A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Piazza Armerina vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

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 Piazza Armerina and Annecy. 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.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a historic, charming, and authentic town. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Piazza Armerina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Piazza Armerina is more popular for its museums. Annecy is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Piazza Armerina is well known for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy and Piazza Armerina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Piazza Armerina is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Piazza Armerina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.


Is the Food Better in Piazza Armerina or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Annecy, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Piazza Armerina or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Annecy is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Annecy offers plenty to see. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.


Is Piazza Armerina or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Annecy is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Annecy is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Annecy offers some nice shopping areas. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Annecy Better for Families?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Annecy is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very kid-friendly alpine town. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.


Is Piazza Armerina or Annecy Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Annecy is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Piazza Armerina or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Annecy is a good destination for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Both Piazza Armerina and Annecy offer notable public transit options.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Annecy has some public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.


Is Piazza Armerina or Annecy a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina
Annecy

Piazza Armerina and Annecy both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable town. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Piazza Armerina Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Piazza Armerina or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Piazza Armerina, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Piazza Armerina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Annecy, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Piazza Armerina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Piazza Armerina 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 Annecy.


  • How many days in Piazza Armerina or Annecy? Ideal Length of Stay
    Piazza Armerina 1-2 
    Annecy 2-4

One day in Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Piazza Armerina. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

Piazza Armerina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Piazza Armerina. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This alpine town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Piazza Armerina. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Annecy or Piazza Armerina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Piazza Armerina is €93, while the average daily cost in Annecy is €178. 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 Piazza Armerina and Annecy in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Piazza Armerina 56
    Annecy 92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Piazza Armerina 112
    Annecy 184
Compare Hotels in Piazza Armerina and Annecy

Looking for a hotel in Piazza Armerina or Annecy? 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 Piazza Armerina


Hotels in Annecy


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: Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices and Annecy Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Annecy 37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Annecy

Also for Annecy, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Geneva airport to Annecy: $295
  • Lyon : Luxury private transfer to Annecy in Van: $374

Is it cheaper to fly into Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

Prices for flights to both Annecy and Piazza Armerina 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
    Piazza Armerina 33
    Annecy 58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Annecy

For Annecy, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Annecy Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Annecy Old Town with Local Guide: $148
  • Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking and Meal with a Local in Annecy: $188
  • Private Walking Food Tour: $348

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Annecy 41

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Piazza Armerina are as follows:

  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $128
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $241
  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $42
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $225

Tours and Activities in Annecy

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $12
  • Yakapedaler : bike rental tour with the Annecy lac: $21
  • Full-day private tour from Geneva to Annecy: $40
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour: $43
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $44
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $55
  • Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour: $64
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $66
  • Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Piazza Armerina 13
    Annecy 34

Sample the Local Flavors in Annecy

Also in Annecy, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tour with private driver: $850


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

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


Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina and Annecy, 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.


When is the best time to visit Piazza Armerina or Annecy?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piazza Armerina this time of the year. In the summer, Piazza Armerina often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F) 
    Annecy 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Piazza Armerina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Piazza Armerina usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Piazza Armerina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F) 
    Annecy 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Piazza Armerina during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In January, Piazza Armerina is generally much warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 10°C (51°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Piazza Armerina often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Annecy. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F) 
    Annecy 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Annecy. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Piazza Armerina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Piazza Armerina usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during spring. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Annecy. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F) 
    Annecy 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Annecy and Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina Annecy
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)


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