A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Caltagirone for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Caltagirone?

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 Athens and Caltagirone. 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.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a friendly, charming, and quaint city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Athens and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Caltagirone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Caltagirone are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Caltagirone attracts visitors for its shopping. Athens is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Caltagirone is famous for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Caltagirone?

Athens is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Caltagirone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors come to see the famed Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, which is a 142 step staircase that connects the upper and lower parts of the city. The staircase highlights the city's ceramic and pottery industry, as every step is decorated with tiles.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Caltagirone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Caltagirone. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Is Athens or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

Athens is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for nightlife.

Athens is a must-see party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Caltagirone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Many people visit as a day trip and the town isn't known for its nightlife scene.

Is Athens or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Athens is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Athens has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Caltagirone is a good destination for visiting its old town. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Caltagirone?

Caltagirone is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Caltagirone. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Athens is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

For families, Caltagirone is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy running up and down the famous Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase. The town also hosts some fun festivals throughout the year, and if you're traveling with kids, these would be the times to visit.

Is Athens or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

Athens and Caltagirone both nice destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Caltagirone is a nice destination for couples. Pottery shopping and exploring the town make this a nice option for a day trip or overnight visit.

Is Athens or Caltagirone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is terrific for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Caltagirone is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Many people pass in and out of the town on a day trip or stopover, so you won't find many hostels.

Is Athens or Caltagirone Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. However, Caltagirone is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Caltagirone is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Caltagirone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is well known for its public transit. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

While Caltagirone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel in and out of town.

Is Athens or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Athens is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Caltagirone is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are steep, but many people choose to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Athens?

How long in Athens or Caltagirone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Caltagirone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Caltagirone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Caltagirone.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Caltagirone 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Caltagirone?

Athens is a energetic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Caltagirone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Caltagirone?

Athens is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Caltagirone is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Caltagirone?

Athens is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caltagirone. 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.

A week in Athens or Caltagirone?

Athens is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Caltagirone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Caltagirone?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Caltagirone, 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 Athens or Caltagirone?

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 Athens or Caltagirone in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Caltagirone. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Caltagirone because of the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is around the same temperature as Caltagirone in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caltagirone. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Caltagirone. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 325 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in July than Caltagirone. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Caltagirone in the Autumn?

Both Caltagirone and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year.

In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Caltagirone during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Caltagirone. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Caltagirone in the Winter?

Both Caltagirone and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caltagirone for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Caltagirone fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 153 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Caltagirone. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Caltagirone in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Caltagirone. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Caltagirone in the spring for the natural beauty.

Athens is around the same temperature as Caltagirone in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caltagirone this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Caltagirone during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Caltagirone. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caltagirone and Athens