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

Should you visit Paros or Versailles?

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 Versailles. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a ornate, opulent, and historic palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums.

Paros and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Paros or Versailles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Versailles are popular destinations, Paros has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paros is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Versailles is more touristy than Paros and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Paros is famous for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also well known for The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani.

How is Paros different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paros
Versailles

Versailles is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Versailles are world-renowned. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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.


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

Paros
Versailles

Paros is an amazing island to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paros is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Paros or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Paros
Versailles

Paros is a great island for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Paros has something for everybody. 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Paros or Versailles Better for Resorts?

Paros
Versailles

Paros is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not a resort destination.


Is Paros or Versailles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros
Versailles

Paros is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Paros
Versailles

Paros is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Versailles Better for Hiking?

Paros
Versailles

Paros is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Versailles?

Paros
Versailles

Paros is a great island for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Paros or Versailles Better for Families?

Paros
Versailles

Paros is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Paros is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Paros or Versailles Better for Couples?

Paros
Versailles

Paros is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

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.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.


Is Paros or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros
Versailles

Paros is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Paros is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Paros
Versailles

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

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 Versailles. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

Is Paros or Versailles a more walkable city?

Paros
Versailles

Versailles 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.

Versailles is a very walkable palace. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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 Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Paros?

How long in Paros or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paros or Versailles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paros than Versailles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 1-2 days is enough time in Versailles.

Families should spend more time in Paros than Versailles. 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 Versailles. 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 Versailles 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 Versailles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Paros 3-5 
    Versailles 1-2

One day in Paros or Versailles?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the diverse island of Paros, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This palace 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 Versailles?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Paros, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Paros, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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


A week in Paros or Versailles?

Paros is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums around the extensive destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles 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 Versailles is €234. 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 Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paros 53
    Versailles 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paros 106
    Versailles 256
Compare Hotels in Paros and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Paros or Versailles? 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 Versailles


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 Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paros 37
    Versailles 53

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Paros or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles 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
    Versailles 67

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
    Versailles 45

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 Versailles

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

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paros 25
    Versailles 18

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

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


Which is Bigger, Paros or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Versailles, 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.