A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Calais for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Granada or Calais?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a charming, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Calais?

You'll generally find more things to do in Granada than Calais. Granada is bigger than Calais, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Granada is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Calais is more popular for its beaches and big city activities. Granada is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Granada different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Granada on the map. 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Granada and Calais both to be notable destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Granada or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Granada is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Granada is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Granada or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a popular place for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Granada is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Calais Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Calais?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Granada and Calais.

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.

Calais offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Granada or Calais Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Calais.

Granada is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. 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 Granada or Calais Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Granada or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Granada is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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 Granada or Calais Better for Students?

Granada is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Granada and Calais.

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 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.

Is Granada or Calais a more walkable city?

Granada is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Granada?

How long in Granada or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Calais. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

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

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

One day in Granada or Calais?

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.

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Granada or Calais?

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.

In Calais, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Calais?

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.

Calais is a great place to explore. 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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 Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Granada 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 Granada Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Calais?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada or Calais?

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 Granada or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Granada during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In July, Granada is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Calais. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Calais. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Calais. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Granada is much warmer than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Calais during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Calais. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Calais in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Granada as well as Calais. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 the winter, Granada is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Calais. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Granada is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Calais during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives around the same amount of rain as Calais. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Calais and Granada