A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Chartres for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Chartres?

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 Chartres, 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Chartres: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Palma de Mallorca and Chartres are popular destinations, Palma de Mallorca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chartres is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Chartres is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Palma de Mallorca is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Palma de Mallorca has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Chartres Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Palma de Mallorca draws a good crowd. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Chartres Better for Resorts?

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

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Palma de Mallorca. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Chartres?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Chartres Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Palma de Mallorca is very family-friendly. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Chartres Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Chartres are both nice 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.

Chartres makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

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

Palma de Mallorca is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Palma de Mallorca. 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.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Chartres can move around easily with public transportation. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres 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.

Chartres is very walkable. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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 Chartres Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palma de Mallorca or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palma de Mallorca than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

Couples should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Chartres. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Chartres 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Chartres?

The beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With food and museums around the destination of Chartres, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Chartres?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With museums and food around the historic town of Chartres, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Chartres?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palma de Mallorca, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand destination of Chartres. 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 Chartres?

Palma de Mallorca 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 island offers something for everyone.

Chartres is a popular choice for travelers. This town 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palma de Mallorca and Chartres, we can see that Palma de Mallorca is more expensive. And not only is Chartres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chartres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chartres 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 Chartres.

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 Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Chartres?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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 Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Chartres. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Chartres. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

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

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Chartres. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Chartres. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chartres. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Palma de Mallorca