A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. Saint-Etienne for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Catania or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Catania and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Saint-Etienne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Catania than Saint-Etienne. Catania is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Catania is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Catania different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Catania and Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Catania or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is an amazing port city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Catania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Catania is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Catania is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Catania offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Catania is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Catania. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Catania is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Saint-Etienne?

Catania is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Catania. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Catania is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Catania is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Catania is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit Catania. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne 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, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Catania can get you to some 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Catania or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Catania is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable port city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Catania Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Catania?

How long in Catania or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Catania than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Catania. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Saint-Etienne has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Catania. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Catania. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Catania and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Catania or Saint-Etienne?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Catania and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Catania as well as Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Catania is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the summer, Catania often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Catania is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Catania. In October, Catania usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Catania or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Catania during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Catania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. In January, Catania is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Catania often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Saint-Etienne. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

Catania is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Catania usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Catania