A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Arles?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Arles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arles. Although Orkney Islands and Arles are popular destinations, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Arles is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also well known for L'Amphithéâtre Romain. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Arles?

Arles is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Arles.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arles makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Orkney Islands or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Arles is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Arles Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is well known for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Arles is one of the most recognized in the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Arles Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Arles?

Arles is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Arles has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Arles Better for Families?

Orkney Islands is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Orkney Islands. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Orkney Islands or Arles Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Arles are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Orkney Islands or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is well known for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a very popular archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Orkney Islands or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orkney Islands and Arles both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Arles has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Orkney Islands or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Arles 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Arles?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this serene destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Arles, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Arles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Arles?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Arles?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the museums and food that this remote destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Arles. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Arles, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Arles?

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 Orkney Islands or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Arles. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Arles. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is much colder than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Arles. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Arles. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Arles. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Orkney Islands