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

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Nice?

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 Nice. 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 stunning, diverse, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Isle of Skye and Nice: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice. Although Isle of Skye and Nice are popular destinations, Nice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nice is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its hiking. Nice is more touristy than Isle of Skye and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also well known for The Promenade des Anglais. Isle of Skye is famous for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles.

How is Isle of Skye different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nice 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 Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Nice Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Isle of Skye is not a resort destination.

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

Nice 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 Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Isle of Skye is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Nice Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye and Nice both offer very good 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.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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

Nice 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Nice Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Around Isle of Skye visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Nice?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Nice Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Nice are nice 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 Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Isle of Skye or Nice Better for Couples?

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

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

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

Public transit in Nice is fairly effecient and thorough. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is terrific for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Isle of Skye or Nice?

In either Isle of Skye or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Nice has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nice than Isle of Skye. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Isle of Skye or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Nice, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this trendy seaside destination 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 Nice?

Isle of Skye is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Isle of Skye. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nice, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this opulent destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isle of Skye or Nice?

The picturesque island of Isle of Skye offers food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Nice 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Isle of Skye is much colder than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isle of Skye in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

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

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

Both Nice and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In October, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 9°C (49°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

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

Both Nice and Isle of Skye during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Isle of Skye in the winter. Isle of Skye is much colder than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 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 Nice. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Nice. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Isle of Skye is much colder than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isle of Skye in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

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

Typical Weather for Nice and Isle of Skye