A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. La Rochelle for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Kos or La Rochelle?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and La Rochelle can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a party-hard, vibrant, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kos and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or La Rochelle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and La Rochelle are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kos is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also well known for Asklepieion Archeological Site. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is Kos different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or La Rochelle?

Kos is very popular for its historical sights. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kos are world-renowned. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Is the Food Better in Kos or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kos and La Rochelle offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

Eat your way through La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Kos is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Kos for the nightlife scene. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Resorts?

Kos is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, La Rochelle is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

La Rochelle is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Rochelle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Kos a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

La Rochelle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Kos is very popular for the beache. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Kos. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is very popular for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Both Kos and La Rochelle are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

La Rochelle offers some nice hiking trails. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or La Rochelle?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kos and La Rochelle.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

La Rochelle offers some nice shopping areas. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Both Kos and La Rochelle are nice to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Rochelle. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is very popular for romance. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

La Rochelle is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kos. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Kos is not popular with students.

Is Kos or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kos is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

Public transit in Kos can get you to some places easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Kos or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Kos and La Rochelle are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

La Rochelle is a very walkable island. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Kos Worth Visiting? and Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Kos?

How long in Kos or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos than La Rochelle 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 Kos.

One day in Kos or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the ancient island of Kos. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Kos or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Kos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit La Rochelle for a weekend. La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Kos or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the party-hard island of Kos. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Because La Rochelle is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Kos or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Kos. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle, a popular coastal town, 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 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kos or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and La Rochelle, 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.