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

Should you visit Palermo or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz 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 diverse, dynamic, and fun 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Palermo and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Palermo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palermo is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is known for its resorts and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. 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 Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Palermo is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Palermo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Both Palermo and Biarritz offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Palermo or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Both Palermo and Biarritz are excellent when it comes to partying.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Palermo or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Palermo is not a resort destination.

In Biarritz, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Palermo or Biarritz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palermo has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Both Palermo and Biarritz are considered to be excellent beach destinations.

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. 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.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Biarritz?

Both Palermo and Biarritz are excellent shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Palermo or Biarritz Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Biarritz are excellent 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.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly destination. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Palermo or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Biarritz is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

Is Palermo or Biarritz Better for Students?

Palermo is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

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

Biarritz has a few public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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 Biarritz a more walkable city?

Palermo and Biarritz both are excellent 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.

Biarritz is very walkable. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Biarritz?

Both Palermo and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Palermo. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Palermo, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Biarritz?

The city of Palermo offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside 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 Biarritz?

Palermo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palermo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Palermo or Biarritz?

Palermo is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Biarritz?

Palermo is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Biarritz?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Palermo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Biarritz. Many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Palermo is a little warmer than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Biarritz. Most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Palermo is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In April, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Palermo