A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Cagliari for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Messina and Cagliari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Cagliari?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cagliari than Messina. While Messina is larger than Cagliari, Cagliari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Cagliari is famous for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also well known for Castello.

How is Messina different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cagliari is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Cagliari is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cagliari makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Cagliari Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is well known for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known 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.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Messina or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Cagliari?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cagliari and Messina.

Messina is a great destination for shopping. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

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 Messina or Cagliari Better for Families?

Both Messina and Cagliari are superb to visit with kids.

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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!

Is Messina or Cagliari Better for Couples?

Cagliari is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Cagliari are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Messina or Cagliari Better for Students?

Messina and Cagliari are nice places to visit for students.

Messina is popular with students. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

It's common for students to 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Cagliari.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

While Cagliari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Messina or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Messina and Cagliari both are superb when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Cagliari is a very walkable port city. 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 Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Cagliari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Messina?

How long in Messina or Cagliari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Messina and Cagliari. In our opinion, Cagliari has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cagliari than Messina. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cagliari.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cagliari than Messina 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 Cagliari.

One day in Messina or Cagliari?

The port city of Messina offers food and shopping. 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, 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 Messina or Cagliari?

Messina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Messina, 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 Messina or Cagliari?

Messina 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.

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 Messina or Cagliari?

Messina is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Cagliari?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Cagliari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Cagliari. Many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Cagliari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Cagliari averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in July than Cagliari. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Cagliari in the Autumn?

Both Cagliari and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Cagliari in the Winter?

Both Cagliari and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Messina 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.

Messina is a little warmer than Cagliari in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Cagliari fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Cagliari. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Cagliari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Cagliari. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Cagliari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cagliari averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Messina