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

Should you visit Tenerife or Genoa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Genoa, 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 adventure-filled, beautiful, and volcanic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Genoa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Genoa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Tenerife is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Genoa is well known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Tenerife different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Genoa 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 Genoa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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 Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Genoa. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Tenerife or Genoa Better for Resorts?

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

Tenerife is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Genoa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors go to Tenerife to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is great for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. 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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Tenerife or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

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

Genoa is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Genoa Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Tenerife draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Genoa?

Tenerife is great for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa 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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Tenerife or Genoa Better for Families?

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

Tenerife is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Genoa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Tenerife or Genoa Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Genoa are both superb to visit as a couple.

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Genoa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Tenerife or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Genoa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

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

Genoa is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Genoa 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 Genoa is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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 Genoa a more walkable city?

Genoa 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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore 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 Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Tenerife or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tenerife due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

One day in Tenerife or Genoa?

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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 port city of Genoa offers food and shopping. 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 Tenerife or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Genoa 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Genoa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Genoa?

Tenerife is a fun place to experience. In Tenerife, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Genoa 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 Tenerife or Genoa?

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this adventure-filled destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Genoa is a great place to explore. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Genoa. The summer months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Genoa. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Genoa. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Genoa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°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 Genoa. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tenerife is much warmer than Genoa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Genoa averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Genoa. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Tenerife during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the spring, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Tenerife