A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Caen for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Tenerife or Caen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Caen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a volcanic, scenic, and vibrant island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Tenerife and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Caen are both popular with visitors, Tenerife has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tenerife is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen is known for its museums, food, and big city activities. Tenerife is more touristy than Caen and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also home to Mount Teide. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Tenerife different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tenerife or Caen?

Caen is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Is the Food Better in Tenerife or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caen is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is renowned for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Tenerife is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Tenerife or Caen Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Caen is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Tenerife to choose from. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Caen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Caen Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Caen is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Tenerife for it's beautiful beaches. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Caen Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Tenerife is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Caen?

Tenerife is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tenerife or Caen Better for Families?

Tenerife is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tenerife is very family-friendly. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Tenerife or Caen Better for Couples?

Tenerife is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Tenerife or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Caen are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Caen is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Tenerife or Caen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Caen is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Caen a more walkable city?

Tenerife and Caen are good when it comes to walkability.

Tenerife is somewhat walkable. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tenerife and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than in Caen. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tenerife than Caen 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 Tenerife.

One day in Tenerife or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Tenerife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or Caen?

Tenerife is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the volcanic destination of Tenerife. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic island of Tenerife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Caen, we can see that Tenerife 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 Tenerife Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Caen?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tenerife or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Caen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Caen. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Tenerife during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

In the autumn, Tenerife is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tenerife in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Caen. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Caen. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Caen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Caen. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. In January, Tenerife is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 17°C (63°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Caen. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Caen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Caen. The spring months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

Tenerife is much warmer than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Caen. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Caen. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Tenerife