A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cagliari vs. Split for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Cagliari or Split?

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

Cagliari

Cagliari is a relaxed, historic, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cagliari and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Split?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Split. Although Cagliari and Split are about the same size, Split has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Split is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Cagliari is more popular for its historical sights. Split is more touristy than Cagliari and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Cagliari is well known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches.

How is Cagliari different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cagliari and Split.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Split can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Split can be difficult as they are each high quality 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 Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Cagliari or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Split has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

Cagliari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Cagliari or Split Better for Resorts?

Split 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 Split. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Cagliari is not a resort destination.

Is Cagliari or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cagliari or Split Better for Beaches?

Cagliari and Split are high quality 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 Split. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Is Cagliari or Split Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Split?

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

Split is well-known for its shopping. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Split Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Cagliari or Split.

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!

Split is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Cagliari or Split Better for Couples?

Split is an amazing 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, Split has plenty to offer. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is an amazing 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, Split is extremely popular for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

Split is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Split is very popular with students. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

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.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cagliari and Split.

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

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Cagliari or Split a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Split are high quality 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.

Split is a very walkable destination. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Cagliari or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cagliari, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

Families should spend more time in Split than Cagliari. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Split, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Cagliari or Split?

In Cagliari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Split 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Split, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cagliari or Split?

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cagliari. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Cagliari. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Split is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Split, we can see that Cagliari is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Split. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Cagliari during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cagliari in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Split. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Split. The winter months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In January, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Split. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 10°C (50°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Cagliari or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Split. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Cagliari is around the same temperature as Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. 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 Split. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Split. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Cagliari