A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Caltagirone vs. Siena for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Caltagirone or Siena?

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 Siena 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. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Siena

Siena is a medieval, history, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Caltagirone and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caltagirone or Siena?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Siena than Caltagirone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Siena is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Caltagirone is more popular for its shopping. Siena is more touristy than Caltagirone and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Also, Siena is famous for Piazza del Campo. 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 Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Siena 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 Siena. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

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 Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena 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 Siena is an experience not to be missed. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

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 Siena Better for Nightlife?

Siena is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for nightlife.

Siena has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around 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 Siena Better for its Old Town?

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

Siena has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

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 Siena?

Caltagirone is notable for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Caltagirone is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Siena. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Is Caltagirone or Siena Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Caltagirone or Siena as a family destination.

Caltagirone doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Siena is not always the best place to visit. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Caltagirone or Siena Better for Couples?

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

Siena is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

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 Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Siena is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

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 Siena Better for Students?

Siena is well known for students. However, Caltagirone is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Siena. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Caltagirone is not popular with students.

Is Caltagirone or Siena 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 Siena.

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 Siena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Caltagirone or Siena a more walkable city?

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

Siena is a very walkable destination. The compact town center is best explored 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 Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Caltagirone?

How long in Caltagirone or Siena?

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

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

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

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

One day in Caltagirone or Siena?

In Caltagirone, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A weekend in Caltagirone or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caltagirone. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the history destination of Siena. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Siena?

Caltagirone is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Caltagirone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The medieval city of Siena offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Caltagirone. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. 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 Siena, we can see that Siena 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 Siena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Siena 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 Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caltagirone or Siena?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Caltagirone and Siena, 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 Siena?

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 Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Caltagirone and Siena. Many visitors come to Caltagirone in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Caltagirone is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caltagirone in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Caltagirone, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caltagirone usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during summer. Caltagirone gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Siena. Caltagirone gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caltagirone or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Caltagirone as well as Siena. Most visitors come to Caltagirone for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Siena because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Caltagirone is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Caltagirone average around 19°C (67°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Caltagirone often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Caltagirone gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Caltagirone usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Caltagirone gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caltagirone or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Caltagirone are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Caltagirone because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Caltagirone is a little warmer than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Caltagirone averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Caltagirone usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Caltagirone gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Siena. Caltagirone gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caltagirone or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Caltagirone during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Caltagirone is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caltagirone in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Caltagirone. In the spring, Caltagirone often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Caltagirone gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Caltagirone usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Caltagirone gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Caltagirone