A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Caltagirone vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Caltagirone or Varenna?

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 Varenna 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.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Caltagirone and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Lake Como
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Caltagirone or Varenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Varenna. Although Caltagirone and Varenna are both popular with visitors, Varenna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Varenna is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Caltagirone is known for its historical sights and shopping. Varenna is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. It is also home to Lake Como. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

Lake Como
Lake Como

How is Caltagirone different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caltagirone
Varenna

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

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.

Varenna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.


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

Caltagirone
Varenna

Varenna 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 Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Caltagirone
Varenna

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Caltagirone and Varenna.

Caltagirone is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Many people visit as a day trip and the town isn't known for its nightlife scene.

Varenna doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Caltagirone or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Caltagirone
Varenna

Caltagirone is a good destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Caltagirone. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.


Is Caltagirone or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Caltagirone
Varenna

Varenna is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caltagirone or Varenna?

Caltagirone
Varenna

Caltagirone is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Caltagirone is well-known for its shopping. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Caltagirone or Varenna Better for Families?

Caltagirone
Varenna

Varenna is a village 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 Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

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 Varenna Better for Couples?

Caltagirone
Varenna

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

Varenna is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caltagirone
Varenna

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

Varenna is a good village to visit for backpackers. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

Caltagirone
Varenna

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

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 Varenna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.


Is Caltagirone or Varenna a more walkable city?

Caltagirone
Varenna

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

Getting around Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town 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 Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Caltagirone?

How long in Caltagirone or Varenna?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Caltagirone or Varenna?

In Caltagirone, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic village of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Caltagirone or Varenna?

In Caltagirone, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caltagirone has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Varenna. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This village 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 Varenna?

Caltagirone is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The scenic village of Varenna offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caltagirone. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Caltagirone. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Varenna. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the food. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Varenna 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 Varenna is €164. 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 Varenna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Caltagirone 59
    Varenna 86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Caltagirone 118
    Varenna 172
Compare Hotels in Caltagirone and Varenna

Looking for a hotel in Caltagirone or Varenna? 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 Varenna


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 Varenna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Caltagirone 8.57
    Varenna 34

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: $88
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna

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

  • Varenna : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $357

Is it cheaper to fly into Caltagirone or Varenna?

Prices for flights to both Varenna 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
    Varenna 53

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna

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

  • Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Caltagirone 5.71
    Varenna 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 Varenna

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

  • Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: $32
  • Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes): $43
  • Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $112
  • Sunset shared boat tour with aperitif from Varenna: $117
  • Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps: $149
  • Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks: $489
  • Bellagio: Private Tour on Vintage Wooden Boat: $662
  • Lake Como: Grand Private Tour 5 hours Invictus boat: $1,545

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Caltagirone 13
    Varenna 23

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 Varenna

Also in Varenna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Castello di Vezio: $99
  • Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Villa Monastero: $117


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


Which is Bigger, Caltagirone or Varenna?

Caltagirone has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Caltagirone and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Caltagirone as well as Varenna. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caltagirone is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Caltagirone average around 26°C (79°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caltagirone this time of the year. In the summer, Caltagirone often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Caltagirone gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Caltagirone usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Caltagirone gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Caltagirone 26°C (79°F) 
    Varenna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Caltagirone or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna 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 Varenna in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Caltagirone is a little warmer than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caltagirone averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Caltagirone usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Caltagirone gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In October, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Varenna. Caltagirone gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Caltagirone 19°C (67°F) 
    Varenna 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Caltagirone or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Varenna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Caltagirone is much warmer than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caltagirone in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Caltagirone often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Caltagirone gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Caltagirone usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Caltagirone gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Caltagirone 10°C (51°F) 
    Varenna 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Caltagirone or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Caltagirone and Varenna. Most visitors come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Varenna because of the natural beauty.

In April, Caltagirone is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Caltagirone average around 15°C (58°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Caltagirone, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caltagirone usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during spring. Caltagirone gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Caltagirone usually receives less rain than Varenna. Caltagirone gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Caltagirone 15°C (58°F) 
    Varenna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Varenna and Caltagirone

Caltagirone Varenna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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