A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Taormina for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Taormina?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Taormina? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a historic, vibrant, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Taormina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Taormina are both popular with visitors, Thessaloniki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Taormina is known for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Thessaloniki different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Taormina and Thessaloniki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thessaloniki or Taormina?

Thessaloniki is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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.

Is the Food Better in Thessaloniki or Taormina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Taormina both to be excellent destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Taormina is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Taormina have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

The people in Taormina know how to have a good time. 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 Thessaloniki or Taormina Better for Resorts?

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Taormina is a popular place for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Taormina is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Taormina?

Thessaloniki is a great city 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 Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Taormina Better for Families?

Thessaloniki is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Thessaloniki offers lots of family activities. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Taormina Better for Couples?

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Taormina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Taormina Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Thessaloniki and Taormina.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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 Thessaloniki or Taormina a more walkable city?

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Taormina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Thessaloniki or Taormina. In our opinion, Thessaloniki has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Thessaloniki than Taormina. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Thessaloniki than Taormina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Thessaloniki, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki.

One day in Thessaloniki or Taormina?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. 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. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Taormina?

Thessaloniki 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Thessaloniki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Taormina is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Taormina?

Thessaloniki 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.

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Taormina?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. 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.

Taormina is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, 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 Thessaloniki and Taormina, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Taormina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Taormina?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Taormina, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Taormina. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Taormina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Taormina. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Taormina. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Taormina. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

Thessaloniki is much colder than Taormina in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Taormina during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Taormina. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is cooler than Taormina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Taormina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Taormina. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Thessaloniki