A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Catania for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Aegina or Catania?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Catania? 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.

Aegina

Aegina is a relaxing, vibrant, and fun island. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Aegina travel costs.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Catania travel costs.

Aegina and Catania: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to Mount Etna


Is there more to do in Aegina or Catania?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Catania. Although Aegina and Catania are both popular with visitors, Catania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Catania is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Aegina is known for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Catania is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna.

How is Aegina different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Catania?

Aegina
Catania

Aegina is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Aegina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Catania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Catania

Catania is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Catania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Catania

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Catania has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife in Catania has something for everybody. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

Is Aegina or Catania Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Catania

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Aegina and Catania are good choices.

Aegina is a good option for a beach vacation. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Many people head to Catania to enjoy the beach. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.


Is Aegina or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Catania

Catania is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Catania offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is Aegina or Catania Better for Hiking?

Aegina
Catania

Catania is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Aegina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Catania?

Aegina
Catania

Shopping is a popular activity in both Catania and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Catania. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.


Is Aegina or Catania Better for Families?

Aegina
Catania

Catania is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Catania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

Aegina offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Is Aegina or Catania Better for Couples?

Aegina
Catania

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Catania make for a good place to visit.

Aegina is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Catania is a nice destination for couples. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Aegina or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Catania

Catania is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Catania is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.


Is Aegina or Catania Better for Students?

Aegina
Catania

Catania is a great destination for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Catania is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Aegina is not popular with students.

Is Aegina or Catania Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Catania

Catania is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Catania offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Aegina or Catania a more walkable city?

Aegina
Catania

Catania is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.


For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Catania Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Catania or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aegina or Catania to fill your time. In our opinion, Catania has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Catania than Aegina. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Catania than Aegina 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 Catania.


  • How many days in Aegina or Catania? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Catania 1-2

One day in Aegina or Catania?

In Aegina, you'll find nightlife and food. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Catania?

In Aegina, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aegina has to offer.

Catania is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Catania?

Aegina is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Aegina or Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aegina. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Catania. This port city 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Catania or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Aegina Prices
    Greece Prices
    Catania Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Aegina 117
    Catania 150

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €117, while the average daily cost in Catania is €150. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aegina and Catania in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Catania 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Catania 130
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Catania

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Catania? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aegina


Hotels in Catania


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aegina Hotel Prices and Catania Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Catania 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Catania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Catania:

  • CATANIA TRANSFER to or from TAORMINA, GIARDINI NAXOS or SYRACUSE: $204
  • Catania AIRPORT transfer From / To Taormina : $96
  • Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Palermo by Car: $713
  • Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Catania and Acireale: $52
  • Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Giardini-Naxos: $79
  • Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Milazzo Port: $132
  • Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Portorosa Marina (ME): $151
  • Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Taormina: $87
  • Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Syracuse: $6.55
  • Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Taormina: $7.40
  • Catania Private Transfer (Taormina, Siracusa, Noto, Messina, Naxos, Etna, etc): $70
  • Catania Private Transfer to Etna: $183

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Catania?

Prices for flights to both Catania and Aegina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aegina 59
    Catania 70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Catania

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Catania.

  • Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre: $50
  • Patisserie Food tour: $59
  • Catania Street food tour by night: $62
  • Catania Street Food Tour: $67
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $68
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $72
  • Street food tour of Catania by night: $74
  • Traditional Home Cooking Experience with Dinner: $83
  • Cooking Class Tiramisù: $94
  • Aci Trezza boat tour sunset and dinner sicilian family home: $94
  • Cooking class Pizza: $95
  • Cooking Class Arancini in Catania: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Catania 19

Tours and Activities in Aegina

Here are a few actual costs in Aegina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Aegina Walking Tour: $31
  • Organic Pistachio Orchard Tour with Factory Visit: $52
  • Aegina Discovery Tour: $94

Tours and Activities in Catania

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Catania are as follows:

  • Digital guide made with a Local for your tour: $5.28
  • Benedictine Monastery of Catania - English Guided Tour: $11
  • the heart of the City - Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • The heart of the City - Guided tour in Italian: $21
  • Heart of the City Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Underground Catania Tickets and Guided Tour: $21
  • ACITREZZA & ACICASTELLO: TOURS WITH DEPARTURES FROM CATANIA: $22
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour to Acicastello & Acitrezza: $23
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $23
  • City Highlights Tour with Guide: $26
  • Catania Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26
  • Catania Historic center Walking tour: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Catania 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Catania

Also in Catania, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine tasting in Catania Historic center: $21
  • Volcanic Wine Tasting in a Metropolitan Market: $48
  • Wine Tasting in the South Slope of Etna: $50
  • Sunset Trekking on Mount Etna with Wine Tasting: $74
  • Wine Tour: $79
  • Wine tour in Catania: $100
  • Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania: $114
  • Full-Day Etna and Wine Tour from Catania: $125
  • From Mt Etna Silvestri craters and wine tasting: $127
  • Guided Tour of Etna with Wine Tasting & Appetizers: $137
  • Etna trekking and wine tasting: $145
  • Tour Etna & Wine Tasting: $156


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Catania, we can see that Catania is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina 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 Catania would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Catania than you might in Aegina.

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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Catania?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Catania, 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 Aegina or Catania?

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 Aegina or Catania in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Catania. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Catania fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Catania during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Catania. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Catania 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Catania. Many travelers come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Catania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Aegina is around the same temperature as Catania in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the autumn, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Catania. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Catania. Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Catania 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Catania in the Winter?

Both Catania and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aegina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Aegina is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Catania averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Catania. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Catania 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania and Aegina during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Catania fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the spring, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Catania. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Catania. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Catania 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Catania and Aegina

Aegina Catania
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)


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