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

Should you visit Paros or Trieste?

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 Trieste. 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 stunning, breathtaking, and striking 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.

Trieste

Trieste is a cultural, historic, and dynamic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums.

Paros and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Trieste are both popular with visitors, Paros has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paros is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its historical sights. Paros is more touristy than Trieste 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. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Paros different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paros is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Trieste is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Because Trieste was part of Austria for such a long stretch of time, you'll find that it looks different from many Italian cities. This is also evident in the different architectural and historic monuments around town. Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.

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

Paros is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Paros have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Trieste offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how to categorize the local cuisine. It's been influenced by the city's Austro-Hungarian past and you'll find Austrian, Slovenian, and even Croatian flavors. The food scene is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to enjoy. Make sure you try jota (a bean, potato, and sauerkraut stew), calandraca (a salted meat stew), and gulasch alla triestina (a local twist on goulash. The city is also a coffee capital in Italy.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Paros is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Trieste has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's not known as a party destination, there is a laid-back nightlife scene that usually involves a late night enjoying drinks at a local bar with friends. Many establishments blur the café and bar concepts, but you'll find a number of lively bars west of Piazza Unità in the trendy Cavana neighborhood. There always seems to be something new in the area worth checking out.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for Resorts?

Paros is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Trieste is not a resort destination.

In Paros, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Trieste is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paros is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Paros is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Paros is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Trieste offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly, but they are a nice way to experience the sea. Locals still refer to it as "bathing" in the sea, a throwback to years past. The most common beach to visit is Ausonia, which is at the bottom of the Rive past the port of Sacchetta. Nearby are La Lanterna, also called Pedocin. This area still separates men and women in the bathing areas.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste 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 Trieste. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Paros does not have a historic old town.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for Hiking?

Paros is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Paros. 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.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Trieste?

Paros is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Paros. 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.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for Families?

Both Paros and Trieste are very good 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.

Trieste is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The caves, adventure parks, and interactive museums all make for a fun family vacation. Make sure you check out Grotta Gigante, which will impress kids and adults alike. The Museum of Natural History has a collection of fossils that any dinosaur lover will appreciate, and Trieste Adventure Park is filled with ropes courses and ziplines. Finally, a visit to Miramare Castle will spark every child's imagination.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Paros is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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 Trieste frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Visit the castles, cathedrals, and historic monuments, experience the atmosphere of the city's historic center, people watch in one of the grand piazzas, and watch the city light up at night. There are so many romantic sides to this cultural Italian city.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Trieste. It's often overlooked for more popular Italian city's but there is still a lot that this under-rated city has to offer. You'll also find hostels for every budget and a youthful energy that will bring the city to life.

Is Paros or Trieste Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Trieste. Italy attracts students from around the globe and this city is no exception. The city's diverse population and unique cultural opportunities make it a great place to study abroad or immerse yourself in university life.

Paros is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Paros and Trieste.

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 Trieste. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Paros or Trieste a more walkable city?

Trieste 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.

Trieste is a very walkable city. It's a hilly city, but it's also very walkable.

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 Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Paros?

How long in Paros or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Paros or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paros due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

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 Trieste, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this diverse destination offers. 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 Trieste?

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 Trieste. 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 Trieste?

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.

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

A week in Paros or Trieste?

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 nightlife and food around the historic destination of Trieste. 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paros and Trieste, we can see that Paros is more expensive. And not only is Trieste much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Trieste would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Trieste 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 Paros would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paros than you might in Trieste.

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Trieste?

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