A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cagliari or Sestri Levante?

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 Sestri Levante can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

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

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a local, quaint, and relaxing seaside town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Cagliari and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cagliari. Although Cagliari and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Cagliari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cagliari is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sestri Levante is known for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Cagliari different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cagliari is great for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cagliari. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Sestri Levante can be difficult as they are each superb 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 Sestri Levante is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Cagliari or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari is great for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Cagliari for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Cagliari or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Cagliari is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sestri Levante makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Cagliari is not a resort destination.

Is Cagliari or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is great for the beach. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its beaches.

The beaches at Cagliari attract visitors from all over. 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.

Sestri Levante offers a nice beach destination. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is Cagliari or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is great for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Cagliari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Sestri Levante?

Cagliari is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cagliari or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Cagliari is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cagliari. 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!

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly place to visit. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Cagliari or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Cagliari is great for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Cagliari is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Cagliari or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Cagliari is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

Is Cagliari or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

Cagliari is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cagliari and Sestri Levante.

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

You'll find some public transit in Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Cagliari or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is an amazing seaside town 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 Sestri Levante. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

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 Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cagliari and Sestri Levante. In our opinion, Cagliari has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cagliari than Sestri Levante. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cagliari than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

In Cagliari, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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 Sestri Levante?

Cagliari is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

Five days in Cagliari or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Cagliari. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Sestri Levante 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 seaside 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 Sestri Levante, we can see that Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Sestri Levante?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Sestri Levante, 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.