A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Cagliari for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kos 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 Kos 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.

Kos

Kos is a vibrant, beautiful, and ancient island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a relaxed, historic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Kos and Cagliari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Cagliari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cagliari. Although Kos and Cagliari are popular destinations, Cagliari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cagliari is very popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Kos attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Cagliari is famous for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also well known for Castello.

How is Kos different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kos is an amazing island 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 Kos are world-renowned. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

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 Kos or Cagliari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Kos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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 Kos or Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

Both Kos and Cagliari have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Kos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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.

Is Kos or Cagliari Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Cagliari is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Cagliari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos is not to be missed. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Cagliari Better for Beaches?

Kos is an amazing island to visit for the beache. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Kos is a very popular vacation destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cagliari. 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.

Is Kos or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Kos 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.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Cagliari Better for Hiking?

Kos is very good for its hiking trails. However, Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Cagliari?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kos and Cagliari.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Cagliari offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Kos or Cagliari Better for Families?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cagliari is a very family-friendly destination. 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!

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Cagliari Better for Couples?

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

Kos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

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 Kos or Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos 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 Kos. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

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 Kos or Cagliari Better for Students?

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

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos 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 Kos can get you around easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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 Kos or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Kos and Cagliari are superb when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Cagliari is a very walkable island. 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 Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Cagliari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Kos?

How long in Kos or Cagliari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Cagliari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Cagliari. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cagliari.

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

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

One day in Kos or Cagliari?

The beautiful island of Kos 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.

With nightlife and food around the laid back destination of Cagliari, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Cagliari?

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

Many people visit Cagliari for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historic city of Cagliari, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Cagliari?

Kos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Cagliari offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Kos or Cagliari?

Kos is a great place to explore. 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 island offers something for everyone.

Cagliari, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Kos or Cagliari?

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