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

Should you visit Granada or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Granada or La Rochelle? 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Granada and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or La Rochelle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Granada. While Granada is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Rochelle is very popular for its food, beaches, and small town charm, while Granada attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Granada is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also well known for The Old Port.

How is Granada different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada is very popular for its historical sights. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Granada is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Granada for the nightlife scene. 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 La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Granada or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

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

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the first-rate old towns in both Granada and La Rochelle.

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, La Rochelle offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Is Granada or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Granada is great for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or La Rochelle?

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

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.

La Rochelle offers some nice shopping areas. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Granada or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Granada or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Granada or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Granada is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for 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.

La Rochelle is a good city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Granada and La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Granada or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Granada and La Rochelle are high quality 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable city. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Granada?

How long in Granada or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Granada. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle 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 coastal 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Granada. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 La Rochelle has to offer.

Five days in Granada or La Rochelle?

The beautiful city of Granada offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. 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 La Rochelle. Since La Rochelle 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or La Rochelle?

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

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and La Rochelle. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as La Rochelle. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°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 La Rochelle. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in October than La Rochelle. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Granada is much warmer than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than La Rochelle. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Granada