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

Should you visit Taormina or Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Zaragoza

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

Taormina and Zaragoza: 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Taormina or Zaragoza?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zaragoza. Although Taormina and Zaragoza are popular destinations, Zaragoza has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zaragoza is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Taormina attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Taormina is more touristy than Zaragoza and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Zaragoza is famous for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene. It is also well known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar.

How is Taormina different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Taormina
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the AljaferĂ­a Palace, among others.

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 Zaragoza? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
Zaragoza

Both Taormina and Zaragoza offer high quality 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, Zaragoza makes for a great culinary experience. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Taormina or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Zaragoza

Taormina is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Taormina or Zaragoza Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Zaragoza

Taormina is notable for its resorts. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Zaragoza

Taormina is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Zaragoza

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

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Zaragoza?

Taormina
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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 Zaragoza Better for Families?

Taormina
Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Zaragoza offers lots of family activities. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

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 Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Taormina
Zaragoza

Both Taormina and Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Is Taormina or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
Zaragoza

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

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young 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 Zaragoza Better for Students?

Taormina
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. There are buses and trams around the city.

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

Is Taormina or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Taormina
Zaragoza

Taormina and Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Zaragoza?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taormina and Zaragoza. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taormina than in Zaragoza. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Zaragoza.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Taormina or Zaragoza? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Zaragoza 1-3

One day in Taormina or Zaragoza?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The beautiful city of Zaragoza offers food and shopping. 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 Zaragoza?

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

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

Five days in Taormina or Zaragoza?

Taormina 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.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

Taormina is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

Zaragoza 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 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is €126. 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 Zaragoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Zaragoza 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Zaragoza 130
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Zaragoza

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Zaragoza? 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 Zaragoza


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 Zaragoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Zaragoza 23

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zaragoza

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zaragoza:

  • Private transfers Airport-hotel Zaragoza.: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from Zaragoza Airport to City centre: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from the city centre to Zaragoza Airport: $66
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Zaragoza Downtown hotels to Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Zaragoza?

Prices for flights to both Zaragoza 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
    Zaragoza 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zaragoza

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zaragoza.

  • Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Zaragoza 35

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 Zaragoza

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

  • Complete tour + wine and tapas: $202
  • Evening traditional tapas walking tour in old Zaragoza center: $104
  • Haft-day Winery tour from Zaragoza: $158
  • Kayaking in Fluvial EcoTourism with ebroNAUTAS: $44
  • Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite: $102
  • Midday market and tapas tour of Zaragoza: $104
  • Monumental Walking Tour in Old Town of Zaragoza: $93
  • Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Belchite Old Town: $104
  • Olive Oil and Winery Tour from Zaragoza City: $164
  • Private custom tour with a local guide Zaragoza: $49
  • Zaragoza - Historic Walking Tour: $320
  • Zaragoza : Aquarium entry ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Zaragoza 14

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 Zaragoza

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

  • Wine Tasting and Tapas: $102
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas in the ancient Town of Zaragoza: $104


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taormina and Zaragoza, we can see that Zaragoza is more expensive. And not only is Taormina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taormina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taormina 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 Zaragoza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zaragoza than you might in Taormina.

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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza because of the family-friendly experiences.

Taormina is around the same temperature as Zaragoza in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Zaragoza. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Zaragoza. 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 and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Zaragoza. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 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 Zaragoza. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Zaragoza 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Zaragoza in the Winter?

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

In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Zaragoza 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Zaragoza in the Spring?

Both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza in the spring for the natural beauty.

Taormina is around the same temperature as Zaragoza in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Taormina

Taormina Zaragoza
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 26 mm (1 in)


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