A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cagliari or Amalfi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Amalfi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a historic, under-rated, and laid back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cagliari and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Cagliari, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cagliari is more popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Cagliari and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Cagliari is well known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches.

How is Cagliari different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cagliari. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Amalfi has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cagliari and Amalfi.

Cagliari has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Amalfi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is well known for the beache. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches at Cagliari attract visitors from all over. 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.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari and Amalfi are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cagliari. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Many visitors go to Amalfi to see the historical old town. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Amalfi?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cagliari and Amalfi.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Many visitors go to Amalfi to go shopping. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi Better for Families?

Cagliari is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cagliari is a very kid-friendly city. 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!

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Amalfi has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cagliari is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi Better for Students?

Cagliari is a city with good options for students. However, Amalfi 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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cagliari and Amalfi.

Cagliari has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Cagliari or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amalfi. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Amalfi?

Both Cagliari and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Cagliari. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cagliari, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cagliari than Amalfi 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 Cagliari or Amalfi?

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.

The beautiful town of Amalfi offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cagliari or Amalfi?

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.

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

Five days in Cagliari or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cagliari or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cagliari and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Cagliari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cagliari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cagliari 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Cagliari.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Amalfi?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Amalfi, 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 Cagliari or Amalfi?

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 Cagliari or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Cagliari during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cagliari. In the summer, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Amalfi. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Amalfi. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cagliari in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cagliari or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Amalfi. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 10°C (50°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Cagliari