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

Should you visit Taormina or Arles?

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 Arles 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 historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Arles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Taormina or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arles. Although Taormina and Arles are popular destinations, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is very popular for its museums and historical sights, while Taormina attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Taormina is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also well known for L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Taormina different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Arles

Arles is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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


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

Taormina
Arles

Both Taormina and Arles offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arles makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Taormina or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Arles

Taormina is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Taormina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Taormina or Arles Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Arles

Taormina is well known for its resorts. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Arles Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Arles

Taormina is very good for the beach. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Arles

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

Arles has a world-famous historical area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Arles?

Taormina
Arles

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and Arles both offer plenty of nice 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.

Arles is a great destination for shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.


Is Taormina or Arles Better for Families?

Taormina
Arles

Neither Taormina nor Arles are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Taormina is not always the best place to visit. 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.

Arles is not the most family-friendly destination. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Taormina or Arles Better for Couples?

Taormina
Arles

Both Taormina and Arles are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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

Taormina
Arles

Taormina and Arles both offer nice 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.

Arles has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.


Is Taormina or Arles a more walkable city?

Taormina
Arles

Taormina and Arles are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arles 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 Arles.


  • How many days in Taormina or Arles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Arles 1-2

One day in Taormina or Arles?

Even though Taormina is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful town of Arles offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Taormina or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Arles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Arles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Taormina or Arles?

Taormina is a fun place to experience. Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Arles?

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Taormina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €108, while the average daily cost in Arles is €142. 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 Taormina and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Arles 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Arles 142
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Arles? 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 Taormina


Hotels in Arles


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: Taormina Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Arles 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Taormina 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
    Taormina 33
    Arles 52

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    4.50
  • Ice Cream
    1.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Arles 31

Tours and Activities in Taormina

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

  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $139
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • Tour da Messina a Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella: $695
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    5.50

Tours and Activities in Arles

Here are a few actual costs in Arles for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Arles 24

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

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

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Arles?

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

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 Taormina or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Arles. 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 Arles for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Taormina is a little warmer than Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In the summer, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arles. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Arles because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. It's quite rainy in Taormina. In October, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Taormina during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Taormina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Arles. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Arles. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Arles. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the natural beauty.

Taormina is a little warmer than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Taormina

Taormina Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)