A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Almeria vs. Taormina for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Nightlife

Should you visit Almeria or Taormina?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Almeria and Taormina. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Almeria

Almeria is a pristine, cultural, and historic region. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Taormina

Taormina is a historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Almeria and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Almeria or Taormina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Almeria. Although Almeria and Taormina are popular destinations, Almeria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Almeria is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Taormina attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Almeria is famous for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Almeria different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Almeria or Taormina?

Almeria
Taormina

Taormina is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Almeria or Taormina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Almeria
Taormina

Almeria is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Almeria have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Almeria or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Almeria
Taormina

Taormina is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Taormina know how to have a good time. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Almeria or Taormina Better for Resorts?

Almeria
Taormina

Almeria is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Almeria is a world class resort vacation destination. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

There are plenty of resorts in Taormina to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.


Is Almeria or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Almeria
Taormina

Almeria is very popular for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Almeria is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Almeria or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Almeria
Taormina

Almeria is a great region for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Almeria is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Almeria or Taormina Better for Hiking?

Almeria
Taormina

Almeria is a great region for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Almeria for the hiking trails. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Taormina?

Almeria
Taormina

Taormina is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Taormina to go shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Taormina Better for Families?

Almeria
Taormina

Almeria is a great region for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Almeria. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Almeria or Taormina Better for Couples?

Almeria
Taormina

Almeria and Taormina both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Almeria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Taormina is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.


Is Almeria or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria
Taormina

Almeria is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Almeria. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

Is Almeria or Taormina Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Almeria
Taormina

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Almeria and Taormina.

You'll find some public transit in Almeria, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Almeria or Taormina a more walkable city?

Almeria
Taormina

Taormina is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Almeria Worth Visiting? and Is Taormina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Almeria or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Taormina due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Almeria, and 2-4 days is enough time in Taormina.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Almeria than Taormina 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 Almeria.


  • How many days in Almeria or Taormina? Ideal Length of Stay
    Almeria 1-3 
    Taormina 2-4

One day in Almeria or Taormina?

The beautiful region of Almeria offers food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Almeria or Taormina?

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

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Taormina has to offer.

Five days in Almeria or Taormina?

Almeria 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.

Taormina is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.


A week in Almeria or Taormina?

Almeria is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This region offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


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


Which place is cheaper, Taormina or Almeria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Almeria is €99, while the average daily cost in Taormina is €108. 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 Almeria and Taormina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Almeria 44
    Taormina 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Almeria 88
    Taormina 140
Compare Hotels in Almeria and Taormina

Looking for a hotel in Almeria or Taormina? 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 Almeria


Hotels in Taormina


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: Taormina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Almeria 20
    Taormina 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Almeria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Almeria:

  • Transfers desde Aeropuerto de Almería (LEI) a Vera Playa - 4 pasajeros: $125
  • Almería Private Transfer from the city centre or Cabo de Gata to Almería Airport: $66
  • Almería Private Transfer from Almería Airport to City centre or Cabo de Gata: $66
  • Tabernas: transfer + ticket Fort Bravo or Minihollywood: $62
  • Private Transfer from Almeria Airport to / from Almeria Spain: $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Almeria or Taormina?

Prices for flights to both Taormina and Almeria 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
    Almeria 40
    Taormina 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Almeria

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

  • Spanish Paella Private Online Cooking Class: $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Almeria 16
    Taormina 11

Tours and Activities in Almeria

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

  • Almería: Cathedral Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Almería: Cathedral and Convent of the Puras Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Almería: Guided City Discovery Tour: $16
  • Almería: Legends and Mysteries Evening Walking Tour: $11
  • Almeria : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $49
  • Almeria like a Local: Customized Private Tour : $52
  • Alcazaba Guided Tour: $16
  • Convent of the Puras Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $5.35
  • History and Hidden Corners Essential Walking Tour: $14
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $48
  • Spanish Civil War Shelters Ticket and Official Tour: $11
  • Andalusia: Almeria Cathedral Entry with Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Taormina

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.

  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $139
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • Tour da Messina a Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella: $695
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Almeria 4.29
    Taormina 8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Almeria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Almeria:

  • Almería Visit to Eco Winery Cortijo El Cura and wine tasting: $24
  • Almería Wine tour and tasting in English in Bio Winery: $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299


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


Which is Bigger, Almeria or Taormina?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Almeria and Taormina, 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 Almeria or Taormina?

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 Almeria or Taormina in the Summer?

Both Taormina and Almeria during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Almeria for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Almeria is around the same temperature as Taormina in the summer. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Almeria. In the summer, Almeria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Almeria gets 343 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in July than Taormina. Almeria gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Almeria 26°C (78°F) 
    Taormina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Almeria or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Almeria and Taormina. The autumn months attract visitors to Almeria because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In the autumn, Almeria is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Almeria in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Taormina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Almeria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during autumn. Almeria gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Almeria usually receives less rain than Taormina. Almeria gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Almeria 20°C (68°F) 
    Taormina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Almeria or Taormina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Almeria as well as Taormina. The cuisine are the main draw to Almeria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Almeria is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 13°C (55°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Almeria gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in January than Taormina. Almeria gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Almeria 13°C (55°F) 
    Taormina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Almeria or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Almeria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Almeria for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Taormina in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Almeria is around the same temperature as Taormina in the spring. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during spring. Almeria gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Almeria usually receives less rain than Taormina. Almeria gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Almeria 16°C (61°F) 
    Taormina 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Taormina and Almeria

Almeria Taormina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 26 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)


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