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

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rijeka. Although Kalampaka (Meteora) and Rijeka are both popular with visitors, Rijeka has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rijeka is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Kalampaka (Meteora) is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also home to Trsat Castle.

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kalampaka (Meteora) is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Rijeka.

Kalampaka (Meteora) has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Rijeka area. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Rijeka. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

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

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rijeka is very family-friendly. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kalampaka (Meteora). 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.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Rijeka both good destinations for a couple.

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

Rijeka is a good destination for couples to visit. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

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

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Rijeka Better for Students?

Rijeka is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not popular with students.

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

Rijeka 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.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

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 Rijeka a more walkable city?

Rijeka is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Rijeka is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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 Rijeka Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kalampaka (Meteora) than Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

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

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

One day in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Rijeka, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Rijeka?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Rijeka 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 Rijeka, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kalampaka (Meteora). Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The destination of Rijeka offers shopping and museums. 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kalampaka (Meteora) and Rijeka, we can see that Kalampaka (Meteora) is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kalampaka (Meteora). When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) and Rijeka, 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka?

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kalampaka (Meteora) as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kalampaka (Meteora) is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of the year. In the summer, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Kalampaka (Meteora) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) average around 17°C (62°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during autumn. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Kalampaka (Meteora) during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Rijeka. The spring months attract visitors to Kalampaka (Meteora) because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In the spring, Kalampaka (Meteora) is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Kalampaka (Meteora), it's very sunny this time of the year. Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Kalampaka (Meteora)