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

Should you visit Antalya or Taormina?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Taormina? 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a high energy, relaxing, and luxurious vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Taormina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya. Although Antalya and Taormina are popular destinations, Antalya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antalya is very popular for its museums, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Taormina attracts visitors for its small town charm. Antalya is more touristy than Taormina and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Antalya different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antalya is a great vacation spot for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Antalya. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and Taormina can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Antalya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

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 Antalya or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Taormina.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Taormina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Antalya or Taormina Better for Music?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for its music scene. However, Taormina is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Taormina is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Taormina Better for Resorts?

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

Antalya is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

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 Antalya or Taormina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Taormina Better for Beaches?

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

Antalya is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

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 Antalya or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is a great vacation spot for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Antalya is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Taormina Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a great vacation spot for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Antalya for the hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Taormina?

Antalya is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Taormina is a great destination for 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.

Is Antalya or Taormina Better for Families?

Antalya is a great vacation spot 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 Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya or Taormina Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Taormina make for a excellent place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Taormina frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Antalya or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is a great vacation spot for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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

Antalya is a great vacation spot for times when you don't have a car. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Antalya or Taormina a more walkable city?

Taormina is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Antalya or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Antalya due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Taormina.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya 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 Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Taormina?

The beautiful vacation spot of Antalya offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

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 Antalya or Taormina?

Antalya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, 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 Antalya or Taormina?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Antalya or Taormina?

Antalya 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 vacation spot 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Taormina?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Taormina?

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 Antalya or Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Taormina. Many visitors come to Antalya in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Antalya is around the same temperature as Taormina in the summer. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Taormina. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Taormina. Most visitors come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Antalya usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Antalya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In January, Antalya is generally cooler than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 11°C (51°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Antalya. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Taormina. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Antalya during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Antalya is around the same temperature as Taormina in the spring. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 16°C (62°F) in April, and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in April than Taormina. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Antalya