A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Pompeii for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tenerife or Pompeii?

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

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Tenerife and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Pompeii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is more popular for its museums. Tenerife is well known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Pompeii is well known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

How is Tenerife different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Travelers visit Pompeii from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tenerife is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Tenerife is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Tenerife is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Pompeii?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii Better for Families?

Tenerife is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Tenerife is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a good island to visit for backpackers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Tenerife or Pompeii a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Pompeii?

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

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tenerife and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Pompeii because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tenerife is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 23°C (73°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Tenerife during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Pompeii. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pompeii for the museums.

In the winter, Tenerife is much warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Pompeii. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Tenerife