A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Caltagirone vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Caltagirone or Cinque Terre?

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

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Caltagirone and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caltagirone or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Caltagirone and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Caltagirone attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Caltagirone is famous for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Caltagirone different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caltagirone is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Caltagirone. 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Caltagirone is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Caltagirone or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

Is Caltagirone or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Caltagirone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Caltagirone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Caltagirone or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Caltagirone or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

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

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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 Caltagirone or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

Around Cinque Terre visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caltagirone or Cinque Terre?

Caltagirone is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Caltagirone or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region 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 Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for couples. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cinque Terre is a great coastal region for couples, as it has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Caltagirone or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cinque Terre is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

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

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

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 Cinque Terre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Caltagirone or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Cinque Terre on foot is easy. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Caltagirone?

How long in Caltagirone or Cinque Terre?

In either Caltagirone or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Caltagirone because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Caltagirone, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Caltagirone or Cinque Terre?

In Caltagirone, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Caltagirone or Cinque Terre?

Caltagirone is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal region 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 Cinque Terre?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Caltagirone. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Caltagirone or Cinque Terre?

Caltagirone is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Caltagirone or Cinque Terre?

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

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Caltagirone as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Caltagirone for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Caltagirone is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Caltagirone averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caltagirone this time of the year. In the summer, Caltagirone often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Caltagirone gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Caltagirone usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Caltagirone gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caltagirone or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Caltagirone are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Caltagirone because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the autumn, Caltagirone is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Caltagirone in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Caltagirone usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during autumn. Caltagirone gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In October, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Caltagirone gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caltagirone or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

In January, Caltagirone is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Caltagirone average around 10°C (51°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Caltagirone often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Caltagirone gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caltagirone usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Caltagirone gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caltagirone or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Caltagirone and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Caltagirone is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Caltagirone averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Caltagirone, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caltagirone usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during spring. Caltagirone gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Caltagirone gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Caltagirone