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

Should you visit Taormina or Chartres?

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 Chartres 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 beautiful, exclusive, and opulent town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Taormina and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Taormina or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Taormina. Although Taormina and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Taormina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Taormina is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. It is also home to The Greek Theater. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Taormina different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Chartres

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

Chartres is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.


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

Taormina
Chartres

Taormina is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Taormina has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Taormina or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Chartres

Taormina is great for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Taormina for the nightlife scene. 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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Taormina or Chartres Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Chartres

Taormina is great for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Chartres is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Chartres

Taormina is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Taormina is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Chartres?

Taormina
Chartres

Taormina is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Taormina or Chartres Better for Families?

Taormina
Chartres

Neither Taormina nor Chartres are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Taormina is not always the best place to visit. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.


Is Taormina or Chartres Better for Couples?

Taormina
Chartres

Taormina is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Chartres is a good town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Taormina or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
Chartres

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

Chartres is a good town to visit for backpackers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Taormina
Chartres

Chartres is a great town 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 Chartres. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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


Is Taormina or Chartres a more walkable city?

Taormina
Chartres

Taormina and Chartres are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Chartres is very walkable. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Chartres?

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

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

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


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

One day in Taormina or Chartres?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The town of Chartres 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 Chartres?

Taormina 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Taormina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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


Five days in Taormina or Chartres?

Taormina 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.

Chartres 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 Chartres?

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Chartres 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chartres 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 Chartres is €117. 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 Chartres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Chartres 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Chartres 118
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Chartres

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Chartres? 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 Chartres


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 Chartres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Chartres 26

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Chartres?

Prices for flights to both Chartres 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
    Chartres 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Chartres 22

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 Chartres

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chartres.

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Chartres 12

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


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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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 Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Chartres. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Chartres 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Taormina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Taormina in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months.

Taormina is much warmer than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Chartres 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Chartres. Most visitors come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Chartres can be very cold. In the winter, Taormina is much warmer than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives more rain than Chartres. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Chartres 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Chartres. The spring months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In the spring, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Chartres 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Chartres and Taormina

Taormina Chartres
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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