A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Taormina or Florence?

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 Florence 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence. Although Taormina and Florence are both popular with visitors, Florence has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Florence is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Taormina is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Taormina and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Taormina different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence 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 Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Taormina is a great town for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Taormina or Florence Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Florence Better for Beaches?

Taormina is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

Taormina has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Florence has a world-famous historical area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Florence?

Florence is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

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

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular city for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina and Florence both offer good 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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Taormina or Florence a more walkable city?

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

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Florence?

Both Taormina and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Taormina. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

One day in Taormina or Florence?

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 beautiful city of Florence offers food and shopping. 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 Florence?

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.

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

Five days in Taormina or Florence?

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.

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Taormina or Florence?

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.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. This 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taormina and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Florence?

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

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Florence. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Taormina or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Taormina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Taormina is a little warmer than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Florence. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Florence. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Taormina is much warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives more rain than Florence. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Taormina or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Florence. Many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°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 Florence. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Taormina