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

Should you visit Taormina or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Taormina and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Taormina or Le Mans?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Taormina than Le Mans, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Taormina is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Also, Taormina is famous for The Greek Theater. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Taormina different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Le Mans

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.


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

Taormina
Le Mans

Taormina is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Taormina. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Taormina or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Le Mans

Taormina is great for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

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 Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Taormina or Le Mans Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Le Mans

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Taormina. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Le Mans is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Le Mans Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Le Mans

Taormina is very good for its beaches. However, Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Taormina to enjoy the beach. 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.

Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Le Mans?

Taormina
Le Mans

Taormina is very good for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Taormina or Le Mans Better for Families?

Taormina
Le Mans

Le Mans is a town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Le Mans offers lots of family activities. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

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 Le Mans Better for Couples?

Taormina
Le Mans

Taormina is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

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.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Taormina or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
Le Mans

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

Le Mans is a good town to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

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

Taormina
Le Mans

Taormina and Le Mans both offer notable 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).


Is Taormina or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Taormina
Le Mans

Taormina is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taormina and Le Mans. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taormina than in Le Mans. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Le Mans.

Couples should spend more time in Taormina than Le Mans. 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 Taormina than Le Mans 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 Taormina.


  • How many days in Taormina or Le Mans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Le Mans 1-3

One day in Taormina or Le Mans?

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Le Mans offers museums and nightlife. 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 Le Mans?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Taormina has to offer.

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


Five days in Taormina or Le Mans?

Taormina is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Le Mans 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans 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 Le Mans is €83. 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 Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Le Mans 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Le Mans 74
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Le Mans? 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 Le Mans


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 Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Le Mans 30

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 Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans 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
    Le Mans 27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Le Mans 15

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Le Mans 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taormina and Le Mans, we can see that Taormina is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Taormina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taormina than you might in Le Mans.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Taormina Expensive? and Is Le Mans Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Le Mans?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Le Mans, 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Taormina is a little warmer than Le Mans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Taormina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Le Mans averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Taormina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town atmosphere.

In October, Taormina is generally much warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 21°C (69°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Le Mans. The winter months attract visitors to Taormina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

It's quite cold in Le Mans in the winter. Taormina is much warmer than Le Mans in the winter. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Le Mans. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Le Mans. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town charm.

In the spring, Taormina is much warmer than Le Mans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Taormina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Le Mans averages at about 10°C (50°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 Le Mans. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Le Mans. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Taormina

Taormina Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)


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