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

Should you visit Cagliari or Caen?

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 Caen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a relaxed, historic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Cagliari and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cagliari than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cagliari is famous for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also well known for Castello. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Cagliari different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Caen 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 Caen?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cagliari and Caen.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Caen can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Cagliari has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Caen is an experience not to be missed. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Cagliari or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Cagliari or Caen Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Caen is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cagliari for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Caen?

Cagliari is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cagliari or Caen Better for Families?

Cagliari is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cagliari is a very family-friendly destination. 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!

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Cagliari or Caen Better for Couples?

Cagliari is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Cagliari or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari and Caen are both nice destinations for backpackers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Cagliari or Caen Better for Students?

Cagliari is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Caen can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Cagliari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Cagliari or Caen a more walkable city?

Cagliari is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cagliari and Caen. In our opinion, Cagliari has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cagliari than Caen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cagliari, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cagliari. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. 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 Caen?

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Cagliari or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Cagliari. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen 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.

A week in Cagliari or Caen?

The laid back city of Cagliari offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Caen 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 city 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Caen, we can see that Caen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Caen?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Cagliari or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 24°C (75°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Caen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Caen. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Cagliari during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

Cagliari is a little warmer than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Caen. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Caen. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Caen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Caen. The winter months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. In the winter, Cagliari is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cagliari in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Caen. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cagliari or Caen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Caen. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In April, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 14°C (57°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In the spring, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Caen. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Caen. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Cagliari