A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Corfu vs. Palma de Mallorca for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Corfu or Palma de Mallorca?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Corfu or Palma de Mallorca, 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 relaxing, stunning, and natural island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Corfu and Palma de Mallorca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Corfu or Palma de Mallorca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Corfu and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations, Palma de Mallorca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Corfu attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Corfu and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Corfu is famous for its charming villages, gorgeous beaches, and pristine landscape.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Corfu different from Palma de Mallorca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Corfu or Palma de Mallorca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Corfu is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Corfu is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

People head to Palma de Mallorca just to party. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Corfu offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for its live music scene. However, Corfu is not a live music destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a thriving music scene. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Corfu is not a live music destination.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for Resorts?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Corfu offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Corfu is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Corfu to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for Beaches?

Both Corfu and Palma de Mallorca have amazing beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Corfu are among the best in the world. 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.

Palma de Mallorca is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Corfu does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Palma de Mallorca. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Corfu does not have a historic old town.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for Hiking?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Corfu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Corfu or Palma de Mallorca?

Corfu is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Corfu. 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for Families?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Corfu is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for Couples?

Corfu is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Corfu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Corfu and Palma de Mallorca are superb places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Corfu. 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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

Corfu is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Corfu can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Corfu or Palma de Mallorca a more walkable city?

Corfu is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Corfu is very walkable. 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Corfu Worth Visiting? and Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palma de Mallorca or Corfu?

How long in Corfu or Palma de Mallorca?

In either Corfu or Palma de Mallorca, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Corfu than Palma de Mallorca because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Corfu, and 3-5 days is enough time in Palma de Mallorca.

Families should spend more time in Corfu than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Corfu, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the live music and food that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

A weekend in Corfu or Palma de Mallorca?

With shopping and nightlife around the natural island of Corfu, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Corfu or Palma de Mallorca?

With nightlife and food around the natural destination of Corfu, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Corfu or Palma de Mallorca?

Corfu is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the historic destination of Palma de Mallorca. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Corfu or Palma de Mallorca?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Corfu and Palma de Mallorca, 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 Palma de Mallorca?

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 Corfu or Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Corfu and Palma de Mallorca. The summer months attract visitors to Corfu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.

In July, Corfu is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Corfu average around 25°C (76°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In Corfu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Corfu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca during summer. Corfu gets 358 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Corfu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Palma de Mallorca. Corfu gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Corfu or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Corfu as well as Palma de Mallorca. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Corfu this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Corfu is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Corfu averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. In the autumn, Corfu often gets less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Corfu gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun.

Corfu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Corfu usually gets more rain in October than Palma de Mallorca. Corfu gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Corfu or Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Corfu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Corfu for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Corfu is cooler than Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Corfu in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Corfu usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during winter. Corfu gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Corfu. In January, Corfu usually receives more rain than Palma de Mallorca. Corfu gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Corfu or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Corfu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Corfu in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Corfu is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Corfu average around 14°C (58°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Corfu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca. Corfu gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun.

Corfu usually gets more rain in April than Palma de Mallorca. Corfu gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Corfu