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

Should you visit Taormina or Caen?

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 Caen 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Caen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Caen than Taormina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Caen is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Taormina is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taormina is more touristy than Caen and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge.

How is Taormina different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caen is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Taormina and Caen offer very good 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, Caen makes for a great culinary experience. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Taormina or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Taormina is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Taormina or Caen Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Caen Better for Beaches?

Taormina is a good destination for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Caen?

Taormina is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Taormina. 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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Taormina or Caen Better for Families?

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

Caen offers lots of family activities. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

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 Caen Better for Couples?

Taormina is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Taormina makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Taormina or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Caen is a good city to visit for backpackers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Taormina or Caen a more walkable city?

Taormina is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taormina and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taormina than in Caen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

Couples should spend more time in Taormina than Caen. 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 Caen 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 Caen.

One day in Taormina or Caen?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. 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 Caen?

Taormina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Caen?

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen 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 Caen?

Because Taormina is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Caen. 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 Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Taormina is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Taormina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Caen. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Taormina or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Caen. 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 Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Taormina is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 21°C (69°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Caen. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen 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 Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can be very cold during winter. Taormina is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Taormina or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen 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 Caen because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Taormina is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Taormina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Caen. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Caen. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Taormina