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

Should you visit Taormina or Avignon?

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 Avignon 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 opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Avignon

Avignon is a historical, quaint, and charming town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Taormina and Avignon: 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
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Taormina or Avignon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Avignon. Although Taormina and Avignon are popular destinations, Avignon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Avignon is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Taormina attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Avignon is famous for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also well known for Palais des Papes.

How is Taormina different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Avignon

Avignon 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, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
Avignon

Avignon 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 Avignon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Avignon

Taormina is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Taormina has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Taormina or Avignon Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Avignon

Taormina is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Avignon is not a resort destination.

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

Avignon is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Avignon Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Avignon

Taormina is a good destination for the beach. However, Avignon is not a beach destination.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Avignon

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

Avignon has a world-famous historical area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Avignon?

Taormina
Avignon

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and Avignon 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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.


Is Taormina or Avignon Better for Families?

Taormina
Avignon

Avignon is a town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Avignon offers lots of family activities. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

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 Avignon Better for Couples?

Taormina
Avignon

Both Taormina and Avignon are very good 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.

Avignon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Taormina or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
Avignon

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

Avignon is a good town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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 Avignon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Taormina
Avignon

Taormina and Avignon 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.

Avignon has a few public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Taormina or Avignon a more walkable city?

Taormina
Avignon

Avignon is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Avignon is a very easy town to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than Avignon 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 Avignon.

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

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

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


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

One day in Taormina or Avignon?

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Avignon 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 Avignon?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Taormina has to offer.

Avignon 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 Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Avignon?

Taormina is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Avignon is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Avignon is a great place to explore. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon 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 Avignon is €700. 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 Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Avignon 647
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Avignon 1,294
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Avignon? 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 Avignon


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 Avignon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Avignon 21

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

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

  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428
  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon 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
    Avignon 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Avignon 15

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

Tours and Activities in Avignon

For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Aix en Provence and Avignon city of Popes Private Tour: $1,486
  • Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon: $98
  • Avignon : Half-Day Walking Tour with Private Guide: $160
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Avignon private guided tour: $273
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Emblematic Squares Tour: $267
  • Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Avignon 16

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 Avignon

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

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Avignon?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Avignon. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon 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 Avignon during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Avignon. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Avignon. Many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

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

In the autumn, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Taormina or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Taormina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Taormina usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Avignon. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Taormina during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm.

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

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Avignon and Taormina

Taormina Avignon
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)