A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. Rijeka for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Catania or Rijeka?

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

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful 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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Catania and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania than Rijeka, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Catania is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Catania different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Catania and Rijeka.

Catania offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rijeka. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Catania is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Catania or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Catania and Rijeka.

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.

Rijeka has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Catania or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Catania is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Catania or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Catania is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Catania offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Catania or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Catania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Rijeka?

Both Catania and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Catania or Rijeka Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Catania or Rijeka.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rijeka. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Catania or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Both Catania and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is a good port city for couples to visit. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Catania or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Catania is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Catania or Rijeka Better for Students?

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

Catania is very popular with students. 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 Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Catania. 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.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Catania or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Catania is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Catania?

How long in Catania or Rijeka?

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

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

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 Rijeka, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Rijeka?

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

Five days in Catania or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful 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 Rijeka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Catania and Rijeka, we can see that Catania is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In the summer, Catania is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Catania in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Catania during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Catania is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Catania is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Catania as well as Rijeka. Many visitors come to Catania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Catania is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°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 Rijeka. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Catania