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

Should you visit Taormina or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Taormina and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Carcassonne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Taormina than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Taormina is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Taormina is well known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Also, Taormina is famous for The Greek Theater. Carcassonne is well known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Taormina different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Carcassonne is a great town 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 Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Taormina and Carcassonne 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, Carcassonne makes for a great culinary experience. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Taormina or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Taormina is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Taormina or Carcassonne Better for Resorts?

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

Carcassonne is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Carcassonne Better for Beaches?

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

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Carcassonne has an old town worth visiting. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Carcassonne?

Taormina is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Taormina or Carcassonne Better for Families?

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

Carcassonne offers lots of family activities. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Taormina is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Taormina or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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

Taormina and Carcassonne both offer notable 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.

Carcassonne has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Taormina or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

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

Carcassonne is a very easy town to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Carcassonne?

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

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

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

One day in Taormina or Carcassonne?

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The town of Carcassonne offers museums and food. 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 Carcassonne?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Carcassonne 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carcassonne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Carcassonne?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Carcassonne 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 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Carcassonne?

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

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Taormina is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Taormina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Taormina or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 21°C (69°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Carcassonne. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Carcassonne in the Winter?

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

Taormina is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Taormina or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Taormina is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Taormina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Taormina