A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Catania for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Tenerife or Catania?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Catania, 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 vibrant, adventure-filled, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Catania

Catania is a lively, youthful, and fun port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Catania?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania. Although Tenerife and Catania are popular destinations, Catania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Catania is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Tenerife attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Catania and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Catania is famous for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also well known for Mount Etna.

How is Tenerife different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Catania is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Catania is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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 Catania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Catania 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, Catania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Tenerife is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Catania has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

Is Tenerife or Catania Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is notable for its resorts. However, Catania is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Tenerife. 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.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Catania Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Catania Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is notable for the beache. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Tenerife is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Catania has a beach worth visiting. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Is Tenerife or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Catania is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Catania is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Catania Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Tenerife specifically for its hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Catania?

Tenerife is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Tenerife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Tenerife or Catania Better for Families?

Tenerife is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tenerife is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Catania. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

Is Tenerife or Catania Better for Couples?

Tenerife is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Tenerife is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Catania is a good island for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Tenerife or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Catania is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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 Catania Better for Students?

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

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Catania is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Catania is fairly effecient and thorough. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Catania a more walkable city?

Catania 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.

Catania is very walkable. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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 Catania Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Catania or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tenerife or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tenerife than Catania because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Catania. 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 Catania. 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 Catania 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 Catania.

One day in Tenerife or Catania?

In Tenerife, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The port city of Catania offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Catania?

In Tenerife, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Catania 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Catania, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Catania?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Catania 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 Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. In Tenerife, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Catania is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Catania, 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 Catania Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Catania?

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 Tenerife or Catania in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Catania. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tenerife is cooler than Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the summer, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Catania. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Catania. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Catania in the Autumn?

Both Catania and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

In October, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Catania. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Catania. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Catania in the Winter?

Both Catania and Tenerife during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tenerife is much warmer than Catania in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Catania. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Catania. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Catania in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Catania. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Catania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Catania during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Catania. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Catania and Tenerife