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

Should you visit Granada or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Granada or Cannes? 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 historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Granada and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Cannes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Granada. While Granada is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is better known for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Granada is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Granada and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Granada is well known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

How is Granada different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes 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, Cannes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Cannes have great vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Cannes know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Is Granada or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is a world-class destination for live music. However, Granada is not a live music destination.

Cannes is known as a music capital around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Granada is not a live music destination.

Is Granada or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Granada is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Granada is not a resort destination.

Is Granada or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few good snorkeling spots. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Granada or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

Cannes is considered a top beach destination. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Granada is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its historic old town.

Granada offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Many visitors go to Cannes to see the historical old town. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Cannes Better for Hiking?

Granada is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Cannes?

Cannes is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Cannes. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Granada or Cannes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Cannes.

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 Cannes. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Granada or Cannes Better for Couples?

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

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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 Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Granada or Cannes Better for Students?

Granada is a well-known place for students. However, Cannes 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.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Cannes, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Granada or Cannes a more walkable city?

Granada and Cannes 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.

Cannes is a very walkable city. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Granada?

How long in Granada or Cannes?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Cannes 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort city 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cannes has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Cannes?

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.

Cannes is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 Cannes. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Cannes. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Granada and Cannes, we can see that Cannes 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 Cannes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Cannes?

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

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 Cannes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Cannes. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Cannes. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Cannes. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Granada is a little warmer than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Cannes. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Granada is a little warmer than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Granada usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cannes. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Cannes. Most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Cannes. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Granada