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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina? 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 vibrant, high energy, and bustling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a historic, charming, and authentic town. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Thessaloniki and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Piazza Armerina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Piazza Armerina is more popular for its historical sights. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Piazza Armerina is well known for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Thessaloniki different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Thessaloniki and Piazza Armerina.

Thessaloniki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Piazza Armerina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Is the Food Better in Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thessaloniki is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Thessaloniki. 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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Thessaloniki has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

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 Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a moderate city for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Thessaloniki. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina?

Thessaloniki is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Thessaloniki is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

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

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Piazza Armerina make for a notable 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.

Piazza Armerina is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is notable for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is notable for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Many students visit Thessaloniki. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Piazza Armerina.

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 Piazza Armerina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Is Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Piazza Armerina because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Piazza Armerina.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Piazza Armerina 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 Thessaloniki.

One day in Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina?

The bustling destination of Thessaloniki offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Piazza Armerina, many people enjoy the museums and food that this authentic town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. 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.

Piazza Armerina is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina?

Thessaloniki 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.

You'll find museums and food around the authentic destination of Piazza Armerina. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. 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.

Piazza Armerina is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina?

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 Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Piazza Armerina. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 325 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in July than Piazza Armerina. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

Both Piazza Armerina and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is cooler than Piazza Armerina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Piazza Armerina during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Piazza Armerina. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

Both Piazza Armerina and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 153 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Piazza Armerina. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Piazza Armerina. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piazza Armerina this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Piazza Armerina. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Thessaloniki