A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Palermo vs. Catania for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Palermo or Catania?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Catania can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Palermo

Palermo is a colorful, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Palermo and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Catania?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Catania than Palermo. While Palermo is larger than Catania, Catania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Catania is more popular for its food, historical sights, and hiking, while Palermo is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Palermo and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture.

How is Palermo different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Palermo or Catania.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Catania is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Palermo or Catania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Catania have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Palermo or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Both Palermo and Catania are superb when it comes to partying.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Catania has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Palermo or Catania Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Catania Better for Beaches?

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

Palermo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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 Palermo or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Catania is a port city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Catania offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is Palermo or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Catania?

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

Palermo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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 Palermo or Catania Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Catania are superb to visit with kids.

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Catania is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Palermo or Catania Better for Couples?

Both Palermo and Catania are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

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

Is Palermo or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Catania is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Palermo or Catania Better for Students?

Catania is a well-known place for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Is Palermo 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. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Catania. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Catania a more walkable city?

Palermo and Catania both are superb when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

Catania is very walkable. 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 Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Catania Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Catania or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palermo or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palermo 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 Palermo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Catania than Palermo 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 Palermo or Catania?

In Palermo, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Palermo or Catania?

In Palermo, 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 Palermo has to offer.

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 Palermo or Catania?

Palermo is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

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 Palermo or Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Catania, we can see that Catania is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Catania?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Catania in the Summer?

Both Catania and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), 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 Palermo. Palermo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Catania. Palermo 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 Palermo or Catania in the Autumn?

Both Catania and Palermo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Catania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Catania in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Catania. Palermo gets 204 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. Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Catania in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Catania. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

In the winter, Palermo is a little warmer than Catania. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Catania averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Palermo usually receives less sunshine than Catania during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Catania. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Catania in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Catania. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), 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 Palermo this time of the year. In the spring, Palermo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Catania. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Catania. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Catania and Palermo