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

Should you visit Paros 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 Paros 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.

Paros

Paros is a stunning, breathtaking, and striking island. The famous beauty of Paros is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Paros travel costs.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a quaint, friendly, and charming city. Caltagirone is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Caltagirone travel costs.

Paros and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less charming
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Paros or Caltagirone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Caltagirone are both popular with visitors, Paros has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paros is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Caltagirone is known for its historical sights. Paros is more touristy than Caltagirone and is popular for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also home to The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Paros different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paros
Caltagirone

Paros 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 Paros. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

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 Paros or Caltagirone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paros
Caltagirone

Paros is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Paros have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

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

Is Paros or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

Paros
Caltagirone

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

Paros is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

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 Paros or Caltagirone Better for Resorts?

Paros
Caltagirone

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

In Paros, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

Caltagirone is not a resort destination.


Is Paros or Caltagirone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros
Caltagirone

Paros is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Caltagirone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paros is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

Caltagirone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Paros
Caltagirone

Paros is terrific for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Paros is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Paros or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Paros
Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a good destination for its old town. However, Paros 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.

Paros does not have a historic old town.


Is Paros or Caltagirone Better for Hiking?

Paros
Caltagirone

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Paros. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Caltagirone?

Paros
Caltagirone

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Paros and Caltagirone.

Paros is well-known for its shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

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

Is Paros or Caltagirone More Beautiful?

Paros
Caltagirone

Paros is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Paros is one of the main draws. The beautiful beaches and striking landscapes make this a perfect destination for those looking for fun or romance.

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 Paros or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Paros
Caltagirone

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

Paros is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

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 Paros or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

Paros
Caltagirone

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

Paros is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

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 Paros or Caltagirone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros
Caltagirone

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

Paros is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

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

Paros
Caltagirone

Paros is well known for its public transit. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Paros. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

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

Is Paros or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Paros
Caltagirone

Paros and Caltagirone are good when it comes to walkability.

Paros is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

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 Paros Worth Visiting? and Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Paros?

How long in Paros or Caltagirone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paros or Caltagirone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paros than Caltagirone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 1-2 days is enough time in Caltagirone.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Paros or Caltagirone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Paros 3-5 
    Caltagirone 1-2

One day in Paros or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the diverse island of Paros. 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.

In Caltagirone, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Paros or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Paros. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caltagirone. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paros or Caltagirone?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the breathtaking island of Paros. 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.

Caltagirone is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Caltagirone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paros or Caltagirone?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Paros. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Caltagirone. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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


Which place is cheaper, Caltagirone or Paros?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Paros Prices
    Greece Prices
    Caltagirone Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Paros 154
    Caltagirone 117

The average daily cost (per person) in Paros is €154, while the average daily cost in Caltagirone is €117. 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 Paros and Caltagirone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paros 53
    Caltagirone 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paros 106
    Caltagirone 118
Compare Hotels in Paros and Caltagirone

Looking for a hotel in Paros 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 Paros


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: Paros Hotel Prices and Caltagirone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paros 37
    Caltagirone 8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caltagirone

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Caltagirone:

  • Transfer from and to Catania Airport Taormina Giardini Naxos Letojanni Mazzarò. : $149
  • Transfer from Favignana with Ticket Hydrofoil to Trapani Airport: $61
  • Transfer from Favignana to Palermo Airport Ferry ticket included: $126
  • Transfer from Catania airport to Marina di Ragusa or inverted: $167
  • Transfer from Catania Airport : $49
  • Transfer da aeroporto Trapani a San Vito Lo Capo: $74
  • Transfer From Catania Airport to Taormina and surrounding Villages: $167
  • Taxi transfer service from MESSINA Cruise/city or port to TAORMINA or viceversa: $120
  • Taxi transfer service from CATANIA airport/city to Siracusa Ortigia or viceversa: $93
  • Taxi transfer from CATANIA (everywhere) to MILAZZO (or viceversa): $170
  • Taxi Transfer Service from CATANIA airport/city to COMISO airport (or viceversa): $120
  • TRANSFER from Catania (wherever) to Pozzallo Port (or vice versa): $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Paros or Caltagirone?

Prices for flights to both Caltagirone and Paros 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
    Paros 77
    Caltagirone 53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paros

For Paros, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cretan Cooking Class and Dinner: Evening in a Rethymno Home : $126
  • Cooking Class with Greek Meal & Wine: $127
  • Cooking Class Sunset Dinner and Tour in Paros Farm : $158

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Caltagirone

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

  • Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre: $59
  • Cannoli Cooking Class in Taormina: $66
  • Master the Art of Arancino: A Hands-On Cooking Class in Ortigia: $78
  • Sicilian Street food tour: eat local in Messina : $78
  • Cook, Eat & Embrace Sicily-An Authentic Cooking Experience : $83
  • Cooking Class from Table to Tablecloths in Syracuse: $84
  • 4-course Palermitan dinner in a cottage with a garden: $86
  • Fishing in Selinunte and lunch with cooking of the catch: $87
  • Palermo: Pasta & Gelato Cooking Class in Palermo: $88
  • Half-Day Cooking Class with Lunch in Baglio Florio: $96
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Catania: $102
  • Cooking class of typical dishes and lunch in Piazza Armerina: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paros 22
    Caltagirone 5.71

Tours and Activities in Paros

For Paros, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Bar and Game Room Experience on Paros Island: $72
  • Paros Bus Island Tour: $74
  • Full Day Bus Tour in Paros and Antiparos Islands from Paros : $75
  • Half Day Cruise Explore Paros Antiparos and Despotiko : $78
  • Paros Island Tour: $78
  • Half Day Sea Tours Blue Lagoon Sea Caves Antiparos Alyki port: $78
  • Paros Half Day Wooden Boat Sea Tours in Parikia Bay or Sunset: $85
  • Cruise to Iraklia and Koufonisi from Paros: $90
  • Sea Sunset Tour in the Bay of Naousa - Paros: $92
  • Paros Half Day Boat Tour from Naoussa port and Bay . : $92
  • Sea Sunset Tour on sailing boat in Parikia Bay - Paros: $93
  • Full Day Cruise to Delos and Mykonos Islands from Paros: $96

Tours and Activities in Caltagirone

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

  • Godfather tour , Taormina and Messina: $185
  • Guided tour of Villa Romana del Casale with skip the line: $54
  • Palermo Food and Drink Sailing Private Experience: $263
  • Pantelleria Boat Tour with Lunch on Board: $110
  • Private Taormina Sunset walking Tour with Aperitif : $179
  • Sunset tour of the Valley of the Temples with skip-the-line ticket: $48
  • Tour from cruise port Messina to Taormina Castelmola and beach : $185
  • 1 hour Calessino/Tuk tuk Tour to Syracuse or Ortigia Island : $144
  • 1-Day Cruise with Lunch and Snorkeling to Favignana from Marsala: $90
  • 2 Hours Guided Group Tour in Catania: $42
  • 2 hour Quad tour on the Etna volcano: $161
  • 2-hour boat tour in Taormina Bay with swim stop : $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paros 25
    Caltagirone 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Paros

Also in Paros, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Paros Wine Tasting at a Local Winery: $42
  • 4-Hour Tour of Paros Wine Tasting: $179

Sample the Local Flavors in Caltagirone

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

  • Catania Nightlife Pub Crawl: $16
  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $19
  • Authentic Marsala Wine Tasting Experience in a Historic Winery: $24
  • Historic winery visit with food and wine tasting in Marsala: $35
  • Etna DOC & Organic Wine tasting and tour of the 1815 historic winery: $38
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 3 Wine Tasting: $41
  • Wine Tasting among the Secular Carob Trees of Mazara del Vallo: $42
  • Wine Tasting in a group with other travelers: $53
  • Wine Tasting in an Old Millstone: $54
  • Di Giovanna Winery Tour & 5 Wine Tasting: $57
  • Hidden Palermo Bike Tour with Organic Wine Tasting: $66
  • Castelbuono Tour and Wine Tasting in a Medieval Abbey: $68


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


Which is Bigger, Paros or Caltagirone?

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