A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. Calais for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Catania or Calais?

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 Calais can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic 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.

Catania and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Catania is more touristy than Calais and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Catania different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calais 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 Calais?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Catania and Calais.

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 Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Catania is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Catania or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Catania is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Catania or Calais Better for Beaches?

Catania and Calais are good 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.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Catania or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Catania is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Catania offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Catania or Calais Better for Hiking?

Catania is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Catania. 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Calais?

Both Catania and Calais are good 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.

Calais has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Catania or Calais Better for Families?

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

Catania is known to be 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Catania or Calais Better for Couples?

Both Catania and Calais are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Catania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Calais is a good port city for couples to visit. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Catania or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Catania is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Catania or Calais Better for Students?

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

Catania is a very popular port 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Catania. 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 Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Catania or Calais a more walkable city?

Catania is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Catania?

How long in Catania or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Catania and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Calais than in Catania. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Catania, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

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

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 Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Catania or Calais?

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 Calais, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Calais?

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.

Calais is a great place to explore. 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 Catania or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun 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 Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Calais?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Catania and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Catania is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Catania in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Calais. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Calais in the Autumn?

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

In October, Catania is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than Calais. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Calais in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. Catania is much warmer than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives more rain than Calais. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Catania during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Catania is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. In the spring, Catania often gets more sunshine than Calais. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Calais. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Catania