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

Should you visit Paros or Arles?

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 Arles. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Arles

Arles is a charming, compact, and quaint town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Paros and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Arles are both popular with visitors, Paros has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paros is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Arles is known for its museums and historical sights. Paros is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also home to The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Paros different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Arles are world-renowned. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Paros offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Paros is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Paros has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Paros or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Paros is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Paros is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Paros or Arles Better for Resorts?

Paros is well known for its resorts. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Arles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Arles Better for Beaches?

Paros is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Arles Better for its Old Town?

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

Arles has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Paros does not have a historic old town.

Is Paros or Arles Better for Hiking?

Paros is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Paros. 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.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Arles?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Paros. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Paros or Arles Better for Families?

Paros is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Paros is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Paros or Arles Better for Couples?

Paros is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Paros has plenty to offer. 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.

Arles is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Paros or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Paros is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Paros. 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 Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Paros or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles 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.

Arles is a very walkable town. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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 Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Paros?

How long in Paros or Arles?

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

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

In Paros, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this breathtaking destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paros or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paros. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Arles?

Paros is a fun place to experience. In Paros, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Arles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Arles. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Arles?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the breathtaking destination of Paros. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the compact destination of Arles. 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 museums. 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Arles, 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.