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

Should you visit Caltagirone or Fez?

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 Fez 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Fez

Fez is a ancient, winding, and busy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Caltagirone and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caltagirone or Fez?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fez. Although Caltagirone and Fez are both popular with visitors, Fez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fez is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Caltagirone is known for its nightlife. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also home to the Chouara Tannery.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Caltagirone different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Fez 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 Fez on the map. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.

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 Fez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fez 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 Fez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.

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 Fez Better for Nightlife?

Caltagirone is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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 Fez. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.

Is Caltagirone or Fez Better for its Old Town?

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

Fez has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

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 Caltagirone or Fez?

Fez is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Fez is a world class destination for shoppers. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.

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

Is Caltagirone or Fez Better for Families?

Fez 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 Fez. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.

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 Fez Better for Couples?

Fez is well known for couples. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Fez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

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 Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Fez is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Caltagirone is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Caltagirone has some public transit options. Buses travel in and out of town.

Public transit is generally limited in Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.

Is Caltagirone or Fez a more walkable city?

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

Fez is a very walkable destination. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.

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 Fez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fez or Caltagirone?

How long in Caltagirone or Fez?

In either Caltagirone or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fez than Caltagirone because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Caltagirone, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.

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

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

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

One day in Caltagirone or Fez?

With shopping and museums around the friendly destination of Caltagirone, there's plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Fez is a busy 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.

A weekend in Caltagirone or Fez?

Many people visit Caltagirone for a weekend. With museums and food around the quaint city of Caltagirone, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Fez is a cultural 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.

Five days in Caltagirone or Fez?

The destination of Caltagirone offers food and shopping. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Fez is a ancient 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.

A week in Caltagirone or Fez?

Caltagirone, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Fez. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Caltagirone and Fez, we can see that Caltagirone is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Caltagirone is in Europe and Fez is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Fez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fez 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 Caltagirone would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Caltagirone than you might in Fez.

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

Which is Bigger, Caltagirone or Fez?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Caltagirone and Fez, 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.