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

Should you visit Granada or Taormina?

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

Should I visit Granada or Taormina? 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 cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Taormina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Granada than Taormina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Granada is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Taormina is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Granada is well known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra. Taormina is well known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Granada different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Granada has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Taormina 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 Taormina. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

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 Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Taormina have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

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

The people in Taormina know how to have a good time. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Is Granada or Taormina Better for Resorts?

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Granada is not a resort destination.

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Granada is not a resort destination.

Is Granada or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Taormina is a popular place for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

Taormina is a good option for a beach vacation. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Granada is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Granada has a world-famous historical area. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Taormina Better for Hiking?

Granada is a great city for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. 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.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Taormina?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Granada and Taormina.

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.

Taormina offers some nice shopping areas. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Granada or Taormina Better for Families?

Granada is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Granada offers lots of family activities. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Granada or Taormina Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Taormina make for a excellent 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 Taormina frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Granada or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

Is Granada or Taormina Better for Students?

Granada is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Granada and Taormina.

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 Taormina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Granada or Taormina a more walkable city?

Granada and Taormina are excellent 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.

Taormina is a very walkable city. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Granada?

How long in Granada or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Granada or Taormina. In our opinion, Granada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Granada than Taormina. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Taormina 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 Taormina?

The beautiful city of Granada offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Taormina?

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

Taormina 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. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Taormina has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Taormina?

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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.

Taormina 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 Granada or Taormina?

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums 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 city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Granada and Taormina, we can see that Granada 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 Granada Expensive? and Is Taormina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Taormina?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Taormina, 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 Taormina?

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 Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Taormina. Many visitors come to Granada in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Taormina. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Taormina. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Granada is around the same temperature as Taormina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Granada usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Granada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In the winter, Granada is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Taormina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Taormina. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in April than Taormina. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Granada