A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Palermo vs. Ravenna for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Palermo or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna 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 diverse, dynamic, and fun 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a historic, off-the-beaten-path, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Ravenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo than Ravenna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palermo is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is known for its museums and small town charm. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral. Ravenna is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Palermo different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

Ravenna is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Is the Food Better in Palermo or Ravenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palermo and Ravenna offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ravenna. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Palermo or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Palermo or Ravenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Palermo is a very popular place for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Palermo for it's beautiful 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Ravenna?

Palermo is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Palermo is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Palermo or Ravenna Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Ravenna are very good 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.

Ravenna is a very family-friendly destination. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Palermo or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Ravenna is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Ravenna is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Palermo or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Ravenna are good destinations for backpackers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Palermo or Ravenna Better for Students?

Palermo is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

Is Palermo or Ravenna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ravenna is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Ravenna has a few public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

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 Ravenna a more walkable city?

Palermo and Ravenna both are very good 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.

Ravenna is very walkable. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Ravenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palermo or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palermo than Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palermo than Ravenna 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 Palermo.

One day in Palermo or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a small town with plenty to do. This town 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ravenna has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a great place to explore. 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. Since Ravenna is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 comparing the travel costs between Palermo and Ravenna, we can see that Palermo 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 Palermo Expensive? and Is Ravenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Ravenna?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna and Palermo during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Ravenna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Ravenna. Many travelers come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Palermo is a little warmer than Ravenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In October, Palermo usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Ravenna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Ravenna. Many visitors come to Palermo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ravenna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Palermo is much warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Ravenna averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Palermo usually gets more rain in January than Ravenna. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Ravenna in the Spring?

Both Ravenna and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm.

In April, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Palermo