A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rhodes vs. Calais for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Rhodes or Calais?

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 Rhodes and Calais. 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.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a diverse, active, and world famous island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Rhodes and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rhodes or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rhodes than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rhodes is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its big city activities. Rhodes is more touristy than Calais and is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history. It is also home to Rhodes Old Town. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Rhodes different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rhodes or Calais?

Rhodes is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rhodes on the map. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Rhodes or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rhodes is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Rhodes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Rhodes or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Rhodes and Calais.

Rhodes has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Rhodes or Calais Better for Resorts?

Rhodes is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Rhodes is a great choice. It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Rhodes or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rhodes is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Rhodes. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rhodes or Calais Better for Beaches?

Rhodes is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Rhodes. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Rhodes or Calais Better for Hiking?

Rhodes is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

People visit Rhodes specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rhodes or Calais?

Rhodes is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Rhodes is a world class destination for shoppers. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Rhodes or Calais Better for Families?

Rhodes is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rhodes is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's large size, varied activities, and wonderful outdoor setting makes this one of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece. There are many local villages that everyone will enjoy as well as beautiful walks and stunning beaches. Kids will appreciate the diversity of water activities that are available and the family-friendly restaurants ensure everyone can eat out comfortably.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Rhodes or Calais Better for Couples?

Rhodes is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Rhodes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The larger size and diversity of activities make this island a great option for a honeymoon. The beaches are breathtaking, but there are also a number of water sports that couples will enjoy. The hiking, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants will make for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Rhodes or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rhodes is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rhodes is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. The island has something for everyone, and because it's one of the larger islands, there are more hostels and budget restaurants to choose from. You'll find all kinds of travelers on the island and there really is something that everyone can enjoy.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Rhodes or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rhodes is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Rhodes. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Rhodes or Calais a more walkable city?

Calais is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Rhodes is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Calais is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

Rhodes is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large so unless you're interested in hiking, most places are best reached with a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Rhodes Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Rhodes?

How long in Rhodes or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rhodes and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rhodes than in Calais. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Rhodes, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rhodes than Calais 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 Rhodes.

One day in Rhodes or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Rhodes. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Rhodes or Calais?

Rhodes is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Calais 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.

Five days in Rhodes or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rhodes. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Rhodes or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Rhodes. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Calais. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Rhodes and Calais, we can see that Calais is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Rhodes or Calais?

Rhodes has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Rhodes and Calais, 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.