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

Should you visit Cordoba or Cagliari?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cordoba and Cagliari can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a beautiful, colorful, and flower-filled town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a laid back, relaxed, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cordoba and Cagliari: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cordoba or Cagliari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cordoba than Cagliari, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cordoba is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Cagliari is known for its beaches and big city activities. Cordoba is more touristy than Cagliari and is popular for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. It is also home to La Mezquita. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches.

How is Cordoba different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cagliari and Cordoba. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cordoba or Cagliari?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Cordoba is an amazing town 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 Cordoba are world-renowned. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

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 Cordoba or Cagliari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Both Cordoba and Cagliari offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Cordoba is an experience not to be missed. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cagliari. 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 Cordoba or Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Both Cordoba and Cagliari are superb when it comes to partying.

Cordoba offers plenty to do in the evening. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

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.

Is Cordoba or Cagliari Better for Beaches?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Cagliari is a well-known place for the beach. However, Cordoba is not a beach destination.

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.

Cordoba is not a beach destination.


Is Cordoba or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

Cordoba
Cagliari

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

Cordoba offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

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 the Shopping Better in Cordoba or Cagliari?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Both Cordoba and Cagliari are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Cordoba to go shopping. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Is Cordoba or Cagliari Better for Families?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Cagliari is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cagliari is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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!

Cordoba is a family-friendly town. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.


Is Cordoba or Cagliari Better for Couples?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Both Cordoba and Cagliari are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

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.

Is Cordoba or Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Cordoba 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 Cordoba. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

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 Cordoba or Cagliari Better for Students?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Cordoba is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Cordoba. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

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

Cordoba
Cagliari

Both Cordoba and Cagliari offer good public transit options.

Cordoba has a few public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

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

Is Cordoba or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Cordoba
Cagliari

Cordoba and Cagliari both are superb when exploring on foot.

Cordoba is a very walkable destination. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

Cagliari is very walkable. 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 Cordoba Worth Visiting? and Is Cagliari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Cagliari?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cordoba or Cagliari? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cordoba 1-3 
    Cagliari 1-3

One day in Cordoba or Cagliari?

The beautiful town of Cordoba 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.

In Cagliari, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Cordoba or Cagliari?

Cordoba is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Cordoba, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Cagliari, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cagliari has to offer.

Five days in Cordoba or Cagliari?

Cordoba is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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.

Cagliari is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cordoba or Cagliari?

Cordoba is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cagliari. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cagliari or Cordoba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is €127, while the average daily cost in Cagliari is €120. 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 Cordoba and Cagliari in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba 68
    Cagliari 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba 136
    Cagliari 132
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Cagliari

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba or Cagliari? 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 Cordoba


Hotels in Cagliari


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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Cagliari Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba 28
    Cagliari 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cordoba:

  • Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $72
  • Private Transfer from Córdoba to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Medina Azahara Cordoba, with Transfer by Bus: $34
  • Guided tour of Medina Azahara with transfer from Córdoba: $27
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $132
  • Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $241

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cagliari

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Cagliari?

Prices for flights to both Cagliari and Cordoba 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
    Cordoba 34
    Cagliari 35
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Ice Cream
    1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cordoba.

  • Paella and Salmorejo 2-Hour Cooking Class in Córdoba: $49

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.
    Cordoba 25
    Cagliari 17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Garden Entrance Fee
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cordoba are as follows:

  • 3-Hour Tour from Cordoba to the Site of Medina Azahara: $32
  • Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $20
  • Alcazar of Cordoba Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket: $20
  • Arabian Baths Experience at Cordoba’s Hammam Al Ándalus: $66
  • Authentic Patios of Cordoba Guided Tour: $20
  • Best of Cordoba Guided Tour : $46
  • Bike Tour Córdoba: $32
  • Córdoba Highlight Walking Tour: $32
  • Córdoba Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $8.95
  • City Sightseeing Cordoba Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • Cordoba : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $49
  • Cordoba Jewish Quartier Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Cagliari

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

  • Train ticket to travel between airport and city: $1.59
  • Pinuccio Sciola Museum: Giardino Sonoro Guided Tour: $8.56
  • Conti Vecchi Salt Flats Train and Tour: $13
  • Museum of Nuragic Civilization Entry Ticket: $19
  • Walking Tour of the Old City: $21
  • Climbing Experience beneath the ancient walls: $26
  • Underground Cagliari Walking Tour: $27
  • Nocturne Karalis, night tour in Cagliari: $27
  • walking tour through the alleys of Castello: $30
  • Sardinia Escape Experience: Be a detective on the road: $32
  • Cagliari sunset tour with aperitif - Lighthouse Capo S.Elia: $37
  • 2 hours sightseeing tour by e-bike: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba 37
    Cagliari 7.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cordoba:

  • Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $26
  • Evening Local Wine Tasting in Córdoba: $39

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 comparing the travel costs between Cordoba and Cagliari, we can see that Cordoba 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 Cordoba Expensive? and Is Cagliari Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Cagliari?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba and Cagliari, 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 Cordoba or Cagliari?

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 Cordoba or Cagliari in the Summer?

Both Cagliari and Cordoba during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cordoba in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cordoba is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 27°C (81°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the summer, Cordoba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Cordoba gets 358 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in July than Cagliari. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F) 
    Cagliari 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Cagliari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Cagliari. Most visitors come to Cordoba for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Cordoba is around the same temperature as Cagliari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Cagliari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cordoba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari during autumn. Cordoba gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F) 
    Cagliari 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Cagliari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Cagliari. The winter months attract visitors to Cordoba because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year.

In the winter, Cordoba is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cordoba in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Cagliari averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Cagliari. Cordoba gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 131 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in January than Cagliari. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F) 
    Cagliari 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Cagliari in the Spring?

Both Cagliari and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Cordoba this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Cordoba is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 16°C (60°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Cagliari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. Cordoba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari during spring. Cordoba gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cordoba 16°C (60°F) 
    Cagliari 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Cordoba

Cordoba Cagliari
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (71°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)