A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Taormina for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lagos or Taormina?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Taormina. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a dramatic, vibrant, and beautiful resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Taormina

Taormina is a historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Lagos and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Taormina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Taormina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Taormina is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Lagos is more touristy than Taormina and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Taormina is well known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Lagos different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lagos or Taormina?

Taormina is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Lagos and Taormina offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Taormina has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Lagos or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Taormina.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Many people head to Taormina for the nightlife scene. 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 Lagos or Taormina Better for Resorts?

Lagos is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Lagos is a world class resort vacation destination. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

There are plenty of resorts in Taormina to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Is Lagos or Taormina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a great resort town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lagos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Lagos is very popular for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Lagos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Is Lagos or Taormina Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a great resort town for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Taormina?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Taormina and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Taormina. 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 Lagos or Taormina Better for Families?

Lagos is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos or Taormina Better for Couples?

Lagos is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Lagos is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Lagos or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy 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 Lagos or Taormina Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Taormina is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Taormina a more walkable city?

Taormina is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Lagos or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lagos due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 2-4 days is enough time in Taormina.

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Taormina?

The beautiful resort town of Lagos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Even though Taormina is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lagos or Taormina?

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Lagos or Taormina?

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lagos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Taormina is a fun place to experience. Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Taormina?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches 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 resort town offers something for everyone.

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Taormina?

Lagos has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos or Taormina?

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 Lagos or Taormina in the Summer?

Both Taormina and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Taormina. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Taormina. The autumn months attract visitors to Lagos because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

Lagos is a little warmer than Taormina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives around the same amount of rain as Taormina. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Taormina in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Taormina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Taormina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Taormina. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Taormina in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Taormina. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Lagos