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the spring, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Toulon. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Connemara