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

Should you visit Athens or Catania?

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 Athens and Catania. 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.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Catania

Catania is a fun, historic, and lively port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Catania?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Catania, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Catania is known for its beaches and hiking. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Catania is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is very popular 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Catania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Catania can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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.

Is Athens or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Athens is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Catania has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Athens or Catania Better for Beaches?

Catania is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Catania offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Athens is very popular 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.

Athens has a world-famous historical area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

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 Athens or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is great for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

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.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Catania?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Catania both offer plenty of good spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Catania is a great destination for shopping. 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 Athens or Catania Better for Families?

Both Athens and Catania are high quality family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Catania is 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.

Is Athens or Catania Better for Couples?

Athens and Catania both good destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

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 Athens or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is very popular for backpackers. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Is Athens or Catania Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Catania are high quality places to visit.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Catania is a very popular 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.

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

Athens and Catania both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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.

Is Athens or Catania a more walkable city?

Athens and Catania are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Catania or Athens?

How long in Athens or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Catania because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Catania?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Athens or Catania?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Athens or Catania?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. 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 Athens or Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Catania?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Catania?

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 Athens or Catania in the Summer?

Both Catania and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Catania. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Catania. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Catania. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

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

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Catania during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Catania. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Catania in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Catania. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Catania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Catania. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Catania. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Catania. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Catania during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Catania. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Catania and Athens