A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palermo vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Palermo or Annecy?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Annecy 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a fun, colorful, and diverse city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Palermo and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Palermo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palermo is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Annecy is known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral.

How is Palermo different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palermo or Annecy?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Palermo or Annecy.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Palermo or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Annecy have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Palermo has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Palermo is a great city for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Palermo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Annecy has a world-famous historical area. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Annecy?

Palermo is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Palermo is well-known for its shopping. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Annecy are superb to visit with kids.

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Annecy is a very family-friendly destination. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is very popular for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Annecy is a great alpine town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Annecy are good destinations for backpackers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Plenty of backpackers visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for Students?

Palermo is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Annecy is not popular with students.

Is Palermo or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Annecy is a alpine town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Annecy a more walkable city?

Palermo and Annecy both are superb when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Palermo or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Palermo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palermo than Annecy 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 Palermo.

One day in Palermo or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This alpine town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Palermo or Annecy?

Palermo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Annecy has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun destination of Palermo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Annecy?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Annecy, 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 Palermo or Annecy?

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 Palermo or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Annecy. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Palermo is a little warmer than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Annecy. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Palermo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. In the winter, Palermo is much warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Annecy. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Annecy. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Annecy. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Palermo