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

Should you visit Heraklion or Caltagirone?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Caltagirone 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Heraklion and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Caltagirone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Caltagirone are both popular with visitors, Heraklion has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Caltagirone is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Heraklion different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Caltagirone and Heraklion. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heraklion or Caltagirone?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Caltagirone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Caltagirone. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Is Heraklion or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

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

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Caltagirone is a city with good options for its old town. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Caltagirone?

Caltagirone is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion 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 Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

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 Heraklion or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Caltagirone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Heraklion is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Heraklion and Caltagirone.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

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.

Is Heraklion or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

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

Heraklion is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's 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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Caltagirone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Caltagirone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Caltagirone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 1-2 days is enough time in Caltagirone.

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Heraklion. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Caltagirone. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caltagirone has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Caltagirone. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Caltagirone?

The accessible city of Heraklion offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Caltagirone. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Caltagirone?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Caltagirone is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Caltagirone?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Caltagirone, 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 Heraklion or Caltagirone?

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 Heraklion or Caltagirone in the Summer?

Both Caltagirone and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year.

In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Caltagirone, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Caltagirone. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 325 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Caltagirone. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Caltagirone in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Caltagirone. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caltagirone for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Caltagirone fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Caltagirone. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Caltagirone in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Caltagirone. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Caltagirone in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Caltagirone in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Caltagirone. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 153 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Caltagirone. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Caltagirone in the Spring?

Both Caltagirone and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Caltagirone. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Caltagirone. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Caltagirone during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Caltagirone. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caltagirone and Heraklion