A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cagliari or Pompeii?

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

Cagliari

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Cagliari and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cagliari. Although Cagliari and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Cagliari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cagliari is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Cagliari and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello.

How is Cagliari different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its museums and history. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Pompeii are world-renowned. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cagliari can be an interesting and educational experience. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

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

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Cagliari has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Cagliari or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Cagliari has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Cagliari or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Cagliari is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Pompeii?

Cagliari is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Cagliari has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Cagliari or Pompeii Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Cagliari or Pompeii.

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!

Pompeii is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Cagliari or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Cagliari or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari and Pompeii are both good 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 Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Cagliari or Pompeii Better for Students?

Both Cagliari and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cagliari and Pompeii.

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

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Cagliari or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site 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 Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cagliari or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cagliari than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cagliari, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

Families should spend more time in Cagliari than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

In Cagliari, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. 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 Pompeii?

In Cagliari, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cagliari has to offer.

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

Five days in Cagliari or Pompeii?

Cagliari is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cagliari. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site 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 Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cagliari or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Cagliari during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

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

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cagliari or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In the spring, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Cagliari