A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. Zaragoza for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Catania or Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a cultural, historical, and compact city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Catania and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Zaragoza?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Catania than Zaragoza. While Zaragoza is larger than Catania, Catania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Catania is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Zaragoza is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Zaragoza and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Zaragoza is popular for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Catania different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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 Zaragoza? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is an amazing port city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Catania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Catania or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Catania is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Catania or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

Catania is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Zaragoza is notable 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

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 Zaragoza Better for Hiking?

Catania is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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 Zaragoza Better for Families?

Catania is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Catania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly port city. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Catania or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

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

Zaragoza is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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 Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is notable for backpackers. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Zaragoza is a good port city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Catania or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Catania is notable for students. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

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

Both Catania and Zaragoza offer excellent public transit options.

The public transit in Catania can get you around 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.

Zaragoza offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams around the city.

Is Catania or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Catania and Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Catania?

How long in Catania or Zaragoza?

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

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

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

The port city of Catania offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

Catania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Catania, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Zaragoza, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zaragoza has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Zaragoza?

Catania is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

Catania is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. This port city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zaragoza. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zaragoza. 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Catania and Zaragoza, we can see that Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Catania or Zaragoza?

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

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Zaragoza. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

Both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Catania is generally a little warmer than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Zaragoza. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Zaragoza in the Winter?

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

Catania is a little warmer than Zaragoza in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Zaragoza during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Zaragoza in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Catania is around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the spring, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets more rain in April than Zaragoza. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Catania