A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Ravenna for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Granada or Ravenna?

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

Should I visit Granada or Ravenna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Ravenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Granada than Ravenna. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Granada is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Granada is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also well known for The Alhambra. Ravenna is famous for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Granada different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Granada or Ravenna?

Granada is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Granada are world-renowned. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Is the Food Better in Granada or Ravenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ravenna is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ravenna. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Granada is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Granada has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Granada or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Granada is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Ravenna Better for Hiking?

Granada is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Ravenna?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Granada and Ravenna.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Ravenna offers some nice shopping areas. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Granada or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Ravenna is a very family-friendly destination. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Ravenna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Ravenna make for a superb place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Granada or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Granada or Ravenna Better for Students?

Granada is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

Many students visit Granada. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

Is Granada or Ravenna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Granada and Ravenna.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Granada or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Granada and Ravenna are superb when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Ravenna is a very walkable city. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Ravenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Granada?

How long in Granada or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada than Ravenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ravenna.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Ravenna 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 Granada.

One day in Granada or Ravenna?

In Granada, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Ravenna is a small town with plenty to do. This town 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 Granada or Ravenna?

In Granada, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Granada has to offer.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ravenna has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Ravenna?

Granada 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.

Ravenna is a great place to explore. 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 Granada or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. Since Ravenna is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Ravenna, we can see that Granada is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Granada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Granada than you might in Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Ravenna?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Ravenna, 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 Granada or Ravenna?

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 Granada or Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Ravenna averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Granada during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Granada usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ravenna. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Ravenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Ravenna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ravenna. Granada is much warmer than Ravenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Granada as well as Ravenna. Many travelers come to Granada for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Ravenna in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Ravenna averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Ravenna. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Granada