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

Should you visit Cagliari or Pisa?

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

Cagliari

Cagliari is a under-rated, laid back, and relaxed city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cagliari and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Pisa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cagliari than Pisa. Cagliari is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cagliari is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Pisa is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Pisa is more touristy than Cagliari and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Cagliari is well known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. Also, Cagliari is famous for Castello.

How is Cagliari different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Pisa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Pisa can be difficult as they are each great 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 Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Cagliari or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cagliari and Pisa.

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.

Pisa is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Cagliari or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is a great city for the beache. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

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 Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Is Cagliari or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari and Pisa 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 Pisa to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Pisa?

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

Pisa is well-known for its shopping. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Cagliari is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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!

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Cagliari or Pisa Better for Couples?

Cagliari is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Cagliari is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Cagliari or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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 Pisa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Cagliari or Pisa a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Pisa are great 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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cagliari and Pisa. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Cagliari or Pisa?

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 beautiful city of Pisa offers food and shopping. 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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 Pisa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cagliari or Pisa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back 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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

The under-rated 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.

Pisa is a great place to explore. 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 Pisa, we can see that Cagliari 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 Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Pisa?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Pisa. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Pisa. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Pisa. The autumn months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 10°C (50°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Pisa. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cagliari or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Cagliari during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Cagliari. In the spring, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Cagliari