A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Catania vs. Naples for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Catania or Naples?

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 Naples 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.

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Catania and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Naples?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Catania than Naples. While Naples is larger than Catania, Catania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Catania is more popular for its beaches and hiking, while Naples is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Catania is more touristy than Naples and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

How is Catania different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples 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 Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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 Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Catania and Naples offer terrific 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, Naples is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Catania or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Catania and Naples.

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.

Naples has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Catania or Naples Better for Beaches?

Catania is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples 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 Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

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 Naples Better for Hiking?

Catania is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Naples?

Naples 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.

Naples is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples Better for Families?

Catania is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Catania or Naples Better for Couples?

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

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Naples are excellent destinations for backpackers.

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 and backpackers visit Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Catania or Naples Better for Students?

Catania is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Both Catania and Naples offer excellent public transit options.

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.

Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Catania or Naples a more walkable city?

Catania and Naples both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Catania is a very walkable port city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Catania?

How long in Catania or Naples?

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

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

One day in Catania or Naples?

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.

Because Naples 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. One reason most visitors come is for the 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 Naples?

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.

Because Naples 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. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Naples has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Naples?

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.

Naples 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 Naples?

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 Naples. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Naples?

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

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Naples. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Catania is a little warmer than Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Catania in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples 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 Naples during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Catania or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Catania as well as Naples. Many travelers come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Naples in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Catania is generally a little warmer than Naples. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

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

Should I visit Catania or Naples in the Winter?

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

Catania is a little warmer than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

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

Should I visit Catania or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Catania during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Naples because of the activities around the city.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Naples and Catania