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

Should you visit Valencia or Taormina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a coastal, cultural, and historic coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina

Taormina is a historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valencia and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Taormina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valencia. Although Valencia and Taormina are both popular with visitors, Valencia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valencia is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Taormina is known for its resorts and small town charm. Valencia is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Valencia different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valencia is a great coastal 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 Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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 Valencia or Taormina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Valencia have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Valencia or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Taormina Better for Resorts?

Taormina is well known for its resorts. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Taormina is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Is Valencia or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Both Valencia and Taormina have good beaches worth visiting.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Taormina. 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 Valencia or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Valencia has a world-famous historical area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Taormina Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Taormina?

Valencia is a great coastal 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 Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia or Taormina Better for Families?

Valencia is a great coastal city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Valencia. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or Taormina Better for Couples?

Valencia and Taormina are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Taormina is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Valencia or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Taormina Better for Students?

Valencia is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

Valencia is a very popular coastal city for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Taormina.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Valencia or Taormina a more walkable city?

Valencia and Taormina both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Valencia or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Taormina due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Taormina.

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or Taormina?

Valencia is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Valencia or Taormina?

Valencia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 Valencia, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Valencia or Taormina?

Valencia 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 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 Valencia or Taormina?

Valencia 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 coastal city 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Valencia and Taormina, we can see that Valencia 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 Valencia Expensive? and Is Taormina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Taormina?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia or Taormina?

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 Valencia or Taormina in the Summer?

Both Taormina and Valencia during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valencia is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Taormina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valencia. In the summer, Valencia often gets less sunshine than Taormina. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets more rain in July than Taormina. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Taormina. Many travelers come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Taormina in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valencia is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Valencia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina during autumn. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Valencia usually receives less rain than Taormina. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valencia or Taormina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Taormina. Many visitors come to Valencia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Taormina in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in January than Taormina. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, 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 the spring, Valencia is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Taormina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives more rain than Taormina. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Valencia