A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Piazza Armerina for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Taormina or Piazza Armerina?

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

Taormina

Taormina is a exclusive, opulent, and historic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a charming, authentic, and historic town. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Taormina and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Taormina or Piazza Armerina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Taormina. Although Taormina and Piazza Armerina are both popular with visitors, Taormina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Taormina is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Piazza Armerina is known for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Taormina is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. It is also home to The Greek Theater. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Taormina different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a great 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 Piazza Armerina. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

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 Piazza Armerina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Taormina is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Taormina or Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Taormina is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Taormina has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Taormina or Piazza Armerina Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Taormina is notable for its resorts. However, Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.

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

Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Piazza Armerina Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Taormina is a good destination for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

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

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Piazza Armerina is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Piazza Armerina?

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Taormina is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Taormina offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Taormina or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Neither Taormina nor Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not the most family-friendly destination. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Taormina or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Taormina is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

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

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Taormina and Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.


Is Taormina or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

Taormina
Piazza Armerina

Taormina and Piazza Armerina are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Piazza Armerina is very walkable. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Piazza Armerina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or Piazza Armerina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than Piazza Armerina because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Piazza Armerina.

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

Couples should spend more time in Taormina than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.


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

One day in Taormina or Piazza Armerina?

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Piazza Armerina offers museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Taormina or Piazza Armerina?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Piazza Armerina 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Piazza Armerina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Taormina or Piazza Armerina?

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Piazza Armerina 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 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Piazza Armerina or Taormina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €132, while the average daily cost in Piazza Armerina is €93. 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 Piazza Armerina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Piazza Armerina 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Piazza Armerina 112
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Piazza Armerina

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Piazza Armerina? 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 Piazza Armerina


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 Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Piazza Armerina 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

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

  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.66
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $42
  • Private transfer by car from Catania airport to Taormina: $148
  • Private transfer minivan from Catania airport to Taormina: $191

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Piazza Armerina?

Prices for flights to both Piazza Armerina 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 57
    Piazza Armerina 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Taormina

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

  • Cooking Class and tour of Taormina: $984

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Piazza Armerina 4.29

Tours and Activities in Taormina

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

  • Mount Etna Sunset Tour with Cave Visit and Tasting: $44
  • From Etna Tour with Hiking, Cave Visit, & Tastings: $44
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $97
  • Castelmola, Taormina and Messina tour. Departure from Messina: $104
  • Alcantara Gorge Tour, Taormina and Messina. Departure from Messina: $104
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $108
  • Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $170
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $218
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $273
  • Sicily: Taormina and Castelmola Vintage Car Tour: $273
  • From Taormina or Messina Harbor: Private Godfather Tour: $295
  • Shore tour from Messina cruise port: Taormina and Castelmola: $437

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

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

  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $131
  • Piazza Armerina & Caltagirone Guided Tour: $104
  • Private Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $273
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $246
  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $43
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $213

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Piazza Armerina 13

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: $185
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $306


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taormina and Piazza Armerina, we can see that Taormina is more expensive. And not only is Piazza Armerina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piazza Armerina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.

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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Piazza Armerina?

Piazza Armerina has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Taormina or Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

Both Piazza Armerina and Taormina during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Piazza Armerina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the summer, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 325 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in July than Piazza Armerina. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Piazza Armerina. Many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Taormina is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Piazza Armerina. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Taormina is a little warmer than Piazza Armerina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 153 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in January than Piazza Armerina. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

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

In April, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Piazza Armerina. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Taormina

Taormina Piazza Armerina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)


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