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

Should you visit Granada or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Granada or Pompeii? 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 beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Granada and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Granada than Pompeii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pompeii is more touristy than Granada and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Granada is well known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra.

How is Granada different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Granada or Pompeii.

Travelers visit Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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

Granada is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Granada is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Granada or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Granada or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Granada is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

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

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Pompeii Better for Hiking?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Pompeii?

Granada is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Granada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Granada or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly destination. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Granada or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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 Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Granada or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

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

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 Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Granada or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Granada?

How long in Granada or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

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

Couples should spend more time in Granada than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

In Granada, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

In Granada, you'll find food and shopping. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Granada has to offer.

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Pompeii?

Granada 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.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Granada or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Granada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Granada usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Pompeii. Many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Granada usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Granada as well as Pompeii. Most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Granada