A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Catania for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Taormina or Catania?

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 Catania 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Catania

Catania is a fun, historic, and lively port 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 Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Catania?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Catania. Although Taormina and Catania are both popular with visitors, Catania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Catania is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Taormina is known for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Catania is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna.

How is Taormina different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Catania and Taormina.

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.

Catania is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Catania 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 Catania have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Catania offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

Is Taormina or Catania Better for Resorts?

Taormina is notable for its resorts. However, Catania 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.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Catania Better for Beaches?

Both Taormina and Catania are considered to be good beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Taormina. 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.

Catania offers a nice beach destination. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Is Taormina or Catania Better for its Old Town?

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

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Taormina or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is a great port city for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Catania for the hiking trails. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Catania?

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

Catania is a great destination for shopping. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Taormina or Catania Better for Families?

Catania is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Catania. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania Better for Couples?

Taormina is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Catania is a good town for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Taormina or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Catania. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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 Catania Better for Students?

Catania is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Catania. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Catania is a great port 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 Catania. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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

Is Taormina or Catania a more walkable city?

Taormina and Catania are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Catania is very walkable. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Catania or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Catania?

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

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

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

One day in Taormina or Catania?

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 port city of Catania offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Catania?

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.

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

Five days in Taormina or Catania?

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.

Catania is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Catania?

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.

Catania is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Catania?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Catania, 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 Catania?

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 Catania in the Summer?

Both Catania 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Catania fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the summer, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Catania. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Catania. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Catania. Most visitors come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Catania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Taormina is around the same temperature as Catania in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

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

Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Catania. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Taormina or Catania in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Taormina is a little warmer than Catania. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Catania averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Catania. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Taormina or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania 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 Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Catania fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Catania. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Catania. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Catania and Taormina