A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taormina vs. Marseille for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Taormina or Marseille?

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 Marseille can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Marseille: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Taormina or Marseille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille. Although Taormina and Marseille are popular destinations, Marseille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Taormina attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, and small town charm. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also well known for The Vieux Port.

How is Taormina different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Marseille

Taormina is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Taormina
Marseille

Marseille 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 Marseille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

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 Marseille Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Marseille

Marseille is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Marseille is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

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.

Is Taormina or Marseille Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Marseille

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Marseille 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.

Marseille is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Marseille

Both Taormina and Marseille are considered to be nice beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Taormina. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Marseille offers a nice beach destination. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Is Taormina or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Marseille

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

Marseille has a world-famous historical area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Marseille?

Taormina
Marseille

Marseille 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 Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

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 Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Taormina
Marseille

Marseille is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Taormina does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Taormina does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Taormina or Marseille Better for Families?

Taormina
Marseille

Neither Taormina nor Marseille 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.

Marseille is not the most family-friendly destination. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Taormina or Marseille Better for Couples?

Taormina
Marseille

Both Taormina and Marseille are high quality 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.

Marseille is a very popular place to visit for couples. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.


Is Taormina or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
Marseille

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

Marseille is a good city to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

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 Marseille Better for Students?

Taormina
Marseille

Marseille is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina
Marseille

Taormina and Marseille both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Marseille has a few public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.


Is Taormina or Marseille a more walkable city?

Taormina
Marseille

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

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

Marseille is very walkable. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Marseille?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Taormina or Marseille?

Even though Taormina is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Marseille offers nightlife and food. 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 Marseille?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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


Five days in Taormina or Marseille?

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Marseille 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 Marseille?

Taormina is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Marseille 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille 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 Marseille is €148. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Marseille 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Marseille 142
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Marseille? 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 Marseille


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 Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Marseille 28

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,176
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Marseille: $738
  • Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $642
  • Marseille or Aix ⟷Transfer to Nice 7 pax: $534
  • Marseille Airport private Transfer to Cannes: $448
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/to Avignon: $356
  • Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $279
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to Avignon: $273
  • Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $267
  • Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $251
  • Marseille Provence One Way Airport transfer to Gordes: $251
  • Private Transfer Marseille to Saint Tropez With 2h Stop in Toulon: $241

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
    Marseille 42

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
  • Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
  • Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
  • Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
  • Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Marseille 38

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 Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
  • 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
  • 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $67
  • A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $180
  • Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $642
  • All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $144
  • Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
  • Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $93
  • Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Tour: $50
  • Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
  • Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $65
  • Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Marseille 27

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 Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
  • Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
  • New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
  • Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164


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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Marseille?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Marseille, 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 Marseille?

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 Marseille in the Summer?

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

Taormina is a little warmer than Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Marseille. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Marseille in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the autumn, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Marseille. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Marseille in the Winter?

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

In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Taormina usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives more rain than Marseille. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Marseille in the Spring?

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

Taormina is a little warmer than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Marseille. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Taormina

Taormina Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)