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

Should you visit Taormina or Girona?

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 Girona 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Taormina and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Taormina or Girona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Girona. Although Taormina and Girona are both popular with visitors, Girona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Taormina is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Taormina is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also home to The Girona Cathedral.

How is Taormina different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Girona

Girona is a great city 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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
Girona

Both Taormina and Girona 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, Girona makes for a great culinary experience. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Taormina or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Girona

Taormina is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Taormina offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Taormina or Girona Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Girona

Taormina is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Girona Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Girona

Taormina is a good destination for the beache. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Girona

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

Girona has a world-famous historical area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Girona?

Taormina
Girona

Girona 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 Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona Better for Families?

Taormina
Girona

Neither Taormina nor Girona 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.

Girona is not the most family-friendly destination. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Taormina or Girona Better for Couples?

Taormina
Girona

Both Taormina and Girona are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Taormina or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
Girona

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

Girona is a good city to visit for backpackers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona Better for Students?

Taormina
Girona

Girona is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina
Girona

Taormina and Girona 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.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Taormina or Girona a more walkable city?

Taormina
Girona

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

Girona is a very easy city to get around on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Girona?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Taormina or Girona?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Girona offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Girona?

Taormina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Taormina or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Girona 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 Girona?

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Girona is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona 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 Girona is €140. 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 Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Girona 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Girona 138
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Girona? 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 Girona


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 Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Girona 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona 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
    Girona 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Girona 24

Tours and Activities in Taormina

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

  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $139
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • Tour da Messina a Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella: $695
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Girona 9.69

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Girona?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Taormina during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the summer, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Girona. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Girona. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Girona. 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 Girona in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Girona during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Girona. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Girona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Girona. Many visitors come to Taormina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Taormina is much warmer than Girona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Girona averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Girona. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in January than Girona. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Girona during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Girona. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Taormina

Taormina Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)


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