A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Piazza Armerina vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Piazza Armerina and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne?

Both Saint-Etienne and Piazza Armerina have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Piazza Armerina is better known for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Piazza Armerina is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Piazza Armerina is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Piazza Armerina. 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 Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Piazza Armerina is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Piazza Armerina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

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 Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a moderate city for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint-Etienne has some nice offerings. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Piazza Armerina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

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

Both Piazza Armerina and Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable town. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. In our opinion, Piazza Armerina has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Piazza Armerina than Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Piazza Armerina than Saint-Etienne 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 Piazza Armerina.

One day in Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Piazza Armerina. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Piazza Armerina. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Piazza Armerina. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find museums and food around the town of Piazza Armerina. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Saint-Etienne. The summer months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

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

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Piazza Armerina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Piazza Armerina is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 10°C (51°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

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

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Saint-Etienne. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne during spring. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Piazza Armerina