A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Hiking

Should you visit Catania or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic 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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Catania and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Santiago de Compostela?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Catania. While Catania is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Catania is more popular for its food, beaches, and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Catania and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Catania is well known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna.

How is Catania different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Santiago de Compostela are among the most recognizable in the world. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Santiago de Compostela has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Catania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Catania and Santiago de Compostela.

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.

Santiago de Compostela has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Catania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Catania is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Catania is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular 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.

Santiago de Compostela has a world-famous historical area. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Catania. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Catania is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Catania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Both Catania and Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good port city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Catania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

Is Catania or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Catania is well known for students. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Catania is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

It's common for students to visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

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

Catania is well known for its public transit. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Catania has some very good public transit options. 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.

While Santiago de Compostela offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Catania or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Catania and Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Catania Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Catania?

How long in Catania or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

One day in Catania or Santiago de Compostela?

The port city of Catania offers museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

In Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

The historic destination of Catania offers nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Catania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Catania. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Catania is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Catania as well as Santiago de Compostela. The autumn months attract visitors to Catania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the autumn, Catania is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Catania is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Catania usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Catania during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

Catania is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. In the spring, Catania often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Catania