A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paros vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Paros or Annecy?

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 Annecy. 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 historical, diverse, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Paros and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paros than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paros is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Annecy is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Annecy is more touristy than Paros and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Paros is well known for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. Also, Paros is famous for The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani.

How is Paros different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paros is a great island for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Paros specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

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

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

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, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Is Paros or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Paros is a great island for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Paros has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Paros or Annecy Better for Resorts?

Paros is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Paros. 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.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Annecy Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is a great island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Paros. 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.

Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Paros is renowned for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Paros is a very popular vacation 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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is terrific for its old town. However, Paros does not have a historic old town.

Annecy has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Paros does not have a historic old town.

Is Paros or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy 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 Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

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 Annecy?

Paros is a great island for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Paros is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Paros or Annecy Better for Families?

Both Paros and Annecy are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Paros is very family-friendly. 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.

Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Is Paros or Annecy Better for Couples?

Paros and Annecy both first-rate 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.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Is Paros or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Paros. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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

Paros is a great island for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.

Paros has some very good public transit options. 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.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Paros or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Annecy is a very walkable alpine town. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect 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 Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Paros?

How long in Paros or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Paros or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paros due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

Families should spend more time in Paros than Annecy. 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 Annecy. 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 Annecy 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 Annecy?

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.

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This alpine 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 Annecy?

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 Annecy. 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 Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a fun place to experience. Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paros or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical 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.

Annecy is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paros and Annecy, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paros or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Annecy, 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.