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

Should you visit Tenerife or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Siena, 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Siena

Siena is a charming, medieval, and history city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Siena are both popular with visitors, Tenerife has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tenerife is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Siena is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also home to Mount Teide. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Tenerife different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Siena 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 Siena can be an interesting and educational experience. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

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 Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena 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 Siena. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

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 Siena Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is very popular for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Siena. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around town.

Is Tenerife or Siena Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is notable for its resorts. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Siena Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is notable for its beaches. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Siena Better for its Old Town?

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

Siena has a world-famous historical area. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Siena Better for Hiking?

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

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Siena?

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

Tenerife is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Siena. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Is Tenerife or Siena Better for Families?

Tenerife is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city 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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Tenerife or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is very popular for romance. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Siena has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Tenerife or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Siena are both good 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.

Siena is a good island to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

Is Tenerife or Siena Better for Students?

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

Siena is a great city to visit as a student. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Tenerife and Siena.

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 Siena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Tenerife or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena 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.

Siena is very walkable. The compact town center is best 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 Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Siena?

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

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Siena. 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 Siena than Tenerife. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Siena that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Tenerife or Siena?

In Tenerife, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this volcanic 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 Siena 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 Siena?

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.

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

Five days in Tenerife or Siena?

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.

Siena 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 Siena?

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

Siena 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Siena, we can see that Siena 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 Siena Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Siena?

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 Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Siena. 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 Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

Tenerife is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the summer, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Siena. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the autumn, Tenerife is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tenerife in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Siena during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Siena. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena 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 Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tenerife is generally much warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 17°C (63°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Siena. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Siena in the Spring?

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

Tenerife is a little warmer than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Siena. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Tenerife