A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Palermo for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Tenerife or Palermo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Palermo, 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Palermo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Palermo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palermo than Tenerife, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palermo is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Tenerife is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral.

How is Tenerife different from Palermo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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 Palermo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Is Tenerife or Palermo Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Palermo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Is Tenerife or Palermo Better for Beaches?

Both Tenerife and Palermo have high quality beaches worth visiting.

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.

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Is Tenerife or Palermo Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Palermo?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Tenerife and Palermo.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Palermo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Is Tenerife or Palermo Better for Families?

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

Palermo is a very family-friendly destination. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Is Tenerife or Palermo Better for Couples?

Tenerife is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Tenerife or Palermo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Palermo 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.

Palermo is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Tenerife or Palermo Better for Students?

Palermo is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

Is Tenerife or Palermo 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, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Tenerife or Palermo a more walkable city?

Palermo 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.

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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 Palermo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palermo or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Palermo?

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

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

One day in Tenerife or Palermo?

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 city of Palermo offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Palermo?

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.

Palermo 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palermo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Palermo?

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.

Palermo 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 Palermo?

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.

Palermo is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tenerife and Palermo, we can see that Tenerife is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Palermo.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Palermo?

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 Palermo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Palermo. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the summer, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Tenerife or Palermo in the Autumn?

Both Palermo and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Palermo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Palermo. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Palermo in the Winter?

Both Palermo and Tenerife during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Tenerife is a little warmer than Palermo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Palermo averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Palermo. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Palermo. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Palermo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Palermo. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo 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 Palermo during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Palermo and Tenerife