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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Avignon?

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 Avignon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a tranquil, natural, and pristine archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a scenic, picturesque, and historical town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Orkney Islands and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Avignon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Avignon. Although Orkney Islands and Avignon are popular destinations, Avignon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Avignon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also well known for Palais des Papes. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Avignon 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 Avignon?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

Avignon 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, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

Avignon is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Orkney Islands or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

Avignon is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Avignon doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Avignon Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for the beach. However, Avignon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Orkney Islands for it's beautiful 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

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

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Avignon Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Avignon?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

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

Avignon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Avignon Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Avignon.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. 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.

Avignon is a family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Orkney Islands or Avignon Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

Both Orkney Islands and Avignon are high quality 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.

Avignon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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

Orkney Islands
Avignon

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.


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

Orkney Islands
Avignon

Orkney Islands and Avignon 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.

Avignon has a few public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Orkney Islands or Avignon a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Avignon

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

Avignon is a very easy town to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Avignon 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 Avignon.

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

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


  • How many days in Orkney Islands or Avignon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Avignon 1-2

One day in Orkney Islands or Avignon?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Avignon?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Avignon 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 Avignon?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Orkney Islands or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon or Orkney Islands?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Orkney Islands is £128, while the average daily cost in Avignon is £599. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orkney Islands and Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Avignon £554
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Avignon £1,108
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands or Avignon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Orkney Islands


Hotels in Avignon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Avignon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Avignon £18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

Also for Avignon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428
  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon and Orkney Islands change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Orkney Islands £34
    Avignon £29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Avignon £13

Tours and Activities in Orkney Islands

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orkney Islands.

  • From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour: $275
  • Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall : $246

Tours and Activities in Avignon

For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Aix en Provence and Avignon city of Popes Private Tour: $1,486
  • Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon: $98
  • Avignon : Half-Day Walking Tour with Private Guide: $160
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Avignon private guided tour: $273
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Emblematic Squares Tour: $267
  • Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Avignon £14

Sample the Local Flavors in Avignon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Avignon:

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


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

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 Avignon Expensive?.



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

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 Orkney Islands or Avignon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Avignon. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Avignon. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Avignon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Avignon. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Avignon because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

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

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Avignon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

The weather in Orkney Islands can be very cold. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Avignon. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Avignon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Orkney Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm.

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

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Avignon. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Avignon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Avignon and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Avignon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)