A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cagliari vs. Rijeka for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Cagliari or Rijeka?

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

Cagliari

Cagliari is a laid back, relaxed, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cagliari. Although Cagliari and Rijeka are roughly the same size, Cagliari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Cagliari different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cagliari is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Cagliari is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Cagliari or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cagliari and Rijeka.

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.

Rijeka is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Cagliari or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is a well-known place for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Cagliari or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka to go shopping. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Cagliari or Rijeka Better for Families?

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

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!

Rijeka is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Cagliari or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Cagliari is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Cagliari is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Cagliari or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari and Rijeka 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 Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Cagliari or Rijeka Better for Students?

Both Cagliari and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is popular with students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Rijeka, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Cagliari or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Cagliari is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Rijeka?

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

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

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.

The town of Rijeka offers 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 Rijeka?

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.

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

Five days in Cagliari or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cagliari and Rijeka, we can see that Cagliari is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Rijeka?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Rijeka. The summer months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In the summer, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 18°C (65°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cagliari or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Cagliari during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cagliari is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Rijeka. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Cagliari