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

Should you visit Taormina or Split?

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 Split 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Split

Split is a historic, active, and touristy city. 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 Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Split?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Split. Although Taormina and Split are both popular with visitors, Split has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Split is more popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Taormina is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Taormina and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also home to Diocletian's Palace. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Taormina different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Split 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 Split. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Taormina and Split offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Split makes for a great culinary experience. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Taormina or Split Better for Nightlife?

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

Split is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Taormina and Split have very good options.

In Taormina, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

There are plenty of resorts in Split to choose from. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Is Taormina or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Split is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Taormina or Split Better for Beaches?

Split 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 Split attract visitors from all over. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

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 Taormina or Split Better for its Old Town?

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

Split has an old town worth visiting. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Split?

Split 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 Split. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Split Better for Families?

Split 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 Split. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Split Better for Couples?

Split is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Split is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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.

Is Taormina or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Split, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Split. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina and Split 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.

Split has a few public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Taormina or Split a more walkable city?

Taormina and Split 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.

Split is very walkable. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Taormina or Split. In our opinion, Split has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Split than Taormina. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Taormina or Split?

Even though Taormina is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Split 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Split, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Split?

Taormina is a fun place to experience. Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Split?

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Split is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Split?

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

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Split. 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 Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Split. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Taormina or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Split. Many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Split in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Taormina is a little warmer than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Taormina or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Taormina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Taormina usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives less rain than Split. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Taormina or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Taormina during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Split. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Taormina