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

Should you visit Caltagirone or Bilbao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Caltagirone and Bilbao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a quaint, friendly, and charming city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Caltagirone and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caltagirone or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Caltagirone and Bilbao are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Caltagirone is known for its food and impressive beauty. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Caltagirone different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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 Caltagirone or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caltagirone is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Caltagirone. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Caltagirone or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is well known for its evening party scene. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for nightlife.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

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 Caltagirone or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Both Caltagirone and Bilbao have good historic old towns worth visiting.

Caltagirone offers a nice historic old town area. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Bilbao is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Caltagirone or Bilbao?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bilbao and Caltagirone.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Caltagirone. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Caltagirone or Bilbao Better for Families?

Bilbao is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

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 Caltagirone or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Both Caltagirone and Bilbao are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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

Bilbao is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Caltagirone or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bilbao is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

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 Caltagirone or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a city with good options for students. However, Caltagirone is not popular with students.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Caltagirone is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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

Is Caltagirone or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Caltagirone and Bilbao both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Bilbao is somewhat walkable. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Caltagirone?

How long in Caltagirone or Bilbao?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao 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 Bilbao.

One day in Caltagirone or Bilbao?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Bilbao. 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.

A weekend in Caltagirone or Bilbao?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Bilbao. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Caltagirone or Bilbao?

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.

The friendly city of Bilbao offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Caltagirone or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Bilbao. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Caltagirone and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Caltagirone Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caltagirone or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Caltagirone and Bilbao, 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 Caltagirone or Bilbao?

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 Caltagirone or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Caltagirone are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caltagirone is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Caltagirone average around 26°C (79°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caltagirone. Caltagirone usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Caltagirone gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Caltagirone gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caltagirone or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Caltagirone during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Caltagirone for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Caltagirone is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caltagirone averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Caltagirone often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Caltagirone gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caltagirone usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Caltagirone gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caltagirone or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Caltagirone and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Caltagirone in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

In the winter, Caltagirone is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caltagirone in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Caltagirone usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Caltagirone gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Caltagirone gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caltagirone or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caltagirone as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

In April, Caltagirone is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Caltagirone average around 15°C (58°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caltagirone this time of the year. In the spring, Caltagirone often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Caltagirone gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Caltagirone usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Caltagirone gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Caltagirone