A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cagliari or Sorrento?

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

Cagliari

Cagliari is a historic, under-rated, and laid back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a relaxing, accessible, and laid back small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Cagliari and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cagliari. Although Cagliari and Sorrento are popular destinations, Cagliari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cagliari is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Sorrento attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Sorrento is more touristy than Cagliari and is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Cagliari is famous for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also well known for Castello.

How is Cagliari different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cagliari is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Sorrento has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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.

Is Cagliari or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Cagliari know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Cagliari or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cagliari is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sorrento. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Cagliari is not a resort destination.

Is Cagliari or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cagliari or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Sorrento offers a nice beach destination. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Is Cagliari or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Cagliari or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Sorrento?

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

Sorrento is well-known for its shopping. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

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 Sorrento Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Cagliari or Sorrento.

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!

Sorrento is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Cagliari or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Sorrento has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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.

Is Cagliari or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Sorrento is extremely popular for backpackers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Cagliari is a city with good options for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Sorrento is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Sorrento can get you around easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

You'll find some public transit in Cagliari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Cagliari or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Sorrento are superb 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.

Sorrento is a very walkable destination. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Sorrento?

Both Cagliari and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Cagliari. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cagliari, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

Couples should spend more time in Sorrento than Cagliari. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sorrento that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento 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 Sorrento.

One day in Cagliari or Sorrento?

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 small city of Sorrento offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cagliari or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cagliari or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sorrento, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cagliari or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. This small 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Sorrento?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Cagliari during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sorrento in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cagliari is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 24°C (75°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cagliari. In the summer, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Sorrento. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Sorrento. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cagliari or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Sorrento. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cagliari is a little warmer than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cagliari in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In April, Cagliari is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 14°C (57°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Cagliari