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

Should you visit Tenerife or Marseille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Marseille, 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 adventure-filled, beautiful, and volcanic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Tenerife and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Marseille?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Marseille, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Marseille is more popular for its food, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Tenerife is more touristy than Marseille and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Marseille is well known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Tenerife different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tenerife is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Tenerife. 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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

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 Marseille Better for Nightlife?

The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tenerife and Marseille.

Tenerife is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

People head to Marseille just to party. 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.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Marseille is not a resort destination.

Tenerife is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Marseille is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Tenerife to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille is very popular for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Marseille has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Tenerife draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Marseille?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Tenerife and Marseille.

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.

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.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Tenerife does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille has Christmas markets worth visiting. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Tenerife does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for Families?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Tenerife is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Marseille are both superb to visit as a couple.

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.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Marseille are both notable 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.

Marseille is a good island to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Is Tenerife or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Tenerife and Marseille.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Tenerife or Marseille a more walkable city?

Marseille is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Marseille?

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

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Marseille. 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 Marseille. 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.

One day in Tenerife or Marseille?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Tenerife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Marseille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Marseille?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the adventure-filled destination of Tenerife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Marseille 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marseille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Marseille?

You'll find nightlife and food around the vibrant island of Tenerife. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Marseille 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 Marseille?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Marseille is a great place to explore. 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. 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Marseille?

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 Marseille in the Summer?

Both Marseille and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

In July, Tenerife is generally around the same temperature as Marseille. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 23°C (73°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Marseille. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Tenerife during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Marseille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Marseille. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marseille in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tenerife is much warmer than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Marseille during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Marseille. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Marseille. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Marseille. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Tenerife