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

Should you visit Granada or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Granada or Toulon? 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Toulon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Granada than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Granada, Granada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Granada is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Granada is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also home to The Alhambra. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Granada different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Granada that are not to be missed. 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.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Foodies will find both Granada and Toulon both to be good 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 Toulon. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Granada or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Granada is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Granada offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Granada or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Granada or Toulon Better for Beaches?

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

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Granada is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Granada offers plenty to see. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is Granada or Toulon Better for Hiking?

Granada is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Toulon?

Toulon is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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 Toulon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Toulon.

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 Toulon. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Granada or Toulon Better for Couples?

Granada is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Granada is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Granada or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Is Granada or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Granada and Toulon.

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 Toulon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Granada or Toulon a more walkable city?

Granada and Toulon 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.

Toulon is a very walkable city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Granada?

How long in Granada or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada than Toulon 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 Toulon.

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

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 Toulon, you'll find nightlife and food. This port 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 Toulon?

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 Toulon, 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 Toulon has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Toulon?

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.

Toulon 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 Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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 Toulon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulon. 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Granada and Toulon, 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 Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Toulon, 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 Toulon?

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 Toulon in the Summer?

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

Granada is around the same temperature as Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the summer, Granada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Toulon. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon 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 Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Granada is a little warmer than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Toulon. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon 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 Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Granada is generally much warmer than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Toulon. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Toulon. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Toulon in the Spring?

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

Granada is a little warmer than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Toulon. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Granada