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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Caltagirone?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Caltagirone? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant 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 quaint, friendly, and charming city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Thessaloniki and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Caltagirone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Caltagirone are both popular with visitors, Thessaloniki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Caltagirone is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Thessaloniki different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Caltagirone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

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

Is Thessaloniki or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

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

Thessaloniki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

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

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Caltagirone is a popular place for its old town. However, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Caltagirone?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Thessaloniki and Caltagirone.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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

Is Thessaloniki or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Thessaloniki is a city 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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Caltagirone make for a good place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Caltagirone is a good city for couples to visit. Pottery shopping and exploring the town make this a nice option for a day trip or overnight visit.

Is Thessaloniki or Caltagirone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is well known for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Caltagirone Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is well known for students. However, Caltagirone is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Caltagirone is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Thessaloniki and Caltagirone.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

You'll find some public transit in Caltagirone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses travel in and out of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki and Caltagirone are good when it comes to walkability.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable place. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

Caltagirone is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are steep, but many people choose to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Caltagirone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Caltagirone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Caltagirone.

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

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Thessaloniki. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the high energy destination of Thessaloniki. This 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.

Caltagirone is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Caltagirone?

The high energy city of Thessaloniki 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Caltagirone. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Caltagirone?

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

Caltagirone is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki 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 Thessaloniki and Caltagirone, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Caltagirone Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Caltagirone?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Caltagirone in the Summer?

Both Caltagirone and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Caltagirone for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Caltagirone, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 325 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in July than Caltagirone. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Caltagirone in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Caltagirone. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Caltagirone because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Caltagirone. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Caltagirone fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Caltagirone during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Caltagirone. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Caltagirone in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Caltagirone. The winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year.

Thessaloniki is much colder than Caltagirone in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Caltagirone. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 153 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Caltagirone. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Caltagirone in the Spring?

Both Caltagirone and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Caltagirone. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Caltagirone and Thessaloniki