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

Should you visit Paros or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Kiel

Kiel is a maritime, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Paros and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Kiel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paros than Kiel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paros is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is more popular for its big city activities. Paros is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. Also, Paros is famous for The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Paros different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Paros is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Paros or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Paros or Kiel Better for Resorts?

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

Kiel is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Kiel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Paros is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Paros or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Paros is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Kiel?

Paros is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Paros or Kiel Better for Families?

Paros is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Paros or Kiel Better for Couples?

Paros is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kiel is a good island for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Paros or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Paros or Kiel Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Paros is not popular with students.

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

Paros is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Paros or Kiel a more walkable city?

Paros and Kiel are notable 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.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable island. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Paros?

How long in Paros or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paros and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paros than in Kiel. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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 Kiel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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 Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the striking 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.

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

A week in Paros or Kiel?

The breathtaking 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 authentic destination of Kiel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Paros and Kiel, we can see that Kiel 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 Kiel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paros or Kiel?

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