A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa Blanca vs. Taormina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Playa Blanca or Taormina?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Playa Blanca and Taormina 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: Playa Blanca or Taormina?

Playa Blanca

Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.

Taormina

A quaint hillside town on the eastern side of Sicily, Taormina is arguably one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island. It's peak season is the months of July and August when Italian and European tourists alike flock to the beaches. During this time it can be crowded and hot, but if you visit during the spring or fall months you might find the crowds slightly less and the weather more comfortable. The town is popular with package tours, which stay at the beach resorts around Giardini Naxos to the south or Letojanni to the north.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Taormina or Playa Blanca?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Playa Blanca is €155, while the average daily cost in Taormina is €108. 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 Playa Blanca and Taormina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Playa Blanca 81
    Taormina 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Playa Blanca 162
    Taormina 140
Compare Hotels in Playa Blanca and Taormina

Looking for a hotel in Playa Blanca or Taormina? 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 Playa Blanca


Hotels in Taormina


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: Playa Blanca Hotel Prices and Taormina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Playa Blanca 49
    Taormina 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41
  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49

Is it cheaper to fly into Playa Blanca or Taormina?

Prices for flights to both Taormina and Playa Blanca 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
    Playa Blanca 45
    Taormina 33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Playa Blanca 20
    Taormina 11

Tours and Activities in Taormina

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Playa Blanca 9.29
    Taormina 8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

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

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa Blanca and Taormina, we can see that Playa Blanca is more expensive. And not only is Taormina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taormina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taormina 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 Blanca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa Blanca than you might in Taormina.

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


Which is Bigger, Playa Blanca or Taormina?

Taormina has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Playa Blanca and Taormina, 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 Playa Blanca or Taormina?

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 Playa Blanca or Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa Blanca and Taormina. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In the summer, Playa Blanca is cooler than Taormina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa Blanca in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Taormina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa Blanca usually receives less sunshine than Taormina during summer. Playa Blanca gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Taormina. Playa Blanca gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F) 
    Taormina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa Blanca as well as Taormina. Additionally, many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Playa Blanca is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Playa Blanca average around 22°C (72°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Playa Blanca gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Playa Blanca gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F) 
    Taormina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Playa Blanca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Taormina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Playa Blanca is a little warmer than Taormina in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa Blanca averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during winter. Playa Blanca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Taormina. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F) 
    Taormina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Playa Blanca during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Playa Blanca is a little warmer than Taormina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa Blanca in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Taormina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. In the spring, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Playa Blanca gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in April than Taormina. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F) 
    Taormina 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Taormina and Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca Taormina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)


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