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

Should you visit Taormina or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a diverse, slow-paced, and coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Taormina or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rijeka. Although Taormina and Rijeka are popular destinations, Rijeka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its big city activities, while Taormina attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taormina is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle.

How is Taormina different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Rijeka

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.


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

Taormina
Rijeka

Taormina is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Taormina is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Taormina or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Rijeka

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Taormina and Rijeka.

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.

Rijeka offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Taormina or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Rijeka

Taormina is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Rijeka

Taormina is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Rijeka?

Taormina
Rijeka

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and Rijeka both offer plenty of nice spots.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Rijeka is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Taormina or Rijeka Better for Families?

Taormina
Rijeka

Rijeka is a great town 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 Rijeka. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Taormina
Rijeka

Taormina is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Taormina or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
Rijeka

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

Rijeka is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Rijeka Better for Students?

Taormina
Rijeka

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

It's common for students to visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Taormina is not popular with students.


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

Taormina
Rijeka

Taormina and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka has a few public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Taormina or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Taormina
Rijeka

Taormina is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

Couples should spend more time in Taormina than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka.


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

One day in Taormina or Rijeka?

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 town of Rijeka offers food and shopping. 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 Rijeka?

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.

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

Five days in Taormina or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka 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 Rijeka is €95. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka


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 Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Rijeka 16

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: $7.49
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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
    Rijeka 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Taormina

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

  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $139
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • Tour da Messina a Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella: $695
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

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

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Rijeka 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

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

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299


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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Taormina during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the summer, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Rijeka. Most visitors come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 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 Rijeka. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Rijeka. The winter months attract visitors to Taormina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rijeka. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Taormina

Taormina Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)