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

Should you visit Taormina or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Taormina and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Sebastian. Although Taormina and San Sebastian are both popular with visitors, San Sebastian has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Sebastian is more popular for its food, beaches, and shopping, while Taormina is known for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. San Sebastian is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also home to La Concha Bay.

How is Taormina different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

San Sebastian offers plenty to do in the evening. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Taormina or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

Taormina is notable for its resorts. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Is Taormina or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great city for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

The beaches at San Sebastian attract visitors from all over. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Both Taormina and San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Taormina or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

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 San Sebastian Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in San Sebastian. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina and San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Taormina or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Taormina and San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is very walkable. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or San Sebastian?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in Taormina or San Sebastian?

Even though Taormina is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Sebastian 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Sebastian, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or San Sebastian?

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian?

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Taormina during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the summer, Taormina often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and San Sebastian. The autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Taormina is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Taormina usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Taormina or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Taormina as well as San Sebastian. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Taormina is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Taormina usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Taormina