A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Caltagirone for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Taormina 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 Taormina 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a friendly, charming, and quaint city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Taormina and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Taormina or Caltagirone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Taormina. Although Taormina and Caltagirone are popular destinations, Taormina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Taormina is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Caltagirone attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Taormina is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. It is also well known for The Greek Theater. Caltagirone is famous for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Taormina different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina
Caltagirone

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Caltagirone and Taormina.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Caltagirone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Taormina or Caltagirone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
Caltagirone

Taormina is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Taormina is an experience not to be missed. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Caltagirone. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Is Taormina or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Caltagirone

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

Taormina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

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 Taormina or Caltagirone Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Caltagirone

Taormina is well known for its resorts. However, Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

In Taormina, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Caltagirone is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Caltagirone

Taormina is a town with good options for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Taormina. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Caltagirone

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

Caltagirone has an old town worth visiting. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Caltagirone?

Taormina
Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Caltagirone. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.


Is Taormina or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Taormina
Caltagirone

Neither Taormina nor Caltagirone are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Taormina is not always the best place to visit. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Caltagirone is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Taormina or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

Taormina
Caltagirone

Taormina is well known for couples. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Taormina frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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

Taormina
Caltagirone

Taormina and Caltagirone both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

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


Is Taormina or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Taormina
Caltagirone

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

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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 Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Caltagirone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or Caltagirone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than Caltagirone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Caltagirone.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caltagirone than Taormina 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 Caltagirone.


  • How many days in Taormina or Caltagirone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Caltagirone 1-2

One day in Taormina or Caltagirone?

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

The city of Caltagirone offers food and shopping. 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 Taormina or Caltagirone?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town 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.

Caltagirone is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caltagirone, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Taormina or Caltagirone?

Because Taormina is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Taormina or Caltagirone?

Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Caltagirone is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Caltagirone or Taormina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €108, 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 Taormina and Caltagirone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Caltagirone 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Caltagirone 118
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Caltagirone

Looking for a hotel in Taormina 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 Taormina


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: Taormina Hotel Prices and Caltagirone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Caltagirone 8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

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

  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.46
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caltagirone

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Caltagirone:

  • Private Transfer from Catania (CTA) Airport to Noto: $299
  • Private Transfer from Noto to Catania (CTA) Airport: $299
  • Private Transfer from Catania (CTA) Airport to La Via Lattea: $298
  • Transfer Tour from Taormina to Palermo with a stop in Cefalù: $290
  • Private Transfer from Santo Stefano di Camastra to Palermo (PMO) Airport: $284
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Birgi Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Erice: $273
  • Private Transfer from Sciacca to Palermo (PMO) Airport: $248
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Sciacca: $248
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Castelbuono: $248
  • Private Transfer from Ortigia to Catania (CTA) Airport: $236
  • Private Transfer from Catania (CTA) Airport to Ortigia: $236

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Caltagirone?

Prices for flights to both Caltagirone and Taormina 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
    Taormina 33
    Caltagirone 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Caltagirone

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

  • Palermo Street Food Tour including Market and City Centre: $21
  • Palermo Street Food tour: art, history and ancient markets: $49
  • Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo: $49
  • Gastronomic Street Food Tour of Catania: $53
  • Catania Patisserie Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $60
  • Classic Palermo Street Food Tour: $60
  • Dinner in the Madonie Mountains : $65
  • Catania Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $67
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $69
  • Vegan Street Food Tour: $71
  • Street Food Tour in Ortigia Syracuse: $75
  • Italian Bread and Pizza Making Experience in Palermo: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Caltagirone 5.71

Tours and Activities in Taormina

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.

  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $95
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $105
  • Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $139
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $149
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $212
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $266
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $426
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $586
  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $604
  • Tour da Messina a Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella: $693
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $741

Tours and Activities in Caltagirone

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

  • Boat Tour in Syracuse with Aperitif 1 hour and a half: $55
  • Daily Boat Tour to the Egadi Islands: $76
  • Guided tour of Villa Romana del Casale with skip the line: $43
  • Taormina Sunset Tour with Aperitif on Roof-Top Terrace: $153
  • 1 hour Calessino Tour in Syracuse: $131
  • 2 Hour Private Tour to Agrigento Valley of the Temples: $206
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Ortigia: $22
  • 2 Hours Guided Group Tour in Catania: $37
  • 2 Hours and a Half Private Guided Tour of Catania: $27
  • 2-hour private tour of Ortigia by bike: $115
  • 3 Hours Guided Tour of the Archaeological Park of Neàpolis and Ortigia: $136
  • 3 hours in Syracuse Boat Tour and Tuk tuk Tourist Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Caltagirone 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

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

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $180
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $298

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
  • Etna DOC & Organic Wine tasting and tour of the 1815 historic winery: $35
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 3 Wine Tasting: $37
  • Marsala wine tasting in historic winery: $38
  • Wine Tasting in a group with other travelers: $41
  • Wine Tasting Experience Etna Nord: $41
  • Wine Tasting in Panoramic Winery on Mount Etna: $41
  • From Marzamemi: 2-Hour Authentic Wine Tasting in Val di Noto: $48
  • Natural wine tasting in Palermo: $49
  • Wine tasting of the Mazara del Vallo nature reserve: $49
  • Wine tasting on the southern slope of Etna: $51
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 5 Wine Tasting: $52


When comparing the travel costs between Taormina and Caltagirone, we can see that Taormina is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Taormina Expensive? and Is Caltagirone Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Caltagirone?

Caltagirone has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina or Caltagirone?

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 Taormina or Caltagirone in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Caltagirone. The summer months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year.

Taormina is around the same temperature as Caltagirone in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caltagirone. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In the summer, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 325 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in July than Caltagirone. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Caltagirone in the Autumn?

Both Caltagirone and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caltagirone for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Taormina is around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Caltagirone. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Caltagirone in the Winter?

Both Caltagirone and Taormina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Caltagirone in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Caltagirone. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Caltagirone fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Caltagirone. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 153 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in January than Caltagirone. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Taormina or Caltagirone in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Caltagirone. Many visitors come to Taormina in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty during these months.

Taormina is around the same temperature as Caltagirone in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caltagirone this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caltagirone. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Caltagirone and Taormina

Taormina Caltagirone
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)


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