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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Florence?

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 Florence, 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Florence: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Palma de Mallorca and Florence are popular destinations, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Palma de Mallorca attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Palma de Mallorca is famous for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Florence is famous for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore).

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Florence 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, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Palma de Mallorca is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Florence Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for its live music scene. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Florence Better for Resorts?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Florence is not a resort destination.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Florence Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Palma de Mallorca are among the best in 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The rich history of Florence can be explored in its historical center. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

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

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Florence?

Florence is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Florence Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Florence.

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 Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Florence?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Palma de Mallorca. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Florence?

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 shopping and museums around the destination of Florence, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Florence?

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 nightlife around the iconic city of Florence, 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 Florence?

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.

With nightlife and food around the artistic destination of Florence, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Florence?

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.

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Florence?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Florence. The summer months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence 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 Florence during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Florence. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Florence. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°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 Florence. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Florence and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Florence. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Florence and Palma de Mallorca during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Florence. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Palma de Mallorca