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

Should you visit Piazza Armerina or Marseille?

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 Marseille. 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 charming, authentic, and historic town. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Piazza Armerina and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Marseille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille. Although Piazza Armerina and Marseille are both popular with visitors, Marseille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Piazza Armerina is known for its museums. Marseille is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Piazza Armerina is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Piazza Armerina can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Marseille 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 Marseille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

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 Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Marseille is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Marseille is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

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 Marseille Better for Beaches?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Marseille is a good destination for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Marseille offers a nice beach destination. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.


Is Piazza Armerina or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Marseille 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, Marseille offers plenty to see. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

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 the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Marseille?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Marseille is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Marseille is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Marseille is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Piazza Armerina does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Piazza Armerina does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Piazza Armerina or Marseille Better for Families?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Most people don't think of either Piazza Armerina or Marseille as a family destination.

Piazza Armerina is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Marseille is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Piazza Armerina or Marseille Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Marseille is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Marseille is a very popular place to visit for couples. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top 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 Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

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 Marseille Better for Students?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Marseille is notable for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Many students visit Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

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

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Both Piazza Armerina and Marseille offer good 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.

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Piazza Armerina or Marseille a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina
Marseille

Piazza Armerina and Marseille both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Marseille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Piazza Armerina and Marseille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marseille than in Piazza Armerina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Piazza Armerina, and 2-3 days is enough time in Marseille.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marseille 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 Marseille.


  • How many days in Piazza Armerina or Marseille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Piazza Armerina 1-2 
    Marseille 2-3

One day in Piazza Armerina or Marseille?

You'll find food and museums around the town of Piazza Armerina. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Piazza Armerina has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The vibrant destination of Marseille offers food and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Marseille?

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Piazza Armerina. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The quaint city of Marseille offers shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Marseille?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic town of Piazza Armerina. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Marseille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Piazza Armerina or Marseille?

Piazza Armerina is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Marseille. 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille 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 Marseille is €148. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Piazza Armerina 56
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Piazza Armerina 112
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Piazza Armerina and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Piazza Armerina or Marseille? 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 Marseille


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 Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Marseille 28

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal to Marseille - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Marseille to Marseille Provence Terminal Private Transfer: $34
  • Marseille Terminal to Marseille Airport Departure Transfer: $35
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Marseille Port (MPCT) to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer to Gare St Charles: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer in Marseille from Marseille Provence airport, Marignane: $65
  • Private Transfer: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Marseille: $69
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Aix-en-Provence: $74
  • Marseille Airport transfers: $75
  • Private Transfer With an Electric Car in Marseille: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Piazza Armerina or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
    Marseille 42

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

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

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Marseille 38

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 Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.52
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $9.84
  • Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Piazza Armerina 13
    Marseille 27

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Piazza Armerina and Marseille, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina and Marseille, 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 Marseille?

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 Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Piazza Armerina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Piazza Armerina in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Piazza Armerina in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. In the summer, Piazza Armerina often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in July than Marseille. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Marseille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Marseille. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Piazza Armerina is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 19°C (67°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Piazza Armerina usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Piazza Armerina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F) 
    Marseille 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Marseille. The winter months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Piazza Armerina is much warmer than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Piazza Armerina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Marseille in the Spring?

Both Marseille and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Piazza Armerina in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Marseille. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)