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

Should you visit Paros or Graz?

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

Graz

Graz is a historical, beautiful, and medieval city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Paros and Graz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Paros or Graz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paros than Graz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paros is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Graz is more popular for its historical sights. 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. Graz is well known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

How is Paros different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paros
Graz

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Paros and Graz.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.


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

Paros
Graz

Paros is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Paros is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Graz is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is Paros or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Paros
Graz

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Paros and Graz.

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.

Graz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Paros or Graz Better for Resorts?

Paros
Graz

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

Paros is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Graz is not a resort destination.


Is Paros or Graz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros
Graz

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Graz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Graz Better for Beaches?

Paros
Graz

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Paros. 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.

Graz is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Paros
Graz

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

Graz has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Paros does not have a historic old town.


Is Paros or Graz Better for Hiking?

Paros
Graz

Paros is a popular place for hiking. However, Graz is not a hiking destination.

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.

Graz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Graz?

Paros
Graz

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Paros and Graz.

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 Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Is Paros or Graz Better for Families?

Paros
Graz

Both Paros and Graz are superb 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.

Graz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.


Is Paros or Graz Better for Couples?

Paros
Graz

Paros is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Paros makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Graz is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Is Paros or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros
Graz

Paros is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Paros or Graz Better for Students?

Paros
Graz

Graz is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Paros is not popular with students.

Many students visit Graz. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Paros is not popular with students.


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

Paros
Graz

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Paros and Graz.

Public transit in Paros can get you to some places 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Graz. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Is Paros or Graz a more walkable city?

Paros
Graz

Graz 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 Graz. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough 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 Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Paros?

How long in Paros or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paros and Graz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paros than in Graz. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

Families should spend more time in Paros than Graz. 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 Graz. 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 Graz 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.


  • How many days in Paros or Graz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Paros 3-5 
    Graz 2-3

One day in Paros or Graz?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Paros. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Graz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Graz?

Paros is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. 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 Graz?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the diverse destination of Paros. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Graz is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Graz. 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 Graz?

The diverse island of Paros offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the medieval destination of Graz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz or Paros?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Paros is €122, while the average daily cost in Graz is €112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Paros and Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paros 53
    Graz 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paros 106
    Graz 134
Compare Hotels in Paros and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Paros or Graz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Paros


Hotels in Graz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Paros Hotel Prices and Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paros 37
    Graz 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paros

Also for Paros, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Naxos Port-Airport To All Destinations: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

Also for Graz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Paros or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz and Paros change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Paros 45
    Graz 32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paros

For Paros, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Two and half-hours Traditional Greek Cooking Class in Amorgos: $59
  • Naxos Town Food Tour : $92
  • Cretan Cooking Class and Dinner: Evening in a Rethymno Home : $96
  • 4 Hour Traditional Cooking Class for Small Group: $96
  • Naxos Perivoli Farm Experience & Wood-fire Cooking Class: $104
  • Naxos:Half-day cooking class at Basiliko : $106
  • Greek Cooking Class with Full Meal: $113
  • Food Tasting and Cooking Class on Naxos with Local Market Visit: $115
  • Paros Cooking Class: $116
  • Naxos Old Town Private Food Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $153
  • Naxos Villages Food Tour : $161
  • Cooking Class with 6-Course Menu and Drinks: $642

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paros 22
    Graz 13

Tours and Activities in Paros

For Paros, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Essence of Naxos Tour: $33
  • Full One-Day Tour Naxos & Heraklia: $175
  • 2-Hour Private Beach Picnic Experience in Paros: $81
  • 5 Hours Private Guided Tour Around Santorini : $124
  • All inclusive day sailing tour from Naxos to the small cyclades: $153
  • All-Inclusive Catamaran Day Cruise: $164
  • Antiparos & Despotiko full day cruise from Paros: $98
  • Beautiful Sunset Photo Walk Tour on Paros: $163
  • Boat Cruise to Rina's Cave & Ano/Kato Koufonisi with BBQ Lunch: $76
  • Catamaran Full-Day Cruise around Naxos or Paros with Lunch: $153
  • Cruise from Naxos to Santorini: $82
  • Cruises to Delos-Mykonos, Santorini and Koufonisi by Alexander : $49

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz - Private tour including Castle visit: $374
  • Graz Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $238
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Graz Jewish Quarter and Old Town Private Tour: $214
  • Graz Museum: Private Guided Tour: $219
  • Graz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $195
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $214
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $210
  • Graz Private Walking Tour: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paros 25
    Graz 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Paros

Also in Paros, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting and Tour in Saint Anna Winery in Naxos: $60
  • Citron Tasting and Distillery 1-Hour Guided Tour in Naxos: $65
  • 3 Hour Tour in Paros Wine Tasting: $164
  • Paros wine tour and tasting: $166


When comparing the travel costs between Paros and Graz, we can see that Paros is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Paros or Graz?

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