A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Caltagirone vs. Madrid for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Caltagirone or Madrid?

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 Madrid 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.

Madrid

Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Caltagirone and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Caltagirone or Madrid?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Madrid than Caltagirone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Madrid is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Caltagirone is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Caltagirone is well known for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Caltagirone different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caltagirone
Madrid

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Caltagirone or Madrid.

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.

Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.


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

Caltagirone
Madrid

Madrid 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 Madrid have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

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 Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Caltagirone
Madrid

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

Madrid is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

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 Madrid Better for Music?

Caltagirone
Madrid

Madrid is terrific for its music scene. However, Caltagirone is not a live music destination.

In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Caltagirone is not a live music destination.


Is Caltagirone or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

Caltagirone
Madrid

Caltagirone is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

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.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caltagirone or Madrid?

Caltagirone
Madrid

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

Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

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

Is Caltagirone or Madrid Better for Families?

Caltagirone
Madrid

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

Madrid is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also 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 Madrid Better for Couples?

Caltagirone
Madrid

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

Couples visit Madrid frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

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 Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caltagirone
Madrid

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

Madrid is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other 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 Madrid Better for Students?

Caltagirone
Madrid

Madrid is terrific for students. However, Caltagirone is not popular with students.

Madrid is a very popular city for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

Caltagirone is not popular with students.


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

Caltagirone
Madrid

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail 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 Madrid a more walkable city?

Caltagirone
Madrid

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

Getting around Madrid on foot is easy. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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 Madrid Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Caltagirone?

How long in Caltagirone or Madrid?

In either Caltagirone or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid 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 Madrid.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Caltagirone or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Caltagirone 1-2 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Caltagirone or Madrid?

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

Madrid is a cultural city where you can fill many days. 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 Madrid?

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.

Madrid is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. 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 Madrid?

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.

Madrid is a compact city where you can fill many days. 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 Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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 live music when visiting Madrid. 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid 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 Madrid is €136. 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 Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Caltagirone 59
    Madrid 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Caltagirone 118
    Madrid 154
Compare Hotels in Caltagirone and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Caltagirone or Madrid? 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 Madrid


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 Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Caltagirone 8.57
    Madrid 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caltagirone

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Caltagirone:

  • Private Transfer from Catania (CTA) Airport to Noto: $299
  • Private Transfer from Noto to Catania (CTA) Airport: $299
  • Private Transfer from Catania (CTA) Airport to La Via Lattea: $298
  • Transfer Tour from Taormina to Palermo with a stop in Cefalù: $290
  • Private Transfer from Santo Stefano di Camastra to Palermo (PMO) Airport: $284
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Birgi Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Erice: $273
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Castelbuono: $248
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Sciacca: $248
  • Private Transfer from Sciacca to Palermo (PMO) Airport: $248
  • Private Transfer from Ortigia to Catania (CTA) Airport: $236
  • Private Transfer from Catania (CTA) Airport to Ortigia: $236

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $77
  • Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $71
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
  • Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $80
  • Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
  • Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $137
  • Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $80
  • Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $87
  • Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $87
  • From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
  • From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $262
  • Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Caltagirone or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid 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
    Madrid 34

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

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    2.00
  • Ice Cream
    3.00
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    16
  • Croissant
    1.50
  • Lunch at Airport (for 2)
    16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid

For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
  • Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
  • Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
  • Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
  • Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
  • Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
  • San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
  • Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
  • The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Caltagirone 5.71
    Madrid 34

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 Madrid

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.

  • Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.27
  • History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
  • Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
  • Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.35
  • Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Caltagirone 13
    Madrid 20

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    5.00
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:

  • Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
  • Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
  • Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
  • Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
  • Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
  • Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
  • Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
  • Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $49


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


Which is Bigger, Caltagirone or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Caltagirone and Madrid, 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.