A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Bari for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Bari, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Palma de Mallorca and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palma de Mallorca than Bari. Palma de Mallorca is bigger than Bari, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bari is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Bari and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Also, Palma de Mallorca is famous for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Palma de Mallorca is a must-see party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for its music scene. However, Bari is not a live music destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a thriving music scene. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Bari is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Bari is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Many visitors go to Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Bari.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Bari offers some nice shopping areas. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Bari are both great destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Bari is a very kid-friendly island. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Bari are both notable to visit as a couple.

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Bari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Bari are both great destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Bari is a great island to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Bari.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

You'll find some public transit in Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palma de Mallorca and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than in Bari. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

Couples should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Bari. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Palma de Mallorca that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Bari, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the local port city of Bari, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the stunning destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

The historic island of Palma de Mallorca offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Bari, 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bari?

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Bari. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bari. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bari. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Bari. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bari in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bari. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bari in the Spring?

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

In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Palma de Mallorca