A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. San Remo for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Cagliari or San Remo?

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 San Remo 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

San Remo

San Remo is a beautiful, scenic, and authentic coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cagliari and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cagliari or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cagliari than San Remo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cagliari is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while San Remo is known for its impressive beauty. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Cagliari different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cagliari
San Remo

Cagliari is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

Cagliari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cagliari
San Remo

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and San Remo 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 San Remo is an experience not to be missed. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is Cagliari or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari
San Remo

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

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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Cagliari or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Cagliari
San Remo

Cagliari and San Remo are great choices for a beach vacation.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Remo. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.


Is Cagliari or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari
San Remo

Cagliari and San Remo 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 San Remo to see the historical old town. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or San Remo?

Cagliari
San Remo

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

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 San Remo to go shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Cagliari or San Remo Better for Families?

Cagliari
San Remo

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Cagliari or San Remo.

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!

San Remo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.


Is Cagliari or San Remo Better for Couples?

Cagliari
San Remo

Both Cagliari and San Remo are great 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 San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Cagliari or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari
San Remo

Cagliari is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is Cagliari or San Remo Better for Students?

Cagliari
San Remo

Cagliari is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not popular with students.


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

Cagliari
San Remo

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cagliari and San Remo.

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

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is Cagliari or San Remo a more walkable city?

Cagliari
San Remo

Cagliari and San Remo 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.

San Remo is a very walkable destination. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or San Remo?

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

Families should spend more time in Cagliari than San Remo. 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 San Remo. 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 San Remo 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.


  • How many days in Cagliari or San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cagliari 1-3 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Cagliari or San Remo?

The city of Cagliari 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.

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers nightlife and food. 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 San Remo?

Cagliari 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cagliari, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Remo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Remo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cagliari or San Remo?

Cagliari 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.

San Remo 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 San Remo?

Cagliari 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.

San Remo 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 coastal 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.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo or Cagliari?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cagliari is €120, while the average daily cost in San Remo is €152. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cagliari and San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cagliari 66
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cagliari 132
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Cagliari and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Cagliari or San Remo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cagliari


Hotels in San Remo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cagliari Hotel Prices and San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cagliari 31
    San Remo 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cagliari

Also for Cagliari, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer / taxi Cagliari Airport - Cagliari city: $60
  • Private Transfer from Cagliari hotels to Cagliari Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer Cagliari airport City - Orosei city Marina: $513
  • Cagliari Elmas Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Cagliari: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Cagliari or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo and Cagliari change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cagliari 35
    San Remo 44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cagliari

For Cagliari, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sardinia Cooking Class: Fresh Handmade Pasta: $75
  • Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $80
  • Homemade fresh pasta cooking: $82
  • Sardinia Traditional Food Tour: $87
  • Sardinian Cooking Class with Meal and Drinks: $96
  • Traditional Sardinian Lunch and Cooking Class In Cagliari: $116
  • Romantic sunset dinner experience with private chef: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cagliari 17
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Cagliari

For Cagliari, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Guided Tour of San Pancras and Castello: $43
  • 3 Hours Guided Tour of the Historical Cagliari: $64
  • Archaeological tour of Nora: $91
  • Barumini Unesco Site and Giara of Gesturi Tour from Cagliari: $98
  • Beach Tour Porto Pino & Piscinnì from Cagliari: $91
  • Beachtour Marina Rei & Sant'Elmo from Cagliari: $91
  • Beachtour Porto Giunco & Cala Sinzias from Cagliari: $91
  • Beachtour to Chia & Tuerredda from Cagliari: $91
  • Boat Tour at Devil's Saddle: 4 Swim Stops, Snorkeling & Prosecco: $60
  • Boat Tour in the Gulf of Cagliari with aperitif on board: $84
  • Cagliari : Highlights & Hidden gems Private Walking Tour: $70
  • Cagliari : Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Guide: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cagliari 7.57
    San Remo 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cagliari

Also in Cagliari, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Artisanal Food and Wine Tasting Experience: $48
  • WINE TOUR with sommelier in a winery near Cagliari: $66
  • Small-Group Food and Wine Tour from Cagliari: $98
  • Wine Tour Sardinia: $107
  • Wine tour aroud vineyards of Cagliari : $109
  • Wine Tasting & Winery Tour: $266
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting with Lunch: $641


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cagliari and San Remo, we can see that San Remo 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 San Remo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Remo 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 San Remo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cagliari or San Remo?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cagliari is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cagliari in July average around 24°C (75°F), and San Remo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than San Remo. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cagliari 24°C (75°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cagliari or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Cagliari during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cagliari 18°C (65°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cagliari or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and San Remo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cagliari is a little warmer than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cagliari usually receives less rain than San Remo. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cagliari 10°C (50°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cagliari or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as San Remo. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and San Remo averages at about 13°C (56°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 San Remo. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cagliari 14°C (57°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Cagliari

Cagliari San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 26 mm (1 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)