A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dingle vs. Calais for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Dingle or Calais?

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

Should I visit Dingle or Calais? 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.

Dingle

Dingle is a scenic, rustic, and picturesque peninsula. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Dingle and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dingle or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Calais. Although Dingle and Calais are popular destinations, Calais has more sights and attractions for tourists. Calais is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dingle attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dingle is more touristy than Calais and is known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also well known for The Town Hall.

How is Dingle different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dingle or Calais?

Calais is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

Is the Food Better in Dingle or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Dingle and Calais can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dingle area. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Dingle or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Calais is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Dingle or Calais Better for Beaches?

Dingle is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Dingle is considered a top beach destination. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Dingle or Calais Better for Hiking?

Dingle is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dingle. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dingle or Calais?

Calais is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dingle or Calais Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dingle or Calais.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dingle. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Dingle or Calais Better for Couples?

Dingle is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Dingle frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Dingle or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dingle is a very popular peninsula for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Dingle or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calais is a popular place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Dingle or Calais a more walkable city?

Calais is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Calais is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable peninsula. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

For even more information, also check out Is Dingle Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Dingle?

How long in Dingle or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dingle and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than in Calais. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dingle, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dingle than Calais 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 Dingle.

One day in Dingle or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Dingle. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dingle or Calais?

Dingle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Calais is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dingle or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dingle. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Dingle or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the rustic destination of Dingle. This peninsula 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Calais. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Dingle or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Dingle and Calais, 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 Dingle or Calais?

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 Dingle or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Dingle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dingle because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

Dingle is cooler than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Dingle averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Calais during summer. Dingle gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dingle usually receives more rain than Calais. Dingle gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dingle or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Dingle during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dingle this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dingle is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dingle in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Calais. Dingle gets 79 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. Dingle usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Dingle gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dingle or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dingle and Calais. Many travelers come to Dingle for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dingle is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Dingle average around 7°C (44°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Dingle gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dingle usually receives more rain than Calais. Dingle gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dingle or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dingle as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Dingle in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Dingle is around the same temperature as Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Dingle averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Calais. Dingle gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Dingle usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Dingle gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Dingle