A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Setubal vs. Taormina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Setubal or Taormina?

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 Setubal and Taormina can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Taormina?

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

Taormina

A quaint hillside town on the eastern side of Sicily, Taormina is arguably one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island. It's peak season is the months of July and August when Italian and European tourists alike flock to the beaches. During this time it can be crowded and hot, but if you visit during the spring or fall months you might find the crowds slightly less and the weather more comfortable. The town is popular with package tours, which stay at the beach resorts around Giardini Naxos to the south or Letojanni to the north.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Taormina or Setubal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €149, while the average daily cost in Taormina is €132. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Setubal and Taormina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Taormina 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Taormina 140
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Taormina

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Taormina? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Setubal


Hotels in Taormina


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Setubal Hotel Prices and Taormina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Taormina 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $286
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $102
  • Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $57
  • Setúbal: Ilha Deserta Boat Transfer with Free Time: $29
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $24
  • Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Taormina?

Prices for flights to both Taormina and Setubal change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Setubal 60
    Taormina 57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal

For Setubal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Evora Cooking Class & Wine Pairings in Fatima’s Home: $220
  • Lisbon Guided Tour with Live Fado Show and Traditional Dinner : $225
  • Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Taormina 11

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Horse Carriage Tour on the Mountain in Palmela: $183
  • Secrets of Setúbal: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
  • Évora Catholic History Tour: $101
  • Évora Cork and Castle Tour: $149
  • Évora Jewish History Tour: $101
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $56
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $30
  • Évora: Private Walking Tour: $117
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $60
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $108
  • Arrábida - Sesimbra: Nature Jeep Tour: $65
  • Arrábida Kayak Tour with Secret Beaches & Beach Picnic: $185

Tours and Activities in Taormina

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $666
  • Best Tour di Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella e Messina: $470
  • From Messina: boat tour discovering Isola bella and Taormina: $217
  • From Taormina or Messina Harbor: Private Godfather Tour: $317
  • Shore tour from Messina cruise port: Taormina and Castelmola: $540
  • Shore tour from Messina port: Taormina & Godfather Places: $599
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $234

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Taormina 8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $72
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $143
  • Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $146
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $155
  • Setúbal Wine Tour, famous Moscatel DE Setúbal: $209
  • Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrabida Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $212


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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Taormina?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Setubal 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 Setubal 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 Setubal or Taormina in the Summer?

Both Taormina and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Taormina in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Taormina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Taormina. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Taormina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Taormina in the Autumn?

Both Taormina and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Setubal is around the same temperature as Taormina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Setubal usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Taormina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Taormina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Taormina. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Taormina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Setubal is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Taormina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Taormina. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Taormina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Taormina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Taormina. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In April, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets more rain in April than Taormina. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Taormina 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Taormina and Setubal

Setubal Taormina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)