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

Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a picturesque, postcard perfect, and glamourous Greek island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, 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.

Mykonos and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Catania?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Catania than Mykonos. While Mykonos is larger than Catania, Catania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Catania is better known for its hiking and big city activities, while Mykonos is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mykonos is more touristy than Catania and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. 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 Mykonos different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Mykonos offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

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 Mykonos or Catania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Mykonos and Catania can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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.

Is Mykonos or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos 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.

Mykonos is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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 Mykonos or Catania Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is very popular for its resorts. However, Catania is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Mykonos is a perfect choice. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Catania Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Catania Better for Beaches?

Mykonos is notable for the beache. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Mykonos is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

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 Mykonos or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is very popular 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.

Mykonos has a world-famous historical area. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

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 Mykonos or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island 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.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Catania?

Mykonos is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Catania Better for Families?

Catania is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek 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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Catania Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Mykonos has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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

Is Mykonos or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Catania Better for Students?

Catania is a well-known place for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Many students visit Catania. 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.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

Is Mykonos 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, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island 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.

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Is Mykonos or Catania a more walkable city?

Mykonos is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Mykonos on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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 Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Catania Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Catania or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mykonos or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mykonos than Catania because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Catania than Mykonos 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 Catania.

One day in Mykonos or Catania?

In Mykonos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This Greek island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Catania, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Mykonos or Catania?

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

In Catania, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Catania has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Catania?

Mykonos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mykonos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Catania is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Mykonos or Catania?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Catania. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, 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 Mykonos and Catania, we can see that Mykonos 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 Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Catania Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Catania?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.