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

Should you visit Palermo or Calais?

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 Calais 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 dynamic, fun, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Palermo and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo than Calais. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Palermo is more touristy than Calais and is known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also well known for The Cathedral. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Palermo different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Palermo is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Palermo or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Palermo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Palermo or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Calais Better for Beaches?

Palermo is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Palermo is considered a top beach destination. 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 head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Calais?

Palermo is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Palermo or Calais Better for Families?

Palermo is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Palermo or Calais Better for Couples?

Both Palermo and Calais are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Palermo or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palermo is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Palermo or Calais Better for Students?

Palermo is a popular place for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Palermo is popular with students. 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

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

Calais has a few public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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 Calais a more walkable city?

Palermo is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palermo and Calais. In our opinion, Palermo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Palermo than Calais. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palermo than Calais 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 Calais?

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.

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Palermo or Calais?

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.

In Calais, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Calais?

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.

Calais is a great place to explore. 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse 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 Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Calais?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Palermo or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Calais. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Palermo is a little warmer than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Calais. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Calais. 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. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Palermo is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Calais. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Calais. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. In January, Palermo is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives more rain than Calais. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Palermo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

Palermo is much warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Calais. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Calais. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Palermo