A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palermo vs. Playa de las Americas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Palermo or Playa de las Americas?

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 Playa de las Americas 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.

Where Should I go: Palermo or Playa de las Americas?

Palermo

Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.

Playa de las Americas

If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas or Palermo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Palermo is €92, while the average daily cost in Playa de las Americas is €195. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Palermo and Playa de las Americas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Palermo 56
    Playa de las Americas 115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Palermo 112
    Playa de las Americas 230
Compare Hotels in Palermo and Playa de las Americas

Looking for a hotel in Palermo or Playa de las Americas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Palermo


Hotels in Playa de las Americas


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Palermo Hotel Prices and Playa de las Americas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Palermo 5.64
    Playa de las Americas 56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:


  • Bus to Monreale
    3.00
  • Bus From Airport
    6.00
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    1.30
  • Short Taxi Ride
    4.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Verdura Resort Sciacca or vice versa: $233
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Resort: $214
  • Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176
  • Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
  • Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from Adler SPA Resort Sicily: $149
  • Private Transfer Trapani or San Vito lo Capo to Palermo Airport by Car or Van: $146
  • Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo: $131
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Santa Flavia: $124
  • Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from San Vito Lo Capo, Macari: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Marsala port or vice versa: $109
  • Transfers From / to Palermo Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Palermo or Playa de las Americas?

Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas and Palermo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Palermo 29
    Playa de las Americas 45
Typical Food Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    32
  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.

  • Street Food Tour: $42
  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
  • Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
  • Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
  • Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
  • Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
  • Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
  • Sicilian Cooking Class: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Palermo 17
    Playa de las Americas 30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    6.00
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    12
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    49

Tours and Activities in Palermo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:

  • 4 Hours Private Architectural Tour in Palermo: $165
  • Agrigento - Private Tour to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo: $295
  • Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $133
  • Ballaro 'street food market tour & Santa Rosalia Sanctuary: $208
  • Cappella Palatina and Palazzo dei Normanni Tour: $91
  • Captivating Agrigento Sunset Tour of Valle dei Templi: $43
  • Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $192
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $152
  • Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $38
  • Eating Street Food & Market Tour: $117
  • English or Spanish tour to immersive museum + lunch: $37
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Palermo 11
    Playa de las Americas 8.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    2.56
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    11

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:

  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
  • Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
  • Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
  • From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Playa de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Palermo or Playa de las Americas?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Playa de las Americas, 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 Playa de las Americas?

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 Palermo or Playa de las Americas in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Playa de las Americas. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa de las Americas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Playa de las Americas. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 268 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets more rain in July than Playa de las Americas. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Palermo 25°C (76°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?

Both Playa de las Americas and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

Palermo is cooler than Playa de las Americas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa de las Americas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Palermo 20°C (67°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?

Both Playa de las Americas and Palermo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Palermo is much colder than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets less sunshine than Playa de las Americas. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 191 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets more rain in January than Playa de las Americas. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Palermo 12°C (53°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Palermo or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Playa de las Americas. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

In April, Palermo is generally cooler than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa de las Americas this time of the year. In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Palermo 15°C (58°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Palermo

Palermo Playa de las Americas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 42 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)