A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seville vs. Catania for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Seville or Catania?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Seville and Catania. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Seville

Seville is a world-renowned, historic, and energetic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Catania

Catania is a fun, historic, and lively port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Seville and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Catania?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seville than Catania. Seville is bigger than Catania, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seville is better known for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Catania is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Seville is more touristy than Catania and is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. Also, Seville is famous for the Real Alcázar. Catania is well known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna.

How is Seville different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seville is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Seville are among the most recognizable in the world. This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. 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 Seville or Catania Better for Theater?

Seville is very good for its theatre productions. However, Catania is not a theatre destination.

Seville offers a number of shows and performances. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Catania is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Seville or Catania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Catania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dining out in Seville is an experience not to be missed. The city is filled with cafes that spill into the streets. Locals live their lives outdoors, and the cafe terraces are filled with chattering guests from breakfast until late in the evening. The food includes many typical Spanish favorites such as Iberian pork, stewed meats, and other local tapas.

Is Seville or Catania Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Seville and Catania.

The nightlife in Seville has something for everybody. The excellent nightlife scene includes local bars, Flamenco shows, and student focused parties. The Triana District is a popular nightlife area, particularly for the Flamenco shows. There are also a lot of bars along Calle Betis and upscale ambiance can be found in La Alameda.

Catania offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Seville or Catania Better for Beaches?

Catania is a good destination for the beache. However, Seville is not a beach destination.

Catania offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Seville is not a beach destination.

Is Seville or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Seville is notable for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Seville. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old town of Seville. This is where you'll find the Jewish Quarter and many of the city's historic landmarks.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. 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 Seville or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is a great port city for hiking. However, Seville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Catania for the hiking trails. 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.

Seville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Catania?

Seville 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.

Seville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is a great combination of shopping streets, high end shopping malls, and local markets. Calle Sierpes, Calle Tetuan, and Calle Asuncion are some of the best places for shopping.

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 Seville or Catania Better for Families?

Both Seville and Catania are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Seville is very family-friendly. There are parks where kids can run around. There's also the Seville Aquarium as well as Isla Mágica, which is a small amusement park. Other fun family-friendly activities include taking a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River and seeing a Flamenco Show.

Catania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Seville or Catania Better for Couples?

Seville is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Seville is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic walks, beautiful parks, and world class attractions make this a truly romantic city. Couples will enjoy an evening out with dinner and a Flamenco show, or visiting the Arab baths.

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

Is Seville or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Seville and Catania are high quality places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Seville. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

Catania is a very popular 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.

Is Seville or Catania Better for Students?

Seville is very popular for students. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Seville. It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening activities.

Catania is a great 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.

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

Catania is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Catania can get you around easily. 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.

Seville has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

Is Seville or Catania a more walkable city?

Seville and Catania are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Seville is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are very walkable. It takes about 45 minutes to walk across the city center in its entirety.

Catania is a very walkable destination. 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 Seville Worth Visiting? and Is Catania Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Catania or Seville?

How long in Seville or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Seville or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Seville than Catania because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

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

One day in Seville or Catania?

In Seville, you'll find museums and theater. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Seville or Catania?

In Seville, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seville 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 Seville or Catania?

Seville is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Seville or Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seville. Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Seville. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Seville or Catania?

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

Both Catania and Seville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seville for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Seville is around the same temperature as Catania in the summer. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Catania fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seville. In the summer, Seville often gets more sunshine than Catania. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in July than Catania. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Catania. Many visitors come to Seville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Seville is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seville in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Catania averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Catania during autumn. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Seville usually receives less rain than Catania. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seville or Catania in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seville as well as Catania. Most visitors come to Seville for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Catania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Seville is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 11°C (51°F), and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Seville often gets more sunshine than Catania. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets more rain in January than Catania. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Seville because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

Seville is a little warmer than Catania in the spring. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Catania fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Catania during spring. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seville usually receives more rain than Catania. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Catania and Seville