Catania vs Taormina: Which Is The Better Sicilian Base?

Taormina vs. Catania: Which Is Really Better?

Choosing between these Sicilian hotspots comes down to your vibe and how you want to spend your time.

If you’re looking for that raw, real-deal Sicilian lifestyle, base yourself in Catania, Italy.

But if your idea of Sicily includes indulging in luxury shopping and sipping Aperol spritz by the Mediterranean, then Taormina is where you need to be.

Personally, I went for the best of both worlds and stayed in both—and if you have the time, you totally can, too.

Catania and Taormina: How Close Are They?

The good—no, great—news is that Catania and Taormina are practically neighbors, with EASY public transit options between them!

So, if you have a few days, you can absolutely do both.

If you’re flying into Catania Airport, you can head straight to Taormina by bus or stay in Catania for a few days first. Then, take either the train (more scenic) or the bus (more convenient) up to Taormina.

Catania Airport to City Center

Traveling from Catania Airport to the city center is convenient with the Ali bus service. Tickets can be purchased from a machine near the exits, which accepts both cash and card, and allows language selection for ease of use. The bus stop is conveniently located just outside the arrivals hall.

Or you can take the train. However, you have to first take a shuttle bus to the train, which isn’t worth it.

How Long Does It Take?

• By bus: The journey to the city center typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses run frequently, ensuring minimal wait times.

Catania Airport to Taormina

If you choose to go to Taormina from Catania Airport, the bus is the most straightforward option. Etna Trasporti operates a direct bus service to Taormina, which is more convenient than the train. You can use the Etna Trasporti app to check bus schedules and purchase tickets directly from your phone.

How Long Does It Take?

• By bus – About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Catania. The best part? The bus drops you off right in Taormina’s old town, so you can start exploring immediately.
• By train – The ride itself takes about 50 minutes, and yes, it’s more scenic. But, there’s a catch—the train only takes you to the base of the town, not to the main part of Taormina. From there, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi to the old town. And let me warn you: taxis are a total rip-off—€25 for an 8-minute ride. No thanks.

So unless you really want the scenic route, the bus is the better option.

Catania or Taormina: Which One Hurts the Wallet More?”

When deciding between Catania and Taormina, budget considerations are crucial. Taormina is undeniably pricier, not only in terms of accommodations but also when dining out. 

However, don’t let the higher costs deter you; Taormina is a must-visit, though it does require a bit more budget planning.

Since Catania is budget-friendly, it may be a wise choice for those looking to economize to base themselves there.

Hotel Costs (Peak Travel Season: June-August)

For a quality stay (think mid-range, great location, with a Booking.com rating over 8.5), here’s what you can expect:

• Catania: I stayed at Il Gattopardo House, a 3-night stay total was $268, an affordable rate that doesn’t compromise on comfort or location.
• Taormina: Now, if you wanted to stay at, let’s say, Casa Aricò & Shatulle Suites, a similar quality hotel 3-night stay climbs to $678. The stark price difference is evident.

To manage costs as I did, consider splitting your stay between both locations or make Taormina a day trip if you prefer less hassle.

Where Will You Find Better Food?

Personally, I found the food in Catania to be superior. While I didn’t dine at Michelin-starred establishments in either Catania or Taormina, those seeking that kind of upscale dining might prefer Taormina.

In Catania, I opted for elevated bistros and was delighted by the quality and prices. The traditional Italian restaurants offered not only reasonable prices but also exceptional cuisine. The Pasta alla Norma was so memorable that I’d return to Sicily just for another plate!

For an unforgettable meal, there’s a rooftop restaurant in Catania with epic views of Mt. Etna that is a must-visit.

• Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant by UNA Cucina
• Razmataz Wine Bar
• Vermut Vermith Bar – Cheap eats

If you are looking for some restaurants in Taormina I really enjoyed the following:

• Liola Osteria and Bar
• Trattoria Da Nino
• Ristorante Pizzeria Porta Messina

What About the Attractions?

Choosing between Taormina and Catania depends on what kind of vacation you’re looking for.

Taormina is ideal for a relaxing beach getaway, while Catania offers a more urban experience with its array of cathedrals and museums.

Here are some must-visit spots in each location:

Things to Do in Taormina:

• Ancient Theater of Taormina: An old theater with breathtaking views of Mount Etna.
• Isola Bella: A beautiful island connected to the mainland by a thin strip of beach, perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
• Corso Umberto: The main street for shopping, filled with unique boutiques and charming cafes.
• Gardens of Villa Comunale: Lush public gardens offering tranquility and stunning sea views.
• Castelmola: A picturesque village just above Taormina, with narrow streets and panoramic views.
• Alcantara Gorge: A natural canyon near Taormina, famous for its unique geological formations and cold river waters ideal for refreshing dips.

Things to Do in Catania:

• Catania Cathedral: A stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, located in the heart of the city.
• Castello Ursino: A 13th-century castle that now houses a museum with fascinating exhibits.
• La Pescheria Market: A bustling market where you can experience the local lifestyle and try fresh seafood.
• Teatro Massimo Bellini: An ornate opera house that offers regular performances in a lavish setting.
• Via Etnea: The main shopping street stretching from the heart of Catania to the outskirts, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The hotel I recommend is just off this main street.
• Monastero dei Benedettini: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this former monastery is one of the largest in Europe and is now part of the University of Catania.
• Roman Amphitheater: The Roman Amphitheater in Catania offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient gladiatorial history.

Which Place is SAFER… Taormina or Catania

In terms of safety, both statistically and in terms of real feel, Taormina is safer. That’s not to say I felt unsafe in Catania as a solo female traveler, but I was certainly more vigilant when walking around alone at night.

Catania, being a major city, has its share of urban crime to watch out for, such as pickpocketing and other petty crimes like auto break-ins (a tip: don’t rent a car in Sicily and leave your bags unattended in it).

Ultimately, when visiting Catania, use your common sense. It’s worth paying extra to stay in the best neighborhoods and avoid trying to save money by staying just outside the center.

The same advice applies to places like Naples, where I have also traveled solo. These cities may have a bad reputation, but you can visit them safely with thorough research and careful planning.

Day Trips Destinations From Catania Or Taormina 

One of the major perks of staying in Catania is that you can make day trips to not only Taormina but Siracusa (Syracuse) as well! 

And if visiting Noto is on your wishlist, basing yourself in Catania is the way to go!

When staying up in Taormina, I found no other nearby spots worth visiting. The closest was Cefalu, which was almost 3 hours by car. 

But Siracusa from Catania is an hour and 45 minutes away on the train and only 51 minutes away by car!

Siracusa is another coastal town like Taormina but with completely different vibes! It is also a lot bigger, but the main beaches are less accessible. I make a full comparison of my experience in Siracusa and Taormina in my guide.

So if you want to make day trips to notable nearby towns easily, I recommend you stay in Catania.

Final thoughts

If I were to do this trip all over again, I would base myself in Catania and make a day trip to Taormina.

It is such a tiny place you won’t feel like you missed anything if you go there for only the day. 

So consider the kind of vacation you are looking to have and base yourself there!