A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. San Sebastian for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Catania or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a fun-filled, beautiful, and splendid city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Catania and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or San Sebastian?

You'll generally find more things to do in Catania than San Sebastian. Catania is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Catania is better known for its historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while San Sebastian is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and shopping. Catania is well known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Catania different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Catania and San Sebastian.

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 San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

Both Catania and San Sebastian 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, San Sebastian is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

Is Catania or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Catania and San Sebastian.

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.

San Sebastian has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Catania or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its resorts. However, Catania is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Sebastian makes a nice vacation spot. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Catania or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is notable for the beache. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

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.

Is Catania or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Catania is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Catania to see the old town. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is Catania or San Sebastian Better for Hiking?

Catania is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 San Sebastian Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Catania or San Sebastian.

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 San Sebastian. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Is Catania or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

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 San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Is Catania or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Catania and San Sebastian are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

San Sebastian is a great port city to visit as a student. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

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

Catania is notable for its public transit. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

San Sebastian has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Catania or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Catania and San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Catania?

How long in Catania or San Sebastian?

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

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Catania. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Sebastian, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Catania than San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 San Sebastian, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Catania or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. 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 San Sebastian has to offer.

Five days in Catania or San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Sebastian. One reason most visitors come is for the food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or San Sebastian?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Catania and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Catania is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Catania during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Catania is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Catania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Catania is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Catania usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Catania as well as San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

Catania is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°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 San Sebastian. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Catania usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Catania