A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Ravenna for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cagliari or Ravenna?

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

Cagliari

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

Ravenna

Ravenna is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Ravenna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cagliari than Ravenna. Cagliari is bigger than Ravenna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cagliari is better known for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Ravenna is more popular for its small town charm. Cagliari is well known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. Also, Cagliari is famous for Castello. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Cagliari different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Ravenna can be an interesting and educational experience. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Ravenna 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 Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Cagliari or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Cagliari or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is a very popular place for the beache. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Ravenna?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cagliari and Ravenna.

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 Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Cagliari or Ravenna Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Cagliari or Ravenna.

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!

Ravenna is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Cagliari or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Both Cagliari and Ravenna are high quality 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 Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Cagliari or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari and Ravenna are both notable 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 Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Cagliari or Ravenna Better for Students?

Cagliari is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Cagliari or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Ravenna are high quality 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cagliari or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cagliari than Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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

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.

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 Ravenna?

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.

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

Five days in Cagliari or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 town 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 Ravenna, we can see that Cagliari is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Cagliari would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cagliari than you might in Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Ravenna?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna 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 Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna 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 Ravenna because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Cagliari is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cagliari in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Ravenna. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Ravenna in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Ravenna in the winter. In January, Cagliari is generally much warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 10°C (50°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ravenna. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cagliari or Ravenna in the Spring?

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

Cagliari is a little warmer than Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Ravenna. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Cagliari