A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arachova vs. Catania for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Hiking

Should you visit Arachova or Catania?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Catania, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arachova

Arachova is a outdoorsy, bustling, and beautiful town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Arachova and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arachova or Catania?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania. Although Arachova and Catania are popular destinations, Catania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Catania is very popular for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Arachova attracts visitors for its skiing, historical sights, and small town charm. Arachova is famous for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. Catania is famous for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also well known for Mount Etna.

How is Arachova different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Catania Better for Skiing?

Arachova is very good for snow skiing. However, Catania is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Arachova is a great destination to visit. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Catania is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Arachova and Catania have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Arachova is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Catania offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Arachova or Catania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Catania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Arachova has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Is Arachova or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Arachova and Catania.

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Many people head to Catania for the nightlife scene. 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 Arachova or Catania Better for Beaches?

Catania is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Arachova is not a beach destination.

Catania has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Arachova or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Arachova is notable for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Arachova. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Arachova or Catania Better for Hiking?

Arachova and Catania are both places where visitors can find excellent hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Arachova. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Many visitors go to Catania for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Catania?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Catania and Arachova.

Arachova is a great destination for shopping. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Arachova or Catania Better for Families?

Arachova and Catania are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Arachova is a very family-friendly place to visit. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Catania is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Arachova or Catania Better for Couples?

Arachova is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Arachova is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

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

Is Arachova or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is well known for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Catania. 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.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Arachova or Catania Better for Students?

Catania is well known for students. However, Arachova is not popular with students.

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Arachova is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Catania is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.

Is Arachova or Catania a more walkable city?

Catania is well known for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Catania or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arachova or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Arachova than Catania because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

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

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

One day in Arachova or Catania?

In Arachova, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The port city of Catania offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Arachova or Catania?

In Arachova, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arachova has to offer.

Catania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Catania, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Arachova or Catania?

Arachova is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Catania is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

A week in Arachova or Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arachova. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Arachova. 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.

Catania is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Arachova or Catania?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova 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 Arachova 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 Arachova or Catania in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Catania. Most visitors come to Arachova for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Arachova is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arachova in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).

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

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

Should I visit Arachova or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Catania. The autumn months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

In October, Arachova is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 19°C (67°F), and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

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

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

Should I visit Arachova or Catania in the Winter?

Both Catania and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Arachova is around the same temperature as Catania in the winter. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

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

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

Should I visit Arachova or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania and Arachova during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arachova for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Catania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Arachova is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arachova in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Catania and Arachova