A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Naples for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Cagliari or Naples?

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

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Cagliari, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Cagliari is known for its beaches. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Cagliari different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

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

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cagliari and Naples.

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.

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Cagliari or Naples Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is well known for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari and Naples 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 Naples to see the historical old town. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Naples?

Naples is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Naples is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to go shopping. 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 Cagliari or Naples Better for Families?

Cagliari is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples 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!

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Cagliari or Naples Better for Couples?

Both Cagliari and Naples 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 Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Cagliari or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Both Cagliari and Naples are good destinations for 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.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples 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 Naples can get you around easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Naples 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.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cagliari and Naples. In our opinion, Naples has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Naples than Cagliari. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Cagliari or Naples?

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.

Naples is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cagliari or Naples?

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.

Naples 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Naples, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cagliari or Naples?

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.

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back 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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Naples, we can see that Naples 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 Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Cagliari during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cagliari in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, 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 Naples. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Cagliari or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Naples. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cagliari is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 18°C (65°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

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

Should I visit Cagliari or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Naples. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cagliari is a little warmer than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

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

Should I visit Cagliari or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Naples because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Naples averages at about 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 Naples during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Naples and Cagliari