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

Should you visit Ios or Catania?

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

Should I visit Ios or Catania? 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.

Ios

Ios is a party-oriented, vibrant, and beautiful island. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling.

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful port 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.

Ios and Catania: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to Mount Etna
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Ios or Catania?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Catania than Ios, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Catania is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Ios is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ios is well known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. 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 Ios different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ios
Catania

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Ios and Catania.

Ios offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

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 Ios or Catania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ios
Catania

Catania is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Catania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Ios has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Ios or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Ios
Catania

Ios 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.

Ios is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios or Catania Better for Resorts?

Ios
Catania

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ios. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Catania is not a resort destination.


Is Ios or Catania Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios
Catania

Ios is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Catania Better for Beaches?

Ios
Catania

Ios 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, Ios is a very popular vacation destination. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

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 Ios or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Ios
Catania

Catania is a popular place for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

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.

Ios does not have a historic old town.


Is Ios or Catania Better for Hiking?

Ios
Catania

Catania is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Ios. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Catania?

Ios
Catania

Both Ios and Catania are notable shopping destinations.

Ios offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

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 Ios or Catania Better for Families?

Ios
Catania

Catania is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.


Is Ios or Catania Better for Couples?

Ios
Catania

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

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

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 Ios or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios
Catania

Ios 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 Ios. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

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 Ios or Catania Better for Students?

Ios
Catania

Catania is notable for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Catania is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Ios is not popular with students.


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

Ios
Catania

Both Ios and Catania offer great public transit options.

Ios has some very good public transit options. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

The public transit in Catania can get you to most 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.

Is Ios or Catania a more walkable city?

Ios
Catania

Catania is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Catania or Ios?

How long in Ios or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ios or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ios than Catania because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

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

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


  • How many days in Ios or Catania? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ios 1-3 
    Catania 1-2

One day in Ios or Catania?

In Ios, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With nightlife and food around the historic destination of Catania, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Ios or Catania?

In Ios, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ios has to offer.

Many people visit Catania for a weekend. With food and shopping around the lively port city of Catania, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Catania?

Ios 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.

The destination of Catania offers shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

A week in Ios or Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Ios. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Catania, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Catania or Ios?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ios is €91, while the average daily cost in Catania is €120. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ios and Catania in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ios 39
    Catania 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ios 78
    Catania 130
Compare Hotels in Ios and Catania

Looking for a hotel in Ios or Catania? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ios


Hotels in Catania


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ios Hotel Prices and Catania Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ios 16
    Catania 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ios

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ios:

  • 1-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to the Greek Islands: $2,417

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Catania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Catania:

  • Sicily: Catania Airport Bus Transfer to Giardini Naxos: $5.99
  • Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Syracuse: $6.63
  • Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Taormina: $7.49
  • Sicily: Catania Airport Bus Transfer to Licata: $9.84
  • Private Transfer from Catania Airport (CTA) to Siracusa Port: $44
  • Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Catania and Acireale: $52
  • Mt Etna: Winter Trekking Tour with Optional Catania Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from Catania Airport (CTA) to Messina Port: $61
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Catania: $63
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER from CATANIA to TAORMINA (and VICEVERSA): $69
  • Catania Private Transfer (Taormina, Siracusa, Noto, Messina, Naxos, Etna, etc): $71
  • Private taxi TRANSFER from Catania airport/city to GIARDINI NAXOS (or viceversa): $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Ios or Catania?

Prices for flights to both Catania and Ios change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ios 33
    Catania 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Catania

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Catania.

  • Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre: $38
  • Catania Street Food Tour: $52
  • Cooking class & visit to the Catania Historical market: $59
  • Patisserie Food tour: $60
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $63
  • Food tour of Catania by night: $64
  • Catania Street Food Tour: $67
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $73
  • Aci Trezza boat tour with dinner on board: $85
  • Cooking Class Tiramisù: $95
  • Cooking Class Arancini in Catania: $96
  • Cooking class Pizza: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ios 26
    Catania 19

Tours and Activities in Ios

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ios are as follows:

  • Ios Island Trekking Tours: Discover Ios Unexplored: $27
  • Ios Island: Speedboat Cruise from Mylopotas Beach: $52
  • 4-Hour Cruise of the Best Beaches: $63
  • From RIB Boat Trip to Sikinos Island and Winery Tour: $84
  • Electric Bike Tour Chora to Homer's Tomp: $109
  • Electric Bike Tour Chora to Diaseli Cheesery: $109
  • 5 -6 Hour Private Chora E-Bike Tours: $131
  • Private Orienteering Experience in Mylopotas: $163

Tours and Activities in Catania

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Catania are as follows:

  • One-way tickets to travel between airport and city: $2.69
  • Benedictine Monastery of Guided tour in English: $11
  • Heart of the City Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • The heart of the City - Guided tour in Italian: $21
  • Underground Catania Tickets and Guided Tour: $21
  • the heart of the City - Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $24
  • City Highlights Tour with Guide: $27
  • Food Tasting Tour in an ancient church: $35
  • Tasting tour in the ancient church of Piazza Scammacca: $35
  • Pozzo di Gaspare Farm Guided Tour with Tastings: $37
  • 2 hours guided tour of Catania: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ios 33
    Catania 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Ios

Also in Ios, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bar Crawl Ios Ticket in Cyclades: $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Catania

Also in Catania, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Volcanic Wine Tasting in a Metropolitan Market: $48
  • Wine Tasting in the South Slope of Etna: $50
  • Etna: Urban Winery, Vineyards Walk & Wine Tasting at Sunset: $62
  • Wine tour in Catania: $102
  • Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania: $116
  • Full-Day Etna and Wine Tour from Catania: $126
  • From Mt.Etna picnic and wine tasting: $128
  • Guided Tour of Etna with Wine Tasting & Appetizers: $139
  • Etna trekking and wine tasting: $147
  • Tour Etna & Wine Tasting: $158
  • Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting: $265
  • From Catania/Taormina: Mount Etna Private Wine Tasting Tour: $433


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ios or Catania?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.