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

Should you visit Tenerife or Lucca?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Lucca, 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 beautiful, volcanic, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Lucca

Lucca is a charming, quaint, and popular city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Lucca?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Lucca, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Lucca is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Tenerife is more touristy than Lucca and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Lucca is well known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Tenerife different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucca 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 Lucca can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.

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 Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lucca 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 Lucca. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

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 Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Tenerife is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Lucca has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

Is Tenerife or Lucca Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is well known for its resorts. However, Lucca is not a resort destination.

In Tenerife, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Lucca is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Lucca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tenerife is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Lucca Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is well known for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tenerife attract visitors from all over. 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.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

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

Lucca has a world-famous historical area. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Lucca Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Around Tenerife visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Lucca?

Tenerife is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lucca. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

Is Tenerife or Lucca Better for Families?

Tenerife is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tenerife is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Lucca offers lots of family activities. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.

Is Tenerife or Lucca Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Lucca are both high quality 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 Lucca frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

Is Tenerife or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Lucca are both notable destinations for backpackers.

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

Lucca is a good island to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

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

Tenerife is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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".

Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.

Is Tenerife or Lucca a more walkable city?

Lucca 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.

Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored 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 Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tenerife or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tenerife than Lucca 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 Lucca.

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

One day in Tenerife or Lucca?

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this adventure-filled 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 beautiful city of Lucca 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 Lucca?

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.

Lucca 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 Lucca, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Lucca?

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.

Lucca 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 Lucca?

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful 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.

Lucca 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

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