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

Should you visit Tenerife or Taormina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Taormina, 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Tenerife and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Taormina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Taormina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Taormina is more popular for its museums, food, and small town charm. Tenerife is more touristy than Taormina and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Taormina is well known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Tenerife different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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 Taormina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina 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 Taormina. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

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 Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Taormina offers plenty to do in the evening. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Is Tenerife or Taormina Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, high quality resorts can be found in both Tenerife and Taormina.

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.

In Taormina, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Is Tenerife or Taormina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is a great island for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

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.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Tenerife or Taormina Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is very popular for hiking. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Taormina?

Tenerife is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Tenerife or Taormina Better for Families?

Tenerife is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Tenerife or Taormina Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Taormina 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 Taormina frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Tenerife or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife is a island with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

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

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

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 Taormina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Tenerife or Taormina a more walkable city?

Taormina 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.

Taormina is very walkable. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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 Taormina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Tenerife or Taormina. 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 Taormina.

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

The beautiful island of Tenerife offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Taormina?

Tenerife is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Tenerife or Taormina?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Taormina 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 Taormina?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Taormina, we can see that Tenerife is more expensive. And not only is Taormina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taormina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taormina 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 Taormina.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Taormina?

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 Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Taormina. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tenerife is generally cooler than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 23°C (73°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Taormina during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Taormina. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Taormina. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Taormina in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tenerife is around the same temperature as Taormina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Tenerife is a little warmer than Taormina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Taormina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Taormina. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Tenerife during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the spring, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Taormina. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Tenerife