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

Should you visit Taormina or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and La Rochelle: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Taormina or La Rochelle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Rochelle. Although Taormina and La Rochelle are both popular with visitors, La Rochelle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and hiking, while Taormina is known for its nightlife, resorts, and impressive beauty. Taormina is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is Taormina different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a great coastal town 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 La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
La Rochelle

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
La Rochelle

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

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Taormina or La Rochelle Better for Resorts?

Taormina
La Rochelle

Taormina is great for its luxury resorts. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Taormina
La Rochelle

Both Taormina and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle offers a nice beach destination. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is Taormina or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
La Rochelle

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

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Taormina or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Taormina
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or La Rochelle?

Taormina
La Rochelle

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is a great destination for shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Taormina or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Taormina
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

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 La Rochelle Better for Couples?

Taormina
La Rochelle

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

La Rochelle is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
La Rochelle

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

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for backpackers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle Better for Students?

Taormina
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina
La Rochelle

Taormina and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.


Is Taormina or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Taormina
La Rochelle

Taormina and La Rochelle are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

La Rochelle is very walkable. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.


  • How many days in Taormina or La Rochelle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    La Rochelle 2-4

One day in Taormina or La Rochelle?

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The coastal town of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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


Five days in Taormina or La Rochelle?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 coastal 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle is €114. 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 La Rochelle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    La Rochelle 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    La Rochelle 134
Compare Hotels in Taormina and La Rochelle

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or La Rochelle? 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 La Rochelle


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 La Rochelle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    La Rochelle 17

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Rochelle

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

  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Port to Nantes Airport (NTE): $88
  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Cruise Port to Nantes Hotels: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or La Rochelle?

Prices for flights to both La Rochelle 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
    La Rochelle 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    La Rochelle 13

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 La Rochelle

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

  • 3 Hour La Rochelle Private Tour: $90
  • 1.5 Hour Guided Tour in Poitiers: $98
  • Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle: $44
  • Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century: $22
  • La Rochelle "The Heritage" Segway Tour - 1h30: $59
  • La Rochelle : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • La Rochelle : Private Custom Private Walking Tour With a local: $60
  • La Rochelle : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $50
  • La Rochelle Grand Format Segway Tour: $87
  • La Rochelle Heritage Segway Tour: $60
  • La Rochelle Lighthouse at the end of the world Segway Tour: $44
  • La Rochelle Seaside Segway Tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    La Rochelle 16

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 La Rochelle, we can see that La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Taormina or La Rochelle?

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

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    La Rochelle 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Taormina or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Taormina is a little warmer than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than La Rochelle. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    La Rochelle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Taormina or La Rochelle in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Taormina is much warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    La Rochelle 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Taormina or La Rochelle in the Spring?

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

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than La Rochelle. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Taormina

Taormina La Rochelle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)


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