A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Catania vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Catania or Amalfi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Catania and Amalfi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Catania and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Catania, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Catania is more popular for its big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Catania and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Catania is well known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna.

How is Catania different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Catania and Amalfi.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Both Catania and Amalfi offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Amalfi is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Catania or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Catania and Amalfi.

Catania has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Amalfi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Catania or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Catania or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Catania and Amalfi are notable choices for a beach vacation.

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.

Amalfi has a beach worth visiting. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Catania or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

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 Catania or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Catania and Amalfi.

Catania is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Amalfi?

Both Catania and Amalfi are notable shopping destinations.

Catania offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Catania or Amalfi Better for Families?

Catania is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Catania is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Catania or Amalfi Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Amalfi has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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

Is Catania or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Catania or Amalfi Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Catania. 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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Catania can get you around easily. 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 Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Catania or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Catania?

How long in Catania or Amalfi?

Both Catania and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Catania. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Catania, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Catania than Amalfi 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 Catania or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Catania or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi 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 Amalfi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Catania or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. In Amalfi, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Amalfi?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Catania and Amalfi, 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 Catania or Amalfi?

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 Catania or Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amalfi in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Catania is a little warmer than Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amalfi this time of the year. In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Catania as well as Amalfi. Many visitors come to Catania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Catania is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Catania usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Amalfi. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Amalfi in the Winter?

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

In January, Catania is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In January, Catania usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Catania during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

Catania is a little warmer than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. In the spring, Catania often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Catania