A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paros vs. Amalfi for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Paros or Amalfi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Paros and Amalfi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Paros

Paros is a stunning, breathtaking, and striking island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Paros and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Paros, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its historical sights and hiking, while Paros is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Amalfi is more touristy than Paros and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Paros is well known for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages.

How is Paros different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paros or Amalfi?

Paros is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Paros. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Paros or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paros and Amalfi.

Eat your way through Paros, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Paros and Amalfi.

Paros has a large number of nightlife venues. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

Amalfi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for Resorts?

Paros is well known for its resorts. However, Amalfi is not a resort destination.

In Paros, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is well known for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Paros is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Paros is an amazing island to visit for the beache. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Paros is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its old town. However, Paros does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Paros does not have a historic old town.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Paros is a good destination for hiking. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Amalfi?

Paros is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Paros is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for Families?

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

Paros is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Paros and Amalfi both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Paros is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paros is a great island to visit for backpackers. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Paros or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paros is well known for its public transit. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Paros can get you around easily. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Paros or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amalfi. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Paros is a somewhat walkable island. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Paros Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Paros?

How long in Paros or Amalfi?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paros than Amalfi 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 Paros.

One day in Paros or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Paros. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this dramatic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paros or Amalfi?

Paros is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paros or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paros. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. In Amalfi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paros or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Paros. This island 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.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Amalfi?

Amalfi has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Amalfi, 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.