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

Should you visit Paros or Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. 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 Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Nantes are both popular with visitors, Paros has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paros is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nantes is known for its historical sights. Paros is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also home to The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Paros different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

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

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, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Is Paros or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Paros and Nantes.

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.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Paros or Nantes Better for Resorts?

Paros is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Nantes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Nantes Better for Beaches?

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

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a good destination for its old town. However, Paros does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nantes. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Paros does not have a historic old town.

Is Paros or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Paros is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Nantes?

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

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 Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Paros or Nantes Better for Families?

Both Paros and Nantes are great 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.

Nantes is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Paros or Nantes Better for Couples?

Paros is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Paros or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Paros or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Paros is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Paros and Nantes.

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 Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Paros or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Paros?

How long in Paros or Nantes?

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

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

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.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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 Nantes?

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.

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

A week in Paros or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Nantes. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Paros and Nantes, 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 Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paros or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Nantes, 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.