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

Should you visit Catania or Girona?

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

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful 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.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Catania and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Girona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Catania than Girona. Catania is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Catania is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Catania is more touristy than Girona and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Catania different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Girona is notable 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.

Many visitors head to Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Catania or Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Catania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Catania or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Catania is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Catania offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Catania or Girona Better for Beaches?

Catania is a good destination for the beache. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona 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.

Girona has a world-famous historical area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona Better for Hiking?

Catania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Girona is not a hiking destination.

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.

Girona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Girona?

Girona is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Catania or Girona Better for Families?

Catania is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Catania or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Catania or Girona Better for Students?

Catania is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Catania is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Catania can get you to some places 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.

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Catania or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Catania?

How long in Catania or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Catania or Girona to fill your time. In our opinion, Catania has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Catania than Girona. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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 Girona, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Girona?

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

Five days in Catania or Girona?

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.

Girona 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.

A week in Catania or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Catania and Girona, we can see that Girona 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 Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona 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 Girona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Catania or Girona?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Catania and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Catania is around the same temperature as Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Girona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Girona during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Girona. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Catania during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Catania is a little warmer than Girona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Girona averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than Girona. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Girona. The winter months attract visitors to Catania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In January, Catania is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives more rain than Girona. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Catania as well as Girona. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the spring, Catania often gets more sunshine than Girona. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Catania