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

Should you visit Taormina or Como?

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 Como 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Taormina and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Como. Although Taormina and Como are popular destinations, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is very popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Taormina attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Taormina and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Taormina different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como 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 Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Taormina has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Taormina or Como Better for Resorts?

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

Taormina is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Como Better for Beaches?

Both Taormina and Como are considered to be nice 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.

Como offers a nice beach destination. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Taormina or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a great lake area for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Como?

Como 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 Como specifically to go shopping. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Families?

Como is a great lake area 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 Como. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

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

Como is a great lake area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a great lake area for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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

Taormina and Como 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.

Como has a few public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Taormina or Como a more walkable city?

Taormina and Como are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Como?

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

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

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

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

One day in Taormina or Como?

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 beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Como?

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.

Como is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake area 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 Como, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Como?

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.

Como 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 Como?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Como. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Como. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Taormina or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Como. The autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Como. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Como. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Como. In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Taormina or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Taormina during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Como in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Taormina is a little warmer than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Como. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Como. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Taormina