A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Bari for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Beaches

Should you visit Tenerife or Bari?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Bari, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a volcanic, scenic, and vibrant island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Tenerife and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Bari?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bari than Tenerife, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bari is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Tenerife is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Bari and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Tenerife different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari and Tenerife. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tenerife or Bari?

Bari is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Is the Food Better in Tenerife or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Tenerife is a must-see party destination. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Bari is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Tenerife to choose from. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is a great island for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Many people visit Tenerife for it's beautiful beaches. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is terrific for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Tenerife is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Bari?

Tenerife is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Families?

Tenerife is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tenerife is very family-friendly. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Couples?

Tenerife is a great island for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Tenerife is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Bari is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

Is Tenerife or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Tenerife and Bari.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

You'll find some public transit in Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Tenerife or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

For even more information, also check out Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tenerife and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than in Bari. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Tenerife 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 Bari.

One day in Tenerife or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Tenerife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The port city of Bari 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 Tenerife or Bari?

Tenerife is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port 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 Bari, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Tenerife. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bari 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 Tenerife or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful island of Tenerife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Bari is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Bari, we can see that Tenerife 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 Tenerife Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Bari?

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 Tenerife or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Bari. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tenerife is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 23°C (73°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Bari. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Bari. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Bari. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tenerife is much warmer than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Bari. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Tenerife during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the spring, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Bari. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Tenerife