A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kalampaka (Meteora) vs. La Spezia for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kalampaka (Meteora) and La Spezia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a spiritual, dramatic, and historic destination. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and museums.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Spezia than Kalampaka (Meteora), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Spezia is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Kalampaka (Meteora) is well known for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations. La Spezia is well known for being the gateway to Cinque Terre. Also, La Spezia is famous for The Maritime Museum.

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia and Kalampaka (Meteora). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

Kalampaka (Meteora) is very popular for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kalampaka (Meteora) are world-renowned. The Meteora monasteries are an impressive spiritual site that are set against a dramatic rock formation. They date back centuries, and, of the original 24 monasteries, there are 6 that are currently open to the public. Several have museums and many people prefer to visit as a guided tour.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.


Is the Food Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

La Spezia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kalampaka (Meteora) area. In town you'll find some authentic Greek restaurants. The dishes are local, and very different from the seafood based cuisine that is found along the coast. Instead, many dishes involve meatballs or stew and are slow cooked with rich flavors.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Spezia. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Kalampaka (Meteora). This is a spiritual destination where nightlife is not encouraged. There are some cafes in town that turn into bars at night and play relaxing music in a mellow setting. These can be found near the central square.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a good destination for the beache. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

La Spezia offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.


Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a good destination for its old town. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in La Spezia. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Kalampaka (Meteora) does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Spezia. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia Better for Families?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

Both Kalampaka (Meteora) and La Spezia are notable family-friendly destinations.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a family-friendly destination. There are six monasteries of Meteora that will fascinate older children. There are also several museums affiliated with the monasteries including a Folklore Museum as well as spectacular views over the oddly shaped rock mountains.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.


Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia Better for Couples?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

La Spezia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a good destination for couples to visit. The setting is beautiful and unique, and its an interesting and fascinating place to visit as a couple.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit La Spezia. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Unless you're willing to rent a car or scooter, or take an organized tour, this is a very difficult area to explore independently. Some visitors hire a taxi after they arrive to take them to the monasteries.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its public transit.

La Spezia has some public transit options. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Kalampaka (Meteora). While there is a bus service, many people prefer to explore the six monasteries with their own car or scooter. You could also hire a taxi to take you to and from. Alternatively, there are organized tours that will provide transportation as part of the package.


Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia a more walkable city?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

La Spezia is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally not very walkable. There are walking trails in the area but most people need access to a vehicle, whether its a rental car, scooter, taxi, or bus.

For even more information, also check out Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Worth Visiting? and Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kalampaka (Meteora) and La Spezia. In our opinion, La Spezia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in La Spezia than Kalampaka (Meteora). However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in La Spezia than Kalampaka (Meteora). You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Spezia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Spezia than Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 La Spezia.


  • How many days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 2-3 
    La Spezia 2-3

One day in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

You'll find food and museums around the destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In La Spezia, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

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

Many people visit La Spezia for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Spezia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of La Spezia offers food and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting La Spezia. This town offers something for everyone. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, La Spezia or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kalampaka (Meteora) is €134, while the average daily cost in La Spezia is €198. 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) and La Spezia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 65
    La Spezia 113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 130
    La Spezia 226
Compare Hotels in Kalampaka (Meteora) and La Spezia

Looking for a hotel in Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia? 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 Kalampaka (Meteora)


Hotels in La Spezia


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: La Spezia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 37
    La Spezia 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kalampaka (Meteora)

Also for Kalampaka (Meteora), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Kalabaka - Meteora To Athens: $274
  • Meteora Small Group Hiking tour with Transfer and Monastery Visit: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

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

  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $142
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Airport (PSA): $92
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
  • Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

Prices for flights to both La Spezia and Kalampaka (Meteora) 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
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 39
    La Spezia 56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

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

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $91
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $95
  • Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat: $96
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $96
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $97
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia: $115
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $138
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $155
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $156
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $158
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in La Spezia: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 44
    La Spezia 37

Tours and Activities in Kalampaka (Meteora)

For Kalampaka (Meteora), here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Meteora All Monasteries Tour with Photo Stops: $41
  • Meteora Sunset E-Bike Tour: $44
  • 3-Hour Hiking and Scramble Guided Tour of Great Saint in Meteora: $82
  • 4-Hour Tour Morning Highlights of Meteora on E-Bike: $43
  • 4-hours Monasteries Tour: $44
  • Amazing Morning Meteora Monasteries Tour: $44
  • Breath-taking Meteora Sunset Tour: $44
  • Discover Meteora's Monastic Heritage: Personalized Private Tour: $240
  • Golden Sunrise Meteora Private Photo Tour: $147
  • Half-Day Meteora Cultural Tour from Kalambaka train station: $47
  • Hiking Tour to Meteora from Kalambaka - Local Agency: $49
  • Kalambaka's Train Station: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Lunch: $52

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

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

  • 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour with Aperitif at Sunset in Spezia: $137
  • 6-Hour Guided Tour Portovenere and Cinque Terre with aperitif: $109
  • Afternoon Boat Tour to Cinque Terre with brunch on board: $153
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $66
  • Boat Tours 5 Terre: $137
  • Boat tour 5 terre & Portovenere Food - drink - music - swim : $163
  • Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia: $186
  • Caving adventure at the Caves of Equi Alpi Apuane: $142
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in La Spezia: $152
  • Cinque Terre & Portovenere: Boat Tour: $142
  • Cinque Terre Gems: UNESCO Sites & Secrets Tour: $619
  • Cinque Terre SHARED boat tour, Amazing Experience : $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 11
    La Spezia 35

Sample the Local Flavors in Kalampaka (Meteora)

Also in Kalampaka (Meteora), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Meteora Private Guided Wine Tasting Experience from Kalampaka : $76

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

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

  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $214
  • Lucca city tour and Pisa tower + wine tasting from La Spezia Port: $217


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kalampaka (Meteora) and La Spezia, we can see that La Spezia is more expensive. And not only is Kalampaka (Meteora) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kalampaka (Meteora) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia than you might in Kalampaka (Meteora).

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Expensive? and Is La Spezia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or La Spezia?

La Spezia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kalampaka (Meteora). When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) and La Spezia, 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.

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