A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Catania for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Catania, 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful, stunning, and cultural island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Catania

Catania is a lively, youthful, and fun port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Catania than Palma de Mallorca. While Palma de Mallorca is larger than Catania, Catania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Catania is very popular for its museums, food, hiking, and big city activities, while Palma de Mallorca attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Catania and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Catania is famous for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also well known for Mount Etna.

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

Catania is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Catania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Catania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for its live music scene. However, Catania is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Palma de Mallorca. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Catania is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for its resorts. However, Catania is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Palma de Mallorca. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for the beache. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Palma de Mallorca is a very popular vacation destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca and Catania both have nice historical old towns that attract visitors.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for visiting its old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Many people head to Catania to see the old town. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Catania. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Catania.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Catania offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Catania are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Catania is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Catania are both nice to visit as a couple.

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Catania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Catania are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Catania is a great island 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Students?

Catania is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Catania Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Catania is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Catania can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Catania a more walkable city?

Catania is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Catania Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Catania or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Catania than Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

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

With shopping and museums around the destination of Catania, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the historic port city of Catania, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

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

Catania is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca and Catania, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Catania Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Catania?

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 Palma de Mallorca or Catania in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Catania. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Catania. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in July than Catania. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Catania in the Autumn?

Both Catania and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Catania during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Catania. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Catania in the Winter?

Both Catania and Palma de Mallorca during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Catania in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Catania. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Catania. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Catania in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Catania. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Catania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives more rain than Catania. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Catania and Palma de Mallorca