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

Should you visit Taormina or Nantes?

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 Nantes 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.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Nantes: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Taormina or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes. Although Taormina and Nantes are popular destinations, Nantes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantes is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Taormina attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Taormina is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also well known for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Taormina different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Nantes

Nantes 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
Nantes

Nantes 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 Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Nantes

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Taormina and Nantes.

The nightlife in Taormina has something for everybody. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Nantes offers plenty to do in the evening. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Taormina or Nantes Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Nantes

Taormina is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Nantes

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

Taormina has a beach worth visiting. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Nantes

Nantes is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Nantes?

Taormina
Nantes

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

Taormina
Nantes

Nantes is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes Better for Couples?

Taormina
Nantes

Both Taormina and Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Taormina or Nantes Better for Students?

Taormina
Nantes

Nantes 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 Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Taormina is not popular with students.


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

Taormina
Nantes

Nantes is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Taormina or Nantes a more walkable city?

Taormina
Nantes

Taormina and Nantes 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.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Nantes?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Taormina or Nantes?

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 Nantes offers food and shopping. 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 Nantes?

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.

Nantes 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Nantes?

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.

Nantes 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 Nantes?

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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes 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 Nantes is €108. 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 Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Nantes 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Nantes 120
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Nantes? 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 Nantes


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 Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Nantes 36

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 Nantes

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

  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes 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
    Nantes 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

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

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Nantes 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 Nantes

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

  • Exploring London's Natural Marvels: Museum Adventure: $83
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Nantes 6.43

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 Nantes

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

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Taormina and Nantes, we can see that Nantes 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 Nantes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Nantes?

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

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 Nantes in the Summer?

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

Taormina is a little warmer than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Nantes in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Taormina is much warmer than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

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

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Nantes. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes 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 Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

In January, Taormina usually receives less rain than Nantes. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

Taormina is a little warmer than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Taormina

Taormina Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)


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