A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Catania or Nantes?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Catania and Nantes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a lively, youthful, and fun port 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. See Catania travel costs.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. The beauty of Nantes is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Nantes travel costs.

Catania and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania. Although Catania and Nantes are roughly the same size, Catania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Catania is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Nantes is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Catania different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Catania or Nantes?

Nantes is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

Is the Food Better in Catania or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Catania and Nantes offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Is Catania or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Catania and Nantes.

Catania has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

Nantes has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Catania or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Catania is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

Catania has a beach worth visiting. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Catania and Nantes are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Many people head to Catania to see the old town. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is Catania or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Catania is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Nantes?

Nantes is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Nantes is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Nantes More Beautiful?

Nantes is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Catania is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Nantes is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The beauty of the surrounding countryside merges with the historical sights of the city center. You'll find many parks and gardens as well as impressive architecture and quaint streets.

Catania is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Catania or Nantes Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Catania or Nantes.

Catania is a very kid-friendly port city. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Catania or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Catania. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Catania or Nantes Better for Students?

Catania is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Is Catania or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Catania and Nantes offer excellent public transit options.

The public transit in Catania can get you around easily. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

Nantes offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Catania or Nantes a more walkable city?

Catania and Nantes both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Catania is a very walkable port city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

For even more information, also check out Is Catania Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Catania?

How long in Catania or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Catania and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantes than in Catania. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Catania, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Catania than Nantes 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 Catania.

One day in Catania or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Catania or Nantes?

Catania is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Catania or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Catania. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Catania and Nantes, we can see that Catania is more expensive. And not only is Nantes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nantes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nantes 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 Catania would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Catania than you might in Nantes.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Nantes?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Catania and Nantes, 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 Catania or Nantes?

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 Catania or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Catania 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 Catania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Catania is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Catania in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Catania. In the summer, Catania often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Nantes in the Autumn?

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

In October, Catania is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Catania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Catania usually receives more rain than Nantes. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Catania or Nantes in the Winter?

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

Catania is much warmer than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Catania often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Catania is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Catania usually receives less rain than Nantes. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Catania