A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Catania vs. Livorno for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Catania or Livorno?

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

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.

Livorno

Livorno is a waterfront, friendly, and down-to-earth 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 food, shopping, and nightlife.

Catania and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Livorno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania than Livorno, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Catania is more touristy than Livorno and is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Livorno is popular for its large port and its great seafood.

How is Catania different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Catania is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

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

Catania is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Catania or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

Catania is great for its evening party scene. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is Catania or Livorno Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Is Catania or Livorno Better for its Old Town?

Catania is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Livorno does not have a historic old town.

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.

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is Catania or Livorno Better for Hiking?

Catania is great for hiking. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Livorno?

Both Catania and Livorno 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.

Livorno has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Catania or Livorno Better for Families?

Catania is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Catania. 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.

Livorno is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Catania or Livorno Better for Couples?

Both Catania and Livorno 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.

Livorno is a good port city for couples to visit. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Catania or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is Catania or Livorno Better for Students?

Catania is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is not popular with students.

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

Catania is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

The public transit in Catania can get you to most 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.

Livorno has a few public transit options. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Catania or Livorno a more walkable city?

Catania is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Catania?

How long in Catania or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Catania or Livorno 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 Livorno. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Catania than Livorno. 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 Livorno. 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 Livorno 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 Livorno?

In Catania, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Livorno, you'll find shopping and nightlife. This port 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 Livorno?

In Catania, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Catania has to offer.

In Livorno, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Livorno has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Livorno?

Catania is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Livorno 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 Livorno?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Catania. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Livorno. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Livorno. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Livorno?

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

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 Catania or Livorno in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Catania as well as Livorno. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Livorno for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Catania is a little warmer than Livorno. Typically, the summer temperatures in Catania in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Livorno averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Livorno. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the summer, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in July than Livorno. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Livorno in the Autumn?

Both Livorno and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Livorno in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Catania is generally a little warmer than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno during autumn. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Livorno. It's quite rainy in Catania. In October, Catania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Livorno. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Catania or Livorno in the Winter?

Both Livorno and Catania during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Catania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Livorno for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Catania is a little warmer than Livorno in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Catania often gets more sunshine than Livorno. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Livorno. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Livorno in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Livorno. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Livorno because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Catania is a little warmer than Livorno. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Livorno averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Catania usually receives less rain than Livorno. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Livorno and Catania