A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Caltagirone for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Malaga or Caltagirone?

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 Malaga and Caltagirone. 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. With stunning beauty, Malaga attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Malaga travel costs.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a quaint, friendly, and charming city. Caltagirone is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Caltagirone travel costs.

Malaga and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Caltagirone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga. Although Malaga and Caltagirone are both popular with visitors, Malaga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Caltagirone is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Caltagirone and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Malaga different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caltagirone is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Caltagirone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malaga 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 Malaga is an experience not to be missed. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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

Is Malaga or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for nightlife.

Malaga is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Caltagirone Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for its music scene. However, Caltagirone is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Caltagirone is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Caltagirone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city 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 Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Caltagirone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Malaga. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Caltagirone?

Caltagirone is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Caltagirone is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Caltagirone More Beautiful?

Malaga is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Malaga attracts visitors from all around. The city has a rich history and beautiful architecture, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

Caltagirone is a gorgeous place to visit. The architecture and setting is quite beautiful and charming with nice views from the top of the hill.

Is Malaga or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Malaga is a port 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 Malaga. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

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 Malaga or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

Malaga and Caltagirone both good destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

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

Is Malaga or Caltagirone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is terrific for backpackers. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga or Caltagirone Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Caltagirone is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Caltagirone offer good public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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

Is Malaga or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

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

Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Caltagirone?

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

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

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

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

One day in Malaga or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the historic port city of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Caltagirone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Malaga. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This port city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Caltagirone is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the welcoming port city of Malaga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caltagirone. 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.

A week in Malaga or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Malaga. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Caltagirone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, 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 Malaga and Caltagirone, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Caltagirone Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Caltagirone?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Caltagirone. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Caltagirone in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Caltagirone. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Caltagirone because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caltagirone this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Caltagirone. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Caltagirone in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Caltagirone. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year.

In October, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Caltagirone fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Caltagirone. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 189 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Caltagirone. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Caltagirone in the Winter?

Both Caltagirone and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caltagirone for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malaga is a little warmer than Caltagirone in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Caltagirone during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Caltagirone. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Caltagirone in the Spring?

Both Caltagirone and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Caltagirone in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Caltagirone, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Caltagirone. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 204 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in April than Caltagirone. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caltagirone and Malaga