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

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Marseille?

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 Marseille. 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 picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Isle of Skye and Marseille: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marseille than Isle of Skye, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marseille is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Isle of Skye is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is well known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Marseille is well known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. Also, Marseille is famous for The Vieux Port.

How is Isle of Skye different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marseille 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 Marseille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marseille 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 Marseille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

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 Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is terrific for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Marseille is a must-see party destination. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. 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.

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 Isle of Skye or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is terrific for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Marseille has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Marseille Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Isle of Skye draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Marseille?

Marseille is a very popular place for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Isle of Skye does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Isle of Skye does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Isle of Skye or Marseille Better for Families?

Isle of Skye is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Isle of Skye or Marseille Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Marseille both great destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

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

Isle of Skye is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isle of Skye. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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

Is Isle of Skye or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Many students visit Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Marseille 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.

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

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 Marseille a more walkable city?

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

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Isle of Skye or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isle of Skye and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye than in Marseille. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

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

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

One day in Isle of Skye or Marseille?

You'll find food around the island of Isle of Skye. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Marseille, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this energetic 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 Marseille?

You'll find food around the diverse destination of Isle of Skye. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Marseille is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Marseille?

You'll find food around the dramatic island of Isle of Skye. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and food around the vibrant destination of Marseille. 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 Marseille?

Isle of Skye is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye and Marseille, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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.

When is the best time to visit Isle of Skye or Marseille?

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 Isle of Skye or Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Marseille. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Marseille and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Isle of Skye is much colder than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Marseille. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Marseille. The winter months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

The weather in Isle of Skye can be very cold. In the winter, Isle of Skye is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Marseille. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Marseille. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Isle of Skye