A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Cagliari for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lagos or Cagliari?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Cagliari. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a scenic, adventure-filled, and dramatic resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Lagos and Cagliari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Cagliari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cagliari. Although Lagos and Cagliari are popular destinations, Cagliari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cagliari is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Lagos attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Cagliari and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Cagliari is famous for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also well known for Castello.

How is Lagos different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cagliari is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Lagos and Cagliari offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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.

Is Lagos or Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Cagliari.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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.

Is Lagos or Cagliari Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cagliari is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Lagos is a perfect choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Cagliari is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Cagliari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos 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 Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Cagliari Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Lagos is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

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 Lagos or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is well known for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Cagliari Better for Hiking?

Lagos 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 Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Cagliari?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cagliari and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Lagos or Cagliari Better for Families?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is one of the most popular family destinations. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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!

Is Lagos or Cagliari Better for Couples?

Lagos is an amazing resort town 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, Lagos has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos or Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an amazing resort town 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, Lagos is extremely popular for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet 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 Lagos or Cagliari Better for Students?

Cagliari is a good destination for students. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Cagliari is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Cagliari is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Cagliari is very walkable. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Cagliari?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Cagliari?

The beautiful resort town of Lagos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

In Cagliari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated 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.

A weekend in Lagos or Cagliari?

Lagos 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.

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.

Five days in Lagos or Cagliari?

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

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.

A week in Lagos or Cagliari?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Cagliari, 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 Lagos Expensive? and Is Cagliari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Cagliari?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Cagliari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Cagliari. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cagliari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lagos is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cagliari averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Cagliari. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Cagliari in the Autumn?

Both Cagliari and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Cagliari in the Winter?

Both Cagliari and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lagos is much warmer than Cagliari in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Cagliari fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Cagliari. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Cagliari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Cagliari. The spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year.

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Cagliari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Cagliari averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Lagos