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

Should you visit Marbella or Taormina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Taormina, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a high energy, ritzy, and glamorous resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marbella and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Taormina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Taormina are both popular with visitors, Marbella has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Taormina is known for its museums, food, and small town charm. Marbella is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Marbella different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

Taormina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Taormina is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Marbella is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

Taormina offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Marbella or Taormina Better for Music?

Marbella is a great resort town for its music scene. However, Taormina is not a live music destination.

Marbella has a thriving music scene. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Taormina is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Taormina Better for Resorts?

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

Marbella is a world class resort vacation destination. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

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 Marbella or Taormina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marbella is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Taormina Better for Beaches?

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

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

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 Marbella or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Marbella is a resort town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Marbella has an old town worth visiting. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Taormina?

Marbella is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Marbella specifically to go shopping. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. 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 Marbella or Taormina Better for Families?

Marbella is a great resort town for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marbella. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Taormina Better for Couples?

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

Marbella is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella is a resort town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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

Taormina is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Taormina has some public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Taormina a more walkable city?

Marbella and Taormina are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Taormina?

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

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

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

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

One day in Marbella or Taormina?

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

A weekend in Marbella or Taormina?

Marbella is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Taormina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Taormina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Taormina?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Taormina is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Marbella or Taormina?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Taormina?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Taormina. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Taormina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

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

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Taormina. Marbella 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 Marbella or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Taormina. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Taormina in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Marbella 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 Marbella or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Taormina in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Taormina. Marbella 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 Marbella or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marbella is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Taormina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

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

Marbella usually gets more rain in April than Taormina. Marbella 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 Marbella