A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Corfu vs. Catania for Food, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Corfu or Catania?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Corfu or Catania, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Corfu

Corfu is a striking, relaxing, and stunning island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

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.

Corfu and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Corfu or Catania?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Catania than Corfu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Catania is better known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Corfu is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Corfu is well known for its charming villages, gorgeous beaches, and pristine landscape. Catania is well known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna.

How is Corfu different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Catania and Corfu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Corfu or Catania?

Catania is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Corfu and Catania both to be terrific destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Corfu is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The island's local dishes are heavily influenced by the surrounding areas. You'll find similarities to Greek and Venetian dishes as well France and Mediterranean flavors. Common ingredients include wine, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and several traditional dishes that you should try include pastitsado (red wine stew), sofrito (garlic seasoned beef), and veal fricando (roasted veal).

Many restaurants in Catania have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Is Corfu or Catania Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Corfu and Catania.

The nightlife in Corfu has something for everybody. It's a large island that attracts a number of students, so you can expect a party during the summer months. The most popular areas for nightlife are Kavos, Ipsos, Kontokali, and Sidari. You'll also find clubs in many of the resorts and there are often all night parties even during the off seasons.

Catania offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Corfu or Catania Better for Resorts?

Corfu is very popular for its resorts. However, Catania is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Corfu is a perfect choice. The diversity of resorts, from family-friendly to romantic or all-inclusive, means there really is something for everyone. There are also a number of villages so you can find a location that perfectly lines up with your needs.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Corfu or Catania Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Corfu 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 Corfu. The island is large enough that it has a number of spots to choose from. One of the most beautiful is Afionas, in Port Timone. It's only accessible by boat or a 45 minute hike. Paleokastritsa is a more accessible snorkeling and dive area with facilities and luxury villas where you can stay. For scuba diving, you can also head to Agni, but the busy boat traffic means it's not the best place for snorkeling.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Corfu or Catania Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Corfu is a very popular vacation destination. The island is known for its stunning beaches which offer a diversity of settings ranging from family-friendly to natural or party-focused. The most famous beach resort area is Paleokastritsa but other nice places include Pelekas, Agios Gordis, and Glyfada. On the western side of the island you'll find mostly long sandy beaches and on the eastern side you'll find more pebble beaches.

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 Corfu or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Catania is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Corfu 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.

Corfu does not have a historic old town.

Is Corfu or Catania Better for Hiking?

Corfu 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 Corfu specifically for its hiking. The stunning natural beauty of the island means you'll find some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Greek Isles. From the lush green rolling hills to the striking blue waters, there are many places to soak up this island's idyllic setting. The island is also rich in plant life and you'll find more than 30 species of orchids here. Popular hiking trails include Vlacherna Trail (good for beginners and families), Mount Pantokrator Trail (the most challenging on the island), and Old Town Hiking Trail which takes you through the history of the area.

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 Corfu or Catania?

Corfu 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.

Corfu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find most of the shops concentrated in Corfu Town. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and items made from olive wood.

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 Corfu or Catania Better for Families?

Corfu is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Corfu is one of the most popular family destinations. Because it is so beautiful with amazing beaches, it makes an ideal destination for kids and adults. There are many places where kids can swim as well as a number of great activities for everyone. The whole family will enjoy glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding, and even a visit to the popular Hydropolis Waterpark. There are also a huge number of kid-friendly resorts around the island.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Catania. 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.

Is Corfu or Catania Better for Couples?

Corfu 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, Corfu has plenty to offer. It's idyllic natural setting and stunning beaches make this a truly romantic island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for newlyweds from around the world. There are luxury hotels and resorts that have spas, pools, and fine dining options. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a more adventurous experience, you'll find it all here.

Catania is a good island for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Corfu or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Corfu and Catania are excellent places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Corfu. The island is a favorite, particularly during the crowded summer months. There are a number of hostels where backpackers can stay and an active nightlife if that's your style. There are also quiet and more peaceful settings if you want to escape the crowds.

Catania is a very popular island 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.

Is Corfu or Catania Better for Students?

Catania is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Corfu is not popular with students.

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.

Corfu is not popular with students.

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

Corfu and Catania both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

The public transit in Corfu can get you around easily. There's a decent public bus system on the island. The blue buses stay near Corfu Town while the green buses go further around the island.

Catania offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Is Corfu or Catania a more walkable city?

Corfu and Catania are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Corfu is a very walkable island. It's easy to walk around Corfu Town, and if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach there's really no need for a car.

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Catania or Corfu?

How long in Corfu or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Corfu or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Corfu than Catania because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Corfu, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

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

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

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

One day in Corfu or Catania?

In Corfu, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Corfu or Catania?

In Corfu, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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.

Five days in Corfu or Catania?

Corfu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Corfu has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in Corfu or Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Corfu. In Corfu, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Corfu or Catania?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Corfu and Catania, 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 Corfu or Catania?

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 Corfu or Catania in the Summer?

Both Catania and Corfu during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Corfu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Corfu is around the same temperature as Catania in the summer. The daily temperature in Corfu averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Catania fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Corfu. In the summer, Corfu often gets more sunshine than Catania. Corfu gets 358 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun.

Corfu usually gets more rain in July than Catania. Corfu gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Corfu or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Corfu and Catania. The autumn months attract visitors to Corfu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

In the autumn, Corfu is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Corfu in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Catania averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Corfu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during autumn. Corfu gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Corfu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Corfu usually receives more rain than Catania. Corfu gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Corfu or Catania in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Corfu as well as Catania. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Corfu this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Corfu is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Corfu average around 10°C (49°F), and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Corfu often gets less sunshine than Catania. Corfu gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun.

Corfu receives a lot of rain in the winter. Corfu usually gets more rain in January than Catania. Corfu gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Corfu or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania and Corfu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Corfu for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Catania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Corfu is around the same temperature as Catania in the spring. The daily temperature in Corfu averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Catania fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. Corfu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during spring. Corfu gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Corfu usually receives more rain than Catania. Corfu gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Catania and Corfu