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

Should you visit Ios or Caltagirone?

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

Should I visit Ios or Caltagirone? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ios

Ios is a touristy, backpacker-friendly, and historical island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a quaint, friendly, and charming city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Ios and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Caltagirone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Caltagirone are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Caltagirone is known for its historical sights and shopping. Ios is more touristy than Caltagirone and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Ios different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Ios and Caltagirone.

Ios offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

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.

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

Ios 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 Ios is an experience not to be missed. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

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

Is Ios or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

Ios is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for nightlife.

Ios is a must-see party destination. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios or Caltagirone Better for Resorts?

Ios is well known for its resorts. However, Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

In Ios, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Caltagirone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Caltagirone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Caltagirone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Ios is terrific for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Ios is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Caltagirone is a popular place for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Caltagirone to see the old town. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Caltagirone Better for Hiking?

Ios is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Ios. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Caltagirone?

Caltagirone is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Caltagirone is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Is Ios or Caltagirone Better for Families?

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

Ios is not the most family-friendly destination. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Caltagirone is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Ios or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ios frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

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 Ios or Caltagirone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ios is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Ios. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

While Caltagirone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel in and out of town.

Is Ios or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Ios and Caltagirone both are good when exploring on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable place. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

Caltagirone is a somewhat walkable island. Parts of the town are steep, but many people choose to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ios Worth Visiting? and Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Ios?

How long in Ios or Caltagirone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ios or Caltagirone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ios 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 Ios, and 1-2 days is enough time in Caltagirone.

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

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

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

One day in Ios or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the historical island of Ios. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

A weekend in Ios or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the striking destination of Ios. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island 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.

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

Five days in Ios or Caltagirone?

The party-oriented island of Ios offers museums and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

A week in Ios or Caltagirone?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Ios. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Ios and Caltagirone, we can see that Caltagirone is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Caltagirone?

Caltagirone has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.