A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. Olympos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Catania or Olympos?

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

Where Should I go: Catania or Olympos?

Catania

Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is at the base of Mount Etna, which is the largest volcano in Europe. It's also the island's second largest city and a major transportation center for the area. With almost one million residents in the metropolitan area, the city serves as an important economic base and university town for Sicily. It's a vibrant city with a young population, a lively downtown, and an excellent nightlife. The city has an abundance of Sicilian Baroque architecture and the downtown area, where much of it is this architecture is concentrated, has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.

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 in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos or Catania?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Catania is €120, while the average daily cost in Olympos is €89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Catania and Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Catania 65
    Olympos 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Catania 130
    Olympos 80
Compare Hotels in Catania and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Catania or Olympos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Catania


Hotels in Olympos


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Catania Hotel Prices and Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Catania 20
    Olympos 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Catania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Catania:

  • From 1-Way Private Airport Transfer to Palermo: $775
  • Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Palermo by Car: $722
  • TAXI Transfer from CATANIA to Capo d'Orlando (or vice versa): $421
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Agrigento: $373
  • Private TAXI transfer from Catania to Agrigento or viceversa: $332
  • Catania Airport to/from Verdura Resort Transfer: $321
  • From Private transfer to Agrigento Temples: $320
  • Private Transfer from Catania to PORTOROSA marina yachting: $310
  • Private Transfer From Catania to Palermo or vice versa: $256
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER from CATANIA to PALERMO (or VICEVERSA): $233
  • Private TAXI transfer from CATANIA to MESSINA or viceversa: $230
  • Private TAXI Transfer from Catania to Comiso (or viceversa): $214

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos

Also for Olympos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Kemer Full Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch and Optional Transfer: $10
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $15
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Kemer Mega Star Boat Trip With Hotel Transfer and Lunch : $20
  • Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $22
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Kemer Horse Riding Experience with Transfer: $39
  • Kemer Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $40
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Catania or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos and Catania change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Catania 41
    Olympos 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Catania

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Catania.

  • Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre: $38
  • Catania Street Food Tour: $52
  • Cooking class & visit to the Catania Historical market: $59
  • Patisserie Food tour: $60
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $63
  • Food tour of Catania by night: $64
  • Catania Street Food Tour: $67
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $73
  • Aci Trezza boat tour with dinner on board: $85
  • Cooking Class Tiramisù: $95
  • Cooking Class Arancini in Catania: $96
  • Cooking class Pizza: $96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos

For Olympos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar : $33
  • Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Catania 19
    Olympos 28

Tours and Activities in Catania

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Catania are as follows:

  • From Catania, Syracuse and Taormina: fly fishing experience: $240
  • Taormina and Castelmola private tour with traditional lunch: $272
  • 2 hours guided tour of Catania: $40
  • 3-Hour Catania Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
  • Agrigento and Piazza Armerina day tour: $131
  • BOAT TOUR WITH APERITIF ON BOARD IN THE CYCLOPS ISLANDS: $64
  • Baroque shades of Sicily (Noto, Modica and Ragusa day tour): $120
  • Benedictine Monastery of Guided tour in English: $11
  • Boat tour to the Ulysses caves with swimming guide: $84
  • Boat trip and tour Savoca and Taormina: $142
  • Catania : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Catania Bike Tour with Tasting food: $182

Tours and Activities in Olympos

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Olympos.

  • Spa Experience in Kemer with Pickup: $18
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Kemer: $20
  • Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
  • 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer Turkey with Two Dives and Lunch: $26
  • Pirate Boat Tour on the Beautiful Bays of Kemer: $27
  • Kemer Scuba Diving Experience: $27
  • Kemer Scuba Diving Experience: Two Dives with Lunch : $30
  • Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
  • Safari Adventure in the mountains from Kemer: $32
  • Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
  • Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Catania 18
    Olympos 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Catania

Also in Catania, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Volcanic Wine Tasting in a Metropolitan Market: $48
  • Wine Tasting in the South Slope of Etna: $50
  • Etna: Urban Winery, Vineyards Walk & Wine Tasting at Sunset: $62
  • Wine tour in Catania: $102
  • Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania: $116
  • Full-Day Etna and Wine Tour from Catania: $126
  • From Mt.Etna picnic and wine tasting: $128
  • Guided Tour of Etna with Wine Tasting & Appetizers: $139
  • Etna trekking and wine tasting: $147
  • Tour Etna & Wine Tasting: $158
  • Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting: $265
  • From Catania/Taormina: Mount Etna Private Wine Tasting Tour: $433


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

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



When is the best time to visit Catania or Olympos?

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 Olympos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Catania as well as Olympos. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Catania is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 26°C (79°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the summer, Catania often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in July than Olympos. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Catania 26°C (79°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Catania or Olympos in the Autumn?

Both Olympos and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Catania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Catania is around the same temperature as Olympos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Olympos fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Olympos. Catania usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during autumn. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Catania. In October, Catania usually receives more rain than Olympos. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Catania 19°C (67°F) 
    Olympos 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Catania or Olympos in the Winter?

Both Olympos and Catania during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

In the winter, Catania is around the same temperature as Olympos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Catania in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Olympos averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Olympos. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets more rain in January than Olympos. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Catania 10°C (51°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Catania or Olympos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Olympos. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Catania is generally cooler than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 15°C (58°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos this time of the year. In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Catania usually receives more rain than Olympos. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Catania 15°C (58°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Catania

Catania Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 128 mm (5 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)