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

Should you visit Taormina or Cannes?

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 Cannes 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 exclusive, opulent, and historic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cannes

Cannes is a opulent , luxury, and lavish resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Taormina and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Cannes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cannes. Although Taormina and Cannes are popular destinations, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Taormina attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Cannes is more touristy than Taormina and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Taormina different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina is very good for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes 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 Cannes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Taormina and Cannes.

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.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Is Taormina or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is very popular for its music scene. However, Taormina is not a live music destination.

Cannes has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Taormina is not a live music destination.

Is Taormina or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Cannes is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

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.

Is Taormina or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a resort city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Taormina or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a great resort city for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

The beaches at Cannes attract visitors from all over. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

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.

Is Taormina or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is a great resort city for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Cannes is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Cannes?

Cannes is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Cannes specifically to go shopping. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Taormina or Cannes Better for Families?

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

Cannes offers lots of family activities. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

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 Cannes Better for Couples?

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

Cannes is a great resort city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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

Taormina and Cannes 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.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Taormina or Cannes a more walkable city?

Taormina and Cannes are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Cannes is very walkable. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Cannes?

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

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

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

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

One day in Taormina or Cannes?

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 resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Cannes?

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.

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

Five days in Taormina or Cannes?

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.

Cannes 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 Cannes?

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.

Cannes 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 resort 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 Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Cannes?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Cannes, 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Taormina during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Taormina is a little warmer than Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Cannes. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Cannes. 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 Cannes because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Cannes averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Cannes. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Taormina or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Cannes. The winter months attract visitors to Taormina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In January, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Taormina usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. 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 Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Cannes. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Taormina