A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Annecy for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Granada or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Granada or Annecy? 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.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Annecy?

Both Annecy and Granada have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Granada is very popular for its museums and nightlife, while Annecy attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Annecy is more touristy than Granada and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

How is Granada different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Granada or Annecy?

Granada is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Granada are world-renowned. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Granada or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Granada is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Granada has something for everybody. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Granada or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Granada and Annecy.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

With a famous historical old-town, Annecy offers plenty to see. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Is Granada or Annecy Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Granada and Annecy both have great trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Annecy?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Granada and Annecy.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Annecy offers some nice shopping areas. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Granada or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very family-friendly destination. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Granada or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Granada or Annecy Better for Students?

Granada is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

Granada is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Annecy is not popular with students.

Is Granada or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Granada and Annecy.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

You'll find some public transit in Annecy, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Granada or Annecy a more walkable city?

Granada and Annecy are great when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Annecy is a very walkable city. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Granada?

How long in Granada or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Granada or Annecy. In our opinion, Granada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Granada than Annecy. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Annecy 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 Granada.

One day in Granada or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Granada. 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.

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This alpine town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Annecy?

Granada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Annecy has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Don't miss the museums, 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.

Annecy is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Granada. This city 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Annecy?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Annecy, 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 Granada or Annecy?

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 Granada or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Annecy. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Annecy. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Annecy in the Winter?

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

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Granada is much warmer than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Annecy. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Granada