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

Should you visit Paros or Naples?

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 Naples. 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. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Paros and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples. Although Paros and Naples are both popular with visitors, Naples has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Naples is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Paros is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Paros is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Paros different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

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

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, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Paros or Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Paros or Naples Better for Resorts?

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

Naples is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Naples Better for Beaches?

Paros is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is a very popular place for its old town. However, Paros does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Paros does not have a historic old town.

Is Paros or Naples Better for Hiking?

Paros is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Naples?

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

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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Paros or Naples Better for Families?

Paros is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Paros or Naples Better for Couples?

Paros is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Paros or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros and Naples are both great destinations 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.

Naples is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Paros or Naples Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Paros is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Paros or Naples a more walkable city?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and easy 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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Paros?

How long in Paros or Naples?

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

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

One day in Paros or Naples?

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.

Each neighborhood in Naples has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples?

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 Naples. 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 Naples?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse 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 gritty big city of Naples. 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 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Naples, 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.