A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Caltagirone for Nightlife, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a charming, quaint, and friendly city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Messina and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Messina or Caltagirone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Messina than Caltagirone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Messina is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Caltagirone is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo. Caltagirone is well known for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Messina different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Messina
Caltagirone

Both Messina and Caltagirone have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Messina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

Caltagirone offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Messina or Caltagirone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Messina
Caltagirone

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Messina and Caltagirone.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Caltagirone has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Is Messina or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

Messina
Caltagirone

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

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Messina
Caltagirone

Messina is a port city with a few options for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

The beach in Messina is worth checking out. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.


Is Messina or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Messina
Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

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

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Caltagirone?

Messina
Caltagirone

Caltagirone is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Caltagirone is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Messina
Caltagirone

Messina is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

Messina
Caltagirone

Both Messina and Caltagirone are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Caltagirone makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Pottery shopping and exploring the town make this a nice option for a day trip or overnight visit.

Is Messina or Caltagirone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina
Caltagirone

Messina is a port city with good options for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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 Messina or Caltagirone Better for Students?

Messina
Caltagirone

Messina is a port city with good options for students. However, Caltagirone is not popular with students.

Messina is popular with students. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Caltagirone is not popular with students.


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

Messina
Caltagirone

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Caltagirone.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

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

Is Messina or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Messina
Caltagirone

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

Messina is a very walkable destination. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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 Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Messina?

How long in Messina or Caltagirone?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Messina or Caltagirone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Messina 2-3 
    Caltagirone 1-2

One day in Messina or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling port city of Messina. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Caltagirone, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Messina or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the bustling destination of Messina. This port 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.

In Caltagirone, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caltagirone has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Caltagirone?

The local port city of Messina offers shopping and museums. 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.

Caltagirone is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Caltagirone?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caltagirone. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Caltagirone. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Caltagirone or Messina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Messina is €118, while the average daily cost in Caltagirone is €95. 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 Messina and Caltagirone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Messina 65
    Caltagirone 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Messina 130
    Caltagirone 118
Compare Hotels in Messina and Caltagirone

Looking for a hotel in Messina or Caltagirone? 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 Messina


Hotels in Caltagirone


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: Messina Hotel Prices and Caltagirone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Messina 22
    Caltagirone 8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:

  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Milazzo Porto or vice versa: $286

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caltagirone

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Caltagirone:

  • Airport Transfer to Catania City Center and surrounding areas: $55
  • Arrival Private Transfer Catania Airport to Catania, Taormina or Noto Luxury Van: $41
  • Arrival Private Transfer Catania Airport to Catania, Taormina or Noto Sedan Car: $30
  • Arrival Private Transfer Palermo Airport PMO to Erice by Business Car or Van: $157
  • Catania Airport (CTA) to Messina Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
  • Catania Airport Transfer To Taormina : $138
  • Catania Airport(CTA) to Siracusa Port-Round Trip Private Transfer: $99
  • Catania airport transfer to Catania center: $21
  • Catania city to Siracusa Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $50
  • Departure Private Transfer Catania, Taormina or Noto to Catania Airport by Sedan: $30
  • Departure Private Transfer Catania, Taormina or Noto to Catania Airport by Van: $41
  • Free visit with transfer to Cefalù from Palermo: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Messina or Caltagirone?

Prices for flights to both Caltagirone and Messina 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
    Messina 37
    Caltagirone 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Messina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Messina.

  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $94
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $160

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Caltagirone

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Caltagirone.

  • Aperitif and Dinner with Sicilian Live Music in Palermo: $19
  • Palermo Street Food Tour including Market and City Centre: $21
  • Dinner with Murder: $44
  • Trapani Food Tour: $46
  • Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo: $50
  • Gastronomic Street Food Tour of Catania: $54
  • Catania Patisserie Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $61
  • Cannoli Cooking Class in Taormina: $61
  • Classic Palermo Street Food Tour: $61
  • Dinner in the Madonie Mountains : $66
  • Sicilian Street food tour: eat local in Messina : $66
  • Syracuse Ortigia Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Messina 21
    Caltagirone 5.71

Tours and Activities in Messina

Here are a few actual costs in Messina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $42
  • The Godfather Movie Tour from Messina: $85
  • Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $86
  • Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour: $88
  • Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina - Shared tour: $88
  • Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina: $99
  • Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $116
  • Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $121
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Messina: $153
  • Private Tour Taormina - Castelmola: $153
  • Taormina tour for small groups from Messina: $164
  • Name your recipe: food market tour and workshop with a Cesarina in Messina: $171

Tours and Activities in Caltagirone

Here are a few actual costs in Caltagirone for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Palermo Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Half Day Guided Tour in Palermo _ Hello, my name is Palermo!: $17
  • Group guided tour of the archaeological park of Neapolis: $17
  • Classical Ortigia Guided Group Tour: $21
  • CityBySee Hop On Hop Off Green Line The GodFather Tour: $22
  • Catania walking Tour small group: $22
  • WalkingTour CATANIA - discovering the city of lava with a licensed guide: $22
  • Ortigia Walking Tour: $28
  • Tour of the island of Ortigia and exploration of sea caves with baths.: $28
  • 2 Hours and a Half Private Guided Tour of Catania: $28
  • 1-Hour Sea Caves and Boat Tour in Syracuse: $28
  • Experience the Olive Oil of Madonie with Tasting: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Messina 18
    Caltagirone 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Caltagirone

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Caltagirone:

  • Organic wine tasting at our historic cantina: $33
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 3 Wine Tasting: $38
  • Marsala wine tasting in historic winery: $39
  • Wine Tasting Experience Etna Nord: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Panoramic Winery on Mount Etna: $42
  • Wine Tasting in a Castle and Historical Garden near Syracuse: $46
  • From Marzamemi: 2-Hour Authentic Wine Tasting in Val di Noto: $49
  • Natural wine tasting in Palermo: $50
  • Sicilian Lunch with Wine Tasting: $53
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 5 Wine Tasting: $53
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, Italy: $55
  • Natural Wine Tasting in Palermo, Italy: $55


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


Which is Bigger, Messina or Caltagirone?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina or Caltagirone?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Messina or Caltagirone in the Summer?

Both Caltagirone and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Messina 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 July, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Caltagirone fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Caltagirone. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives more rain than Caltagirone. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Messina 27°C (80°F) 
    Caltagirone 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Messina or Caltagirone in the Autumn?

Both Caltagirone and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caltagirone for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Messina is around the same temperature as Caltagirone in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 189 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Caltagirone. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Messina 21°C (69°F) 
    Caltagirone 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Messina or Caltagirone in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Caltagirone. Many travelers come to Messina 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.

In the winter, Messina is a little warmer than Caltagirone. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Caltagirone during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Caltagirone. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Messina 13°C (55°F) 
    Caltagirone 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Messina or Caltagirone in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Caltagirone. Many visitors come to Messina 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 April, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Caltagirone fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caltagirone. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 204 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in April than Caltagirone. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Messina 16°C (60°F) 
    Caltagirone 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Caltagirone and Messina

Messina Caltagirone
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)


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