A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Cagliari for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Aegina or Cagliari?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Cagliari? 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.

Aegina

Aegina is a vibrant, fun, and active island. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a historic, under-rated, and laid back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Aegina and Cagliari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Cagliari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cagliari. Although Aegina and Cagliari are both popular with visitors, Cagliari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cagliari is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Aegina is known for its small town charm. Aegina is more touristy than Cagliari and is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello.

How is Aegina different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Cagliari?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aegina or Cagliari.

Aegina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Many visitors head to Cagliari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

Is the Food Better in Aegina or Cagliari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cagliari is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cagliari is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Cagliari has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife in Cagliari has something for everybody. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

Is Aegina or Cagliari Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is a great destination for the beach. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Cagliari is considered a top beach destination. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

Many people head to Aegina to enjoy the beach. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Is Aegina or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cagliari. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Cagliari?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cagliari and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cagliari. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Is Aegina or Cagliari Better for Families?

Cagliari is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cagliari is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

Aegina offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Is Aegina or Cagliari Better for Couples?

Cagliari is a great destination for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Cagliari frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Aegina or Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina and Cagliari are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Cagliari is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Aegina or Cagliari Better for Students?

Cagliari is a popular place for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

Aegina is not popular with students.

Is Aegina or Cagliari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aegina and Cagliari.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

While Cagliari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Aegina or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Cagliari is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Cagliari is a very walkable destination. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Cagliari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Cagliari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aegina and Cagliari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cagliari than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cagliari.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cagliari than Aegina 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 Cagliari.

One day in Aegina or Cagliari?

The island of Aegina 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cagliari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Cagliari?

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

Cagliari 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 Aegina or Cagliari?

Aegina 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Aegina or Cagliari?

Aegina 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 island offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Cagliari. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury 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 Aegina and Cagliari, we can see that Cagliari is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina 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 Cagliari would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cagliari than you might in Aegina.

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

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Cagliari?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Cagliari, 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 Aegina or Cagliari?

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 Aegina or Cagliari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Cagliari. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the summer, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets more rain in July than Cagliari. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Cagliari in the Autumn?

Both Cagliari and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Aegina is around the same temperature as Cagliari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cagliari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari during autumn. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aegina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cagliari. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aegina or Cagliari in the Winter?

Both Cagliari and Aegina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aegina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Aegina is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Cagliari averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Cagliari. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 131 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cagliari. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Cagliari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Cagliari. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Cagliari during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Cagliari. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Aegina