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

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Toulon?

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 Toulon. 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. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Isle of Skye and Toulon: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulon. Although Isle of Skye and Toulon are both popular with visitors, Toulon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toulon is more popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Isle of Skye is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Isle of Skye different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Toulon?

Toulon is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Isle of Skye makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Isle of Skye or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Toulon is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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

Toulon is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

Isle of Skye is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. 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.

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

Toulon is a decent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Toulon is a good place to visit the old town. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Toulon Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Toulon?

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

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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Toulon are good 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 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 Isle of Skye or Toulon Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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 Isle of Skye or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye 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 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.

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

Toulon 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.

Toulon has some public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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 Toulon a more walkable city?

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

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Isle of Skye or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isle of Skye or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Isle of Skye than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

One day in Isle of Skye or Toulon?

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 Toulon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this off-the-beaten-path port city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Toulon?

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.

Toulon is a fun place to experience. 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 Toulon?

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 museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Toulon. 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 Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the stunning 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.

Toulon is a popular place to visit. 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye and Toulon, 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 Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Toulon?

Toulon 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 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Toulon in the Summer?

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

Isle of Skye is much colder than Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the summer, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Toulon 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 Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Isle of Skye is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isle of Skye in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Toulon. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Toulon 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 Toulon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Isle of Skye can be very cold during winter. In January, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 4°C (40°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 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 January than Toulon. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Toulon. 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 Toulon this time of year.

Isle of Skye is much colder than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 7°C (44°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. Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Toulon. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Isle of Skye