A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Cannes for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Cannes?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Cannes. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a scenic, picturesque, and stunning island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

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.

Isle of Skye and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Cannes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cannes than Isle of Skye, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cannes is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Isle of Skye is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Isle of Skye 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. Isle of Skye is well known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles.

How is Isle of Skye different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Cannes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Cannes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.


Is Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cannes has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for Music?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for live music. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Isle of Skye is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cannes for its luxury resorts. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Isle of Skye is not a resort destination.


Is Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Isle of Skye is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cannes. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Isle of Skye and Cannes both offer high quality beaches.

Many people visit Isle of Skye for it's beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

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.

Is Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cannes. 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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.


Is Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Isle of Skye is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Isle of Skye specifically for its hiking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Cannes?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for Families?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Both Isle of Skye and Cannes are notable family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

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 Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for romance. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cannes is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Isle of Skye frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Is Isle of Skye or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isle of Skye is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.


Is Isle of Skye or Cannes a more walkable city?

Isle of Skye
Cannes

Cannes is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Isle of Skye or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

Families should spend more time in Cannes than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye. 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 Cannes than Isle of Skye 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 Cannes.


  • How many days in Isle of Skye or Cannes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Isle of Skye 2-5 
    Cannes 2-4

One day in Isle of Skye or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. 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, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this luxury resort city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Cannes?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Cannes is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Isle of Skye or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the opulent destination of Cannes. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Isle of Skye. This island 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.

Cannes is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes or Isle of Skye?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Isle of Skye is £114, while the average daily cost in Cannes is £117. 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 Isle of Skye and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isle of Skye £51
    Cannes £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isle of Skye £102
    Cannes £128
Compare Hotels in Isle of Skye and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Isle of Skye or Cannes? 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 Isle of Skye


Hotels in Cannes


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: Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isle of Skye £54
    Cannes £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isle of Skye

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

  • Isle of Skye to Inverness Direct transfer: $623

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Cannes: $399
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Port to Nice Cote Airport (NCE): $82
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $91
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $101
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Isle of Skye or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and Isle of Skye 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
    Isle of Skye £31
    Cannes £39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isle of Skye £19
    Cannes £26

Tours and Activities in Isle of Skye

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

  • Isle of Skye Private Tour from Portree: $228
  • Tour the highlights and hidden beauties.: $812

Tours and Activities in Cannes

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

  • Watch the Fireworks from the boat. Unique experience: $1,593
  • Cannes 2 Hours : Privat City Tour in a French Vintage Bus: $315
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74
  • Cannes : Ferrari experience: $214
  • Cannes : Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Cannes E-Bike Guided Tour: $75
  • Cannes Experience private boat tour Islands French Riviera: $631
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Cannes Luxury Catamaran Half or Day Cruise with lunch option: $96
  • Cannes Royal Regatta Catamaran cruise: $107
  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isle of Skye £7.71
    Cannes £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

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

  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $130
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $139
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $759
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $1,273


When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Cannes?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Cannes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Cannes. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Isle of Skye 13°C (55°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Isle of Skye is much colder than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Cannes. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Isle of Skye 9°C (49°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Isle of Skye during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Isle of Skye can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Isle of Skye is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in January than Cannes. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Isle of Skye 4°C (40°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Cannes. The spring months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In April, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 7°C (44°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cannes. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Isle of Skye 7°C (44°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 127 mm (5 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)