A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cagliari vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a historic, under-rated, and laid back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cagliari and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Cagliari. While Cagliari is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cagliari is more popular for its beaches and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Cagliari and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Cagliari is well known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches.

How is Cagliari different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city 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 Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cagliari and Santiago de Compostela.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Santiago de Compostela offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to see the historical old town. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Is Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its shopping. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Cagliari is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cagliari is a very kid-friendly city. 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!

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Cagliari is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Cagliari frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Both Cagliari and Santiago de Compostela are notable 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.

Santiago de Compostela is popular with students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cagliari and Santiago de Compostela.

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

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Cagliari Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Families should spend more time in Cagliari than Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Cagliari offers museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

The city of Santiago de Compostela offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

The under-rated destination of Cagliari offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's also a great beach destination, too. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cagliari. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Cagliari during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cagliari is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cagliari. In the summer, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Santiago de Compostela. The autumn months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the autumn, Cagliari is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cagliari in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Santiago de Compostela. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cagliari is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 10°C (50°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Cagliari