A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taormina vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Taormina or Annecy?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and Annecy 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a beautiful, exclusive, and opulent town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint alpine town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Taormina and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Taormina and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Taormina is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Annecy is more touristy than Taormina and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Taormina different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Taormina or Annecy?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Annecy and Taormina.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Taormina or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Annecy have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Taormina or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Taormina is a great town for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Taormina has something for everybody. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Taormina or Annecy Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Taormina. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Taormina is very good for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Taormina to enjoy the beach. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Annecy has a world-famous historical area. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Taormina or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great alpine town for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Annecy?

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and Annecy both offer plenty of good spots.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Annecy is a great destination for shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Taormina or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a great alpine town for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Annecy. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Annecy is a great alpine town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Taormina or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a alpine town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Annecy is a good alpine town to visit for backpackers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

Is Taormina or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Taormina and Annecy both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Taormina or Annecy a more walkable city?

Taormina and Annecy are superb when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Taormina or Annecy. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Annecy than Taormina. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Taormina 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 Annecy.

One day in Taormina or Annecy?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful alpine town of Annecy offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Taormina or Annecy?

Taormina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Taormina or Annecy?

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Annecy, 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 Taormina or Annecy?

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 Taormina or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Taormina in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Annecy. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Annecy. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Taormina or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Taormina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Taormina is much warmer than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Annecy. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Annecy. The winter months attract visitors to Taormina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. In the winter, Taormina is much warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives more rain than Annecy. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Taormina or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Annecy. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In the spring, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Taormina