A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Genoa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Cagliari or Genoa?

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

Cagliari

Cagliari is a under-rated, laid back, and relaxed city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Genoa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cagliari than Genoa. While Genoa is larger than Cagliari, Cagliari has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cagliari is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Genoa is known for its impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than Cagliari and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello.

How is Cagliari different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Genoa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Genoa can be difficult as they are each excellent 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 Genoa is an experience not to be missed. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Cagliari or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari is great for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Many people head to Cagliari for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Cagliari or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is great for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cagliari. 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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Cagliari or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to see the historical old town. 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 Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Genoa?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cagliari and Genoa.

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 Genoa to go shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Cagliari or Genoa Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Cagliari or Genoa.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cagliari is very family-friendly. 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!

Genoa is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Cagliari or Genoa Better for Couples?

Both Cagliari and Genoa are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Couples visit Genoa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Cagliari or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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

Is Cagliari or Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Genoa is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

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.

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

Genoa 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 Genoa can get you around easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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 Genoa a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Genoa are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Genoa is a very walkable destination. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Cagliari or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cagliari, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Families should spend more time in Cagliari than Genoa. 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 Genoa. 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 Genoa than Cagliari 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 Genoa.

One day in Cagliari or Genoa?

In Cagliari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The port city of Genoa offers food and shopping. 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 Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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

Five days in Cagliari or Genoa?

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cagliari. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Genoa 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 Genoa?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Cagliari. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Genoa 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 port 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 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 Genoa, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Genoa. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cagliari in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Genoa. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Genoa. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cagliari is generally around the same temperature as Genoa. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 18°C (65°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Genoa. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cagliari or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Cagliari during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Cagliari. In the spring, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Cagliari