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

Should you visit Catania or Pisa?

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

Catania

Catania is a fun, historic, and lively port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Pisa

Pisa is a classic, charming, and iconic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Catania and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Pisa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Catania than Pisa. Catania is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Catania is better known for its food, hiking, and big city activities, while Pisa is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Catania is well known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Catania different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pisa 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 Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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 Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Catania or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Catania and Pisa.

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.

Pisa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Catania or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Catania and Pisa are notable 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.

Pisa has a beach worth visiting. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Is Catania or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa 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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

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 Pisa Better for Hiking?

Catania is a great port city for hiking. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Pisa?

Pisa 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.

Pisa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Catania is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Catania or Pisa Better for Couples?

Both Catania and Pisa are notable 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.

Pisa is a good port city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Catania or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Pisa are great 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 Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Catania or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is very popular for students. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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.

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

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

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.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Catania or Pisa a more walkable city?

Catania and Pisa both are great 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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Catania?

How long in Catania or Pisa?

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

Families should spend more time in Catania than Pisa. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa than Catania 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 Pisa.

One day in Catania or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Catania. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Pisa, you'll find nightlife 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 Pisa?

Catania is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Pisa, 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 Pisa has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Pisa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Catania. This port city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

The historic port city of Catania offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. 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 Pisa, we can see that Catania 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 Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Catania or Pisa?

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

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 Pisa in the Summer?

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

Catania is a little warmer than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. 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 Pisa. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in July than Pisa. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa 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. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In the autumn, Catania is a little warmer than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. It's quite rainy in Catania. In October, Catania usually receives less rain than Pisa. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Catania or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Catania is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

Catania usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pisa. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Pisa. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Catania is a little warmer than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 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 Pisa during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Catania usually receives less rain than Pisa. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Catania