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

Should you visit Paros or Brescia?

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 Brescia. 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 diverse, stunning, and breathtaking island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia

Brescia is a historic, undisovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Paros and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Brescia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Brescia are popular destinations, Paros has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paros is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also well known for The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Paros different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Paros can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Brescia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some great museums and historic sights around town such as the Museum of Art and History, Tempio Capitolino, the Roman Theater, and Duomo Nuovo.

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

Paros is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paros is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Brescia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Much of the cuisine has its roots in peasant recipes, but many have been incorporated into fine dining and specialty experiences. The dishes come from the countryside and use many local ingredients. Bigoi Col Pestöm (a local pasta), Casoncelli Alla Bresciana (stuffed pasta), and polenta are all favorites in the area.

Is Paros or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Paros is well known for nightlife. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 Brescia has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of clubs and bars that make for a fun night out.

Is Paros or Brescia Better for Resorts?

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

Paros is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Brescia is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Brescia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Paros to enjoy 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.

Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Brescia Better for Beaches?

Paros is renowned for its beaches. However, Brescia is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Paros are among the best in the world. 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.

Brescia is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Brescia Better for Hiking?

Paros is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Brescia is not a hiking destination.

Paros has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Brescia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Brescia?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Paros and Brescia.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Brescia. It's a small city, but there are a number of fashion brands found around town. Via Gramsci, Corso Magenta, Via Mazzini, and Via X Giornate are among the best shopping streets.

Is Paros or Brescia Better for Families?

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

Paros is 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, Brescia is not always the best place to visit. There are several parks and swimming pools that the kids will enjoy as well as a castle and lots of archeology.

Is Paros or Brescia Better for Couples?

Paros is renowned for romance. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Paros has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Brescia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's location near Lake Garda and its rich history and plethora of archeological sites make this a nice destination for couples.

Is Paros or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Brescia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a particularly popular backpacker destination but there are some affordable guesthouses.

Is Paros or Brescia Better for Students?

Brescia is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Paros is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Brescia. This is an affordable and interesting city for students. It's also in a beautiful setting, which makes for a nice experience.

Paros is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Paros can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Brescia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and light rail to help you get around town.

Is Paros or Brescia a more walkable city?

Paros and Brescia are nice when it comes to walkability.

Paros is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Brescia is a somewhat walkable island. Parts of the city are easy to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Paros?

How long in Paros or Brescia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paros or Brescia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paros than Brescia 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 Brescia.

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

In Paros, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Brescia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This city 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 Brescia?

In Paros, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brescia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Brescia?

Paros is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paros has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Brescia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Brescia. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paros or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paros. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paros. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Brescia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Brescia, 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.