A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Corfu vs. Kiel for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Corfu or Kiel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Corfu or Kiel, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Corfu

Corfu is a breathtaking, striking, and relaxing island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Kiel

Kiel is a off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Corfu and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Corfu or Kiel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Corfu than Kiel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Corfu is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Corfu is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its charming villages, gorgeous beaches, and pristine landscape. Also, Corfu is famous for Canal d'Amour. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Corfu different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Corfu or Kiel?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Corfu or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Corfu is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The island's local dishes are heavily influenced by the surrounding areas. You'll find similarities to Greek and Venetian dishes as well France and Mediterranean flavors. Common ingredients include wine, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and several traditional dishes that you should try include pastitsado (red wine stew), sofrito (garlic seasoned beef), and veal fricando (roasted veal).

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Corfu is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Corfu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a large island that attracts a number of students, so you can expect a party during the summer months. The most popular areas for nightlife are Kavos, Ipsos, Kontokali, and Sidari. You'll also find clubs in many of the resorts and there are often all night parties even during the off seasons.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Resorts?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Kiel is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Corfu is a great choice. The diversity of resorts, from family-friendly to romantic or all-inclusive, means there really is something for everyone. There are also a number of villages so you can find a location that perfectly lines up with your needs.

Kiel is not a resort destination.

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Corfu is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Corfu. The island is large enough that it has a number of spots to choose from. One of the most beautiful is Afionas, in Port Timone. It's only accessible by boat or a 45 minute hike. Paleokastritsa is a more accessible snorkeling and dive area with facilities and luxury villas where you can stay. For scuba diving, you can also head to Agni, but the busy boat traffic means it's not the best place for snorkeling.

Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Corfu. The island is known for its stunning beaches which offer a diversity of settings ranging from family-friendly to natural or party-focused. The most famous beach resort area is Paleokastritsa but other nice places include Pelekas, Agios Gordis, and Glyfada. On the western side of the island you'll find mostly long sandy beaches and on the eastern side you'll find more pebble beaches.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

People visit Corfu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The stunning natural beauty of the island means you'll find some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Greek Isles. From the lush green rolling hills to the striking blue waters, there are many places to soak up this island's idyllic setting. The island is also rich in plant life and you'll find more than 30 species of orchids here. Popular hiking trails include Vlacherna Trail (good for beginners and families), Mount Pantokrator Trail (the most challenging on the island), and Old Town Hiking Trail which takes you through the history of the area.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Corfu or Kiel?

Corfu is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Corfu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find most of the shops concentrated in Corfu Town. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and items made from olive wood.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Families?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Corfu is a very family-friendly destination. Because it is so beautiful with amazing beaches, it makes an ideal destination for kids and adults. There are many places where kids can swim as well as a number of great activities for everyone. The whole family will enjoy glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding, and even a visit to the popular Hydropolis Waterpark. There are also a huge number of kid-friendly resorts around the island.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Couples?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Corfu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's idyllic natural setting and stunning beaches make this a truly romantic island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for newlyweds from around the world. There are luxury hotels and resorts that have spas, pools, and fine dining options. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a more adventurous experience, you'll find it all here.

Kiel is a good island for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Corfu is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Corfu is a great island to visit for backpackers. The island is a favorite, particularly during the crowded summer months. There are a number of hostels where backpackers can stay and an active nightlife if that's your style. There are also quiet and more peaceful settings if you want to escape the crowds.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Students?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Corfu is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Corfu is not popular with students.

Is Corfu or Kiel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Corfu is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Corfu has some very good public transit options. There's a decent public bus system on the island. The blue buses stay near Corfu Town while the green buses go further around the island.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Corfu or Kiel a more walkable city?

Corfu is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Corfu is a very walkable island. It's easy to walk around Corfu Town, and if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach there's really no need for a car.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable island. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Corfu Worth Visiting? and Is Kiel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Corfu?

How long in Corfu or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Corfu and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Corfu than in Kiel. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Corfu, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Corfu than Kiel 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 Corfu.

One day in Corfu or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Corfu. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Kiel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this off-the-beaten-path 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.

A weekend in Corfu or Kiel?

Corfu is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Corfu or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the natural destination of Corfu. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A week in Corfu or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing island of Corfu. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Corfu or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Corfu and Kiel, 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 Corfu or Kiel?

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 Corfu or Kiel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Corfu as well as Kiel. Many visitors come to Corfu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Corfu is much warmer than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Corfu averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Corfu this time of the year. In the summer, Corfu often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Corfu gets 358 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Corfu usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Corfu gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Corfu or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Corfu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Corfu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Corfu is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Corfu in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Corfu usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during autumn. Corfu gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Corfu. In October, Corfu usually receives more rain than Kiel. Corfu gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Corfu or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Corfu during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Corfu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. In January, Corfu is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Corfu average around 10°C (49°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Corfu often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Corfu gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Corfu. Corfu usually gets more rain in January than Kiel. Corfu gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Corfu or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Corfu and Kiel. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Corfu this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Corfu is much warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Corfu averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Corfu usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during spring. Corfu gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Corfu usually receives more rain than Kiel. Corfu gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Corfu