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

Should you visit Catania or Split?

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

Catania

Catania is a lively, youthful, and fun 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.

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic 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.

Catania and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Catania. While Catania is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Catania is more popular for its food and hiking. Split is more touristy than Catania and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Catania is well known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna.

How is Catania different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Split 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 Split specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Catania or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Split is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

Catania has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Catania or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is notable for its resorts. However, Catania is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Split. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Catania or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Catania or Split Better for Beaches?

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

Split is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

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 Split Better for its Old Town?

Catania and Split are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

Split has an old town worth visiting. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is Catania or Split Better for Hiking?

Catania is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

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.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Split?

Split 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.

Split is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Split Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Catania or Split.

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 Split. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Catania or Split Better for Couples?

Split is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Split has plenty to offer. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is very popular for backpackers. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Split. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Catania or Split Better for Students?

Catania and Split are both high quality 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.

Split is a great port city to visit as a student. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

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

Catania is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Catania or Split a more walkable city?

Catania and Split both are high quality 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.

Split is a very walkable destination. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Catania?

How long in Catania or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Catania or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Catania, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split 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 Split.

One day in Catania or Split?

In Catania, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Split, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Split, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Split has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Split?

Catania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Catania. Lots of people come for the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Split is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Split. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Catania and Split, 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 Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Catania or Split?

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

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Catania during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Catania is around the same temperature as Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Catania. In the summer, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in July than Split. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Split. 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 Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Catania is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during autumn. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Catania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Catania usually receives more rain than Split. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Catania or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Catania as well as Split. 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 Split this time of year.

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

In the winter, Catania often gets more sunshine than Split. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in January than Split. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Catania is around the same temperature as Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Catania usually receives less rain than Split. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Catania