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

Should you visit Santorini or Caltagirone?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Caltagirone, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Santorini

Santorini is a romantic, stunning, and historic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Santorini and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santorini or Caltagirone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santorini. Although Santorini and Caltagirone are both popular with visitors, Santorini has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santorini is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Caltagirone is known for its historical sights. Santorini is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also home to The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Santorini different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Santorini and Caltagirone.

Santorini offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.

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 Santorini or Caltagirone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Caltagirone can be an enjoyable experience.

Santorini has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Caltagirone area. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Is Santorini or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

Santorini is a island with good options for its evening party scene. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for nightlife.

Santorini has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

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 Santorini or Caltagirone Better for Resorts?

Santorini is terrific for its resorts. However, Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Caltagirone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini 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 Santorini. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Caltagirone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Santorini is a island with good options for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Caltagirone is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Caltagirone. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Caltagirone Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Santorini. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Caltagirone?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Caltagirone both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Caltagirone. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Is Santorini or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Santorini is a island with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santorini. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

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 Santorini or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

Santorini is terrific for couples. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Santorini is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

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 Santorini or Caltagirone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini is a island with good options for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

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

Santorini and Caltagirone both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

Caltagirone has a few public transit options. Buses travel in and out of town.

Is Santorini or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Santorini and Caltagirone are good when it comes to walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

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 Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Caltagirone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santorini or Caltagirone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santorini than Caltagirone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-2 days is enough time in Caltagirone.

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

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

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

One day in Santorini or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the romantic island of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Caltagirone. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caltagirone has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Santorini. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Santorini or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the romantic island of Santorini. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Caltagirone. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Caltagirone 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Caltagirone?

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