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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik, 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 stunning, cultural, and historic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Palma de Mallorca and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also home to the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is an amazing island to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Palma de Mallorca has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Palma de Mallorca has diverse options. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for visiting its old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Reykjavik.

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

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Reykjavik are both superb 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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly island. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Reykjavik is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Reykjavik.

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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore 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 Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik?

In either Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Palma de Mallorca has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Reykjavik. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the island of Palma de Mallorca. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find live music and food around the stunning destination of Palma de Mallorca. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and nightlife around the safe city of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning island of Palma de Mallorca. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

With nightlife and shopping around the safe destination of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Reykjavik?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Reykjavik?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Reykjavik and Palma de Mallorca during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Palma de Mallorca