A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ios or Marseille?

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

Should I visit Ios or Marseille? 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.

Ios

Ios is a vibrant, beautiful, and striking island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ios and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Ios or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Marseille are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Marseille is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Ios is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site. Marseille is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Ios different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marseille and Ios. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ios or Marseille?

Ios
Marseille

Ios is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Ios or Marseille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ios
Marseille

Marseille is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Ios has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Ios or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Ios
Marseille

Evening events are fantastic in both Ios and Marseille.

Ios is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

People head to Marseille just to party. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

Is Ios or Marseille Better for Resorts?

Ios
Marseille

Ios is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Marseille is not a resort destination.

Ios is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Marseille is not a resort destination.


Is Ios or Marseille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios
Marseille

Ios is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ios has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Ios
Marseille

Ios is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Ios are among the best in the world. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Is Ios or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Ios
Marseille

Marseille is very popular for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

Marseille has a world-famous historical area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Ios does not have a historic old town.


Is Ios or Marseille Better for Hiking?

Ios
Marseille

Ios is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Ios has hiking trails worth exploring. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Marseille?

Ios
Marseille

Marseille is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Marseille is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Is Ios or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Ios
Marseille

Marseille is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Ios does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Ios does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Ios or Marseille Better for Families?

Ios
Marseille

Most people don't think of either Ios or Marseille as a family destination.

Ios is not the most family-friendly destination. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Marseille is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Ios or Marseille Better for Couples?

Ios
Marseille

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Marseille make for a very good place to visit.

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Ios or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios
Marseille

Ios is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Ios, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

Marseille is a good island to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.


Is Ios or Marseille Better for Students?

Ios
Marseille

Marseille is notable for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Marseille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Ios is not popular with students.

Is Ios or Marseille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ios
Marseille

Ios is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Ios can get you to most places easily. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Ios or Marseille a more walkable city?

Ios
Marseille

Marseille is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

Marseille is a very walkable city. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.


For even more information, also check out Is Ios Worth Visiting? and Is Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Ios?

How long in Ios or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ios and Marseille. In our opinion, Ios has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ios than Marseille. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ios than Marseille 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 Ios.


  • How many days in Ios or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ios 1-3 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Ios or Marseille?

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Ios. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ios has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With food and shopping around the energetic destination of Marseille, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Marseille?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the touristy destination of Ios. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Marseille for a weekend. With shopping and nightlife around the energetic city of Marseille, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant island of Ios. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Marseille offers nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


A week in Ios or Marseille?

Ios is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Marseille, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Ios?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ios is €91, while the average daily cost in Marseille is €148. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ios and Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ios 39
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ios 78
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Ios and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Ios or Marseille? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ios


Hotels in Marseille


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ios Hotel Prices and Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ios 16
    Marseille 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ios

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ios:

  • 1-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to the Greek Islands: $2,454

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal to Marseille - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille Port: $35
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Marseille Terminal to Marseille Airport Departure Transfer: $35
  • Private Airport Transfer in Marseille from Marseille Provence airport, Marignane: $66
  • Private Transfer: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Marseille: $70
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Aix-en-Provence: $75
  • Marseille Airport transfers: $76
  • Private Transfer With an Electric Car in Marseille: $77
  • Aéroport Marseille Marignane : transfert Marseille centre: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Ios or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille and Ios change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ios 33
    Marseille 42

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bakeries,Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $67
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $75
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $87
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $87
  • E-Bike and Food Tour: $92
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Marseille Food Tour - Bakeries, Chocolate and Patisseries: $99
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $103
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $103
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $103
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $105
  • Marseille Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ios 26
    Marseille 38

Tours and Activities in Ios

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ios are as follows:

  • 5 -6 Hour Private Chora E-Bike Tours: $132
  • Electric Bike Tour Chora to Diaseli Cheesery: $110
  • Electric Bike Tour Chora to Homer's Tomp: $110
  • From RIB Boat Trip to Sikinos Island and Winery Tour: $86
  • Ios Island Trekking Tours: Discover Ios Unexplored: $28
  • Ios Island: Speedboat Cruise from Mylopotas Beach: $53
  • 4-Hour Cruise of the Best Beaches: $64
  • Private Orienteering Experience in Mylopotas: $165

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.34
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.34
  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.50
  • Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $8.68
  • Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.66
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ios 33
    Marseille 27

Sample the Local Flavors in Ios

Also in Ios, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bar Crawl Ios Ticket in Cyclades: $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $28
  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $36
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $97
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $98
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $146
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $146
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $148
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $151
  • From Provence Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $163
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $165
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $166
  • From Bandol and Cassis Wine Tasting Tour: $179


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ios and Marseille, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille than you might in Ios.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ios Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ios or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Marseille, 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.