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

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca?

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 Lucca. 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 dramatic, historic, and spiritual destination. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Lucca

Lucca is a charming, quaint, and popular city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Lucca: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lucca. Although Kalampaka (Meteora) and Lucca are both popular with visitors, Lucca has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lucca is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is known for its museums. Kalampaka (Meteora) is popular for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also home to The Guinigi Tower.

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kalampaka (Meteora) is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kalampaka (Meteora) on the map. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.

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

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

Lucca has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

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 Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Lucca 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 Lucca. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

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 Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is terrific for its old town. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) does not have a historic old town.

Lucca has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lucca. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca Better for Families?

Both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Lucca are good 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 Lucca. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca Better for Couples?

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

Lucca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

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 Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lucca is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

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

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a destination with a few options for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca a more walkable city?

Lucca 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.

Lucca is a very walkable city. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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 Lucca Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca?

In Kalampaka (Meteora), many people enjoy the food and museums that this dramatic destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Lucca, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kalampaka (Meteora). 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.

Many people visit Lucca for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucca, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Lucca offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca?

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucca. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

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 Lucca Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Lucca?

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