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

Should you visit Caltagirone or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne 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 charming, quaint, and friendly city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Caltagirone and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Caltagirone or Carcassonne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Caltagirone than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Caltagirone is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Carcassonne is more popular for its museums, food, and small town charm. Carcassonne is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Caltagirone is well known for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase. Also, Caltagirone is famous for The Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte.

How is Caltagirone different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Carcassonne is an experience not to be missed. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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

Is Caltagirone or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

Caltagirone is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Caltagirone. Many people visit as a day trip and the town isn't known for its nightlife scene.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Caltagirone or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

Both Caltagirone and Carcassonne have notable 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.

Carcassonne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.


Is the Shopping Better in Caltagirone or Carcassonne?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

Caltagirone is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Caltagirone. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caltagirone or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a town 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 Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

Both Caltagirone and Carcassonne are notable 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.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Caltagirone or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is well known for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Carcassonne is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Carcassonne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Caltagirone and Carcassonne.

You'll find some public transit in Caltagirone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses travel in and out of town.

While Carcassonne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Caltagirone or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Caltagirone
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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 Caltagirone Worth Visiting? and Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Caltagirone?

How long in Caltagirone or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Caltagirone or Carcassonne to fill your time. In our opinion, Carcassonne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Carcassonne than Caltagirone. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Caltagirone or Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Caltagirone 1-2 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in Caltagirone or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Caltagirone. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the medieval town of Carcassonne. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Caltagirone or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Caltagirone. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the historical destination of Carcassonne. This town 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 Carcassonne?

The quaint city of Caltagirone offers museums and food. 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.

The fairytale town of Carcassonne offers food and museums. 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 Carcassonne?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Caltagirone?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Caltagirone is €95, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is €106. 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 Caltagirone and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Caltagirone 59
    Carcassonne 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Caltagirone 118
    Carcassonne 122
Compare Hotels in Caltagirone and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Caltagirone or Carcassonne? 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 Caltagirone


Hotels in Carcassonne


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: Caltagirone Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Caltagirone 8.57
    Carcassonne 7.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caltagirone

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Caltagirone:

  • Transfer from Taormina and sourrounding villages to Catania Airport: $153
  • Transfer from Syracuse to Catania with driver private: $98
  • Transfer from Palermo airport to solve the expected problem: $58
  • Transfer from Catania airport to Ragusa: $87
  • Transfer from Catania airport to Catania Center: $60
  • Transfer from Catania Ragusa with private driver with car or van: $83
  • Transfer from Catania Airport to Catania city center or vice versa: $41
  • Transfer from Catania / Catania city center to Taormina or vice versa: $99
  • Transfer from Catania (everywhere) to Caltagirone (or viceversa): $95
  • Transfer da aeroporto Trapani a San Vito Lo Capo: $68
  • Transfer Tour from Taormina to Palermo with a stop in Cefalù: $290
  • Transfer Syracuse to Palermo with to visit Agrigento with Van: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Caltagirone or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Caltagirone 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
    Caltagirone 31
    Carcassonne 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Caltagirone

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Caltagirone.

  • Palermo Street Food Tour including Market and City Centre: $21
  • Palermo Street Food tour: art, history and ancient markets: $49
  • Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo: $49
  • Gastronomic Street Food Tour of Catania: $53
  • Catania Patisserie Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $60
  • Classic Palermo Street Food Tour: $60
  • Dinner in the Madonie Mountains : $65
  • Catania Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $67
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $69
  • Vegan Street Food Tour: $71
  • Street Food Tour in Ortigia Syracuse: $75
  • Italian Bread and Pizza Making Experience in Palermo: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Caltagirone 5.71
    Carcassonne 14

Tours and Activities in Caltagirone

Here are a few actual costs in Caltagirone for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Boat Tour in Syracuse with Aperitif 1 hour and a half: $55
  • Daily Boat Tour to the Egadi Islands: $76
  • Guided tour of Villa Romana del Casale with skip the line: $43
  • Taormina Sunset Tour with Aperitif on Roof-Top Terrace: $153
  • 1 hour Calessino Tour in Syracuse: $131
  • 2 Hour Private Tour to Agrigento Valley of the Temples: $206
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Ortigia: $22
  • 2 Hours Guided Group Tour in Catania: $37
  • 2 Hours and a Half Private Guided Tour of Catania: $27
  • 2-hour private tour of Ortigia by bike: $115
  • 3 Hours Guided Tour of the Archaeological Park of Neàpolis and Ortigia: $136
  • 3 hours in Syracuse Boat Tour and Tuk tuk Tourist Tour: $120

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Caltagirone 13
    Carcassonne 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Caltagirone

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Caltagirone:

  • Organic wine tasting at our historic cantina: $33
  • Etna DOC & Organic Wine tasting and tour of the 1815 historic winery: $35
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 3 Wine Tasting: $37
  • Marsala wine tasting in historic winery: $38
  • Wine Tasting in a group with other travelers: $41
  • Wine Tasting Experience Etna Nord: $41
  • Wine Tasting in Panoramic Winery on Mount Etna: $41
  • From Marzamemi: 2-Hour Authentic Wine Tasting in Val di Noto: $48
  • Natural wine tasting in Palermo: $49
  • Wine tasting of the Mazara del Vallo nature reserve: $49
  • Wine tasting on the southern slope of Etna: $51
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 5 Wine Tasting: $52

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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


Which is Bigger, Caltagirone or Carcassonne?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Caltagirone and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Caltagirone or Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Caltagirone as well as Carcassonne. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Caltagirone is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caltagirone in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caltagirone this time of the year. In the summer, Caltagirone often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Caltagirone gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Caltagirone usually gets less rain in July than Carcassonne. Caltagirone gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Caltagirone 26°C (79°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Caltagirone or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Caltagirone are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Caltagirone for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Caltagirone is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Caltagirone average around 19°C (67°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Caltagirone usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Caltagirone gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Caltagirone gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Caltagirone 19°C (67°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Caltagirone or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Caltagirone during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Caltagirone in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Caltagirone is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Caltagirone averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Caltagirone often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Caltagirone gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Caltagirone usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Caltagirone gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Caltagirone 10°C (51°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Caltagirone or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Caltagirone and Carcassonne. Most visitors come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Caltagirone is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caltagirone in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Caltagirone, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caltagirone usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Caltagirone gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Caltagirone gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Caltagirone 15°C (58°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Caltagirone

Caltagirone Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)