A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Catania for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Old Town

Should you visit Malaga or Catania?

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 Malaga and Catania. 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

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.

Malaga and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Catania?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Catania than Malaga. While Malaga is larger than Catania, Catania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Catania is better known for its museums, food, hiking, and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. 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 Malaga different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Catania is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Catania is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Catania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Malaga or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Malaga 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.

Malaga is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Catania Better for Music?

Malaga is notable for its live music scene. However, Catania is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Catania is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Catania Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga 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 Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Catania Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Catania both offer notable beaches.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Catania is a good option for a beach vacation. 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 Malaga or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is notable for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Malaga or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

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.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Catania?

Both Malaga and Catania are notable shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

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 Malaga or Catania Better for Families?

Catania is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Catania Better for Couples?

Malaga and Catania both notable destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

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

Is Malaga or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga 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 Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga or Catania Better for Students?

Malaga and Catania are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international 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.

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

Catania is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Catania has some very good public transit options. 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.

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Malaga or Catania a more walkable city?

Malaga and Catania both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Catania Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Catania or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Catania because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

Families should spend more time in Catania than Malaga. 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.

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

One day in Malaga or Catania?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Catania?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Catania is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Catania?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun destination of Catania. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Catania?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga or Catania?

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 Malaga or Catania in the Summer?

Both Catania and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Catania in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Catania fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Malaga or Catania in the Autumn?

Both Catania and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Catania. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun.

Catania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Catania in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Catania. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Catania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Catania. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Catania during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Malaga or Catania in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Catania. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Catania in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Catania fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Catania. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Catania and Malaga