A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Palma de Mallorca for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Families

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Thessaloniki and Palma de Mallorca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Thessaloniki and Palma de Mallorca are about the same size, Palma de Mallorca has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Thessaloniki attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Thessaloniki is famous for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Thessaloniki different from Palma de Mallorca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Thessaloniki can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Palma de Mallorca both to be very good destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Palma de Mallorca is an experience not to be missed. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Palma de Mallorca just to party. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

The people in Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Palma de Mallorca has diverse options. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Palma de Mallorca. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Palma de Mallorca is very family-friendly. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Palma de Mallorca make for a nice place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Palma de Mallorca is a good city for couples to visit. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Palma de Mallorca are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Thessaloniki and Palma de Mallorca.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki and Palma de Mallorca are nice when it comes to walkability.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable place. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable city. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palma de Mallorca or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

In either Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Thessaloniki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 3-5 days is enough time in Palma de Mallorca.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Thessaloniki 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Thessaloniki, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Thessaloniki. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this cultural destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

Thessaloniki is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Palma de Mallorca, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Palma de Mallorca Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Palma de Mallorca, 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 Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca?

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 Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Palma de Mallorca. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?

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

Thessaloniki is cooler than Palma de Mallorca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Palma de Mallorca. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Thessaloniki is much colder than Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Palma de Mallorca. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?

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

In April, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Palma de Mallorca. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Thessaloniki