A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Catania for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Izmir or Catania?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Catania. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Izmir

It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food. See Izmir travel costs.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Catania travel costs.

Izmir and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Izmir or Catania?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Catania than Izmir. While Izmir is larger than Catania, Catania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Catania is more touristy than Izmir and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also well known for Mount Etna. Izmir is famous for

How is Izmir different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Catania is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.

Catania is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Catania is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Izmir is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Catania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Izmir has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Located on the coast, the city is known for its fresh seafood like grilled fish, calamari, and midye dolma (stuffed mussels). Kumru, a local sandwich made with sesame-crusted bread and filled with sucuk or cheese, is a must-try street food. Also popular are meze, which are small plates of appetizers like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and zeytinyağlılar (vegetables cooked in olive oil).

Is Izmir or Catania Better for Nightlife?

Catania is a great destination for nightlife. However, Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The people in Catania know how to have a good time. 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.

Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Izmir or Catania Better for Beaches?

Catania is a good destination for its beaches. However, Izmir is not a beach destination.

Catania offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Izmir is not a beach destination.

Is Izmir or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Catania is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Izmir does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Catania to see the historical 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.

Izmir does not have a historic old town.

Is Izmir or Catania Better for Hiking?

Catania is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Izmir is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Izmir is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Izmir or Catania?

Catania is a good destination for shopping. However, Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Catania is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Izmir or Catania Better for Families?

Both Izmir and Catania are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Izmir is a very family-friendly place to visit. A visit to Kültürpark, a large park in the city center, is perfect for children to enjoy playgrounds, open spaces, and even a small amusement park. The Izmir Wildlife Park, located just outside the city, is another great spot, where kids can explore and interact with a variety of animals in a natural setting. For an educational experience, the Izmir Natural History Museum provides fascinating exhibits on local wildlife and natural science. Families will also enjoy taking a boat ride on the Izmir Bay or visiting the Aqua City Water Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Catania is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Izmir or Catania Better for Couples?

Izmir and Catania both nice destinations for a couple.

Izmir is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the scenic Kordon promenade at sunset or having a drink at a local cafe. You can also explore the Kadifekale Castle, which offers panoramic views of Izmir and is another great spot for watching the sunset together. Also popular is taking a boat tour around Izmir Bay, which lets you see the city from a different perspective.

Catania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Izmir or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Izmir and Catania are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Izmir. It's a popular stop off for backpackers who enjoy the cultural scene around town. There are many hostels to choose from, particularly in areas like Konak and Alsancak.

Many 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.

Is Izmir or Catania Better for Students?

Catania is a great destination for students. However, Izmir is not popular with students.

Many students visit Catania. 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.

Izmir is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Izmir and Catania.

Public transit in Izmir is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is diverse and includes a metro with two lines, buses, ferries, and dolmuses (shared minibuses). In general, the system is reliable and affordable.

Catania has some very good public transit options. 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.

Is Izmir or Catania a more walkable city?

Catania is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Izmir is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Izmir is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods include Konak, Alsancak, and Kordon where you can easily walk between attractions, cafés, shops, and parks. The Kordon waterfront promenade is a popular place for strolling, jogging, or simply relaxing.

Should I spend more time in Catania or Izmir?

How long in Izmir or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Izmir or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Izmir than Catania because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Izmir, and 1-2 days is enough time in Catania.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Catania than Izmir 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 Izmir or Catania?

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In Izmir, you'll find food. This offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Catania, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Izmir or Catania?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Izmir or Catania?

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Izmir 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.

Catania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Catania. Lots of people come for the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Izmir or Catania?

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It's hard to know how much time to spend in Izmir. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Izmir. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, 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 Izmir and Catania, we can see that Catania is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.

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

Which is Bigger, Izmir or Catania?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Catania, 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 Izmir or Catania?

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 Izmir or Catania in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Catania. Many travelers come to Izmir for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Catania during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Izmir or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Catania. Many visitors come to Izmir in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Additionally, most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Catania. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Catania. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Izmir or Catania in the Winter?

Both Catania and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Izmir for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Catania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Izmir is cooler than Catania in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Catania during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Catania. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Izmir or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Izmir because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Catania. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Catania. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Catania and Izmir