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

Should you visit Nafplio or Cagliari?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Cagliari? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a beautiful, picturesque, and romantic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a relaxed, historic, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Cagliari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Cagliari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cagliari. Although Nafplio and Cagliari are both popular with visitors, Cagliari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cagliari is more popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Nafplio is known for its impressive beauty. Nafplio is more touristy than Cagliari and is known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello.

How is Nafplio different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Cagliari and Nafplio.

Nafplio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

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.

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

Both Nafplio and Cagliari offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Nafplio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

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.

Is Nafplio or Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Cagliari have great vibes after the sun sets.

Nafplio has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance 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 Nafplio or Cagliari Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Cagliari is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to Nafplio to enjoy the beach. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Is Nafplio or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Nafplio and Cagliari.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Cagliari?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Nafplio and Cagliari.

Nafplio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Cagliari is a great destination for 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 Nafplio or Cagliari Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cagliari. 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 Nafplio. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

Is Nafplio or Cagliari Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Cagliari make for a great place to visit.

Nafplio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

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 Nafplio or Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Cagliari are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Cagliari is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Nafplio or Cagliari Better for Students?

Cagliari is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio 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.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Nafplio and Cagliari.

Nafplio has some public transit options. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

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 Nafplio or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Nafplio is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nafplio. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

Cagliari is a very walkable destination. 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 Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Cagliari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Cagliari?

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

Families should spend more time in Cagliari than Nafplio. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cagliari than Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Cagliari?

The beautiful city of Nafplio offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Nafplio or Cagliari?

Nafplio 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nafplio, 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 Nafplio or Cagliari?

Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Cagliari?

Nafplio is a great place to explore. 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 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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget 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 Nafplio 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 Nafplio Expensive? and Is Cagliari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Cagliari?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Cagliari?

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 Nafplio or Cagliari in the Summer?

Both Cagliari and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cagliari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cagliari. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cagliari in the Autumn?

Both Cagliari and Nafplio during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 192 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Cagliari. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cagliari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Cagliari. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Cagliari averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cagliari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Cagliari. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the spring, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets more rain in April than Cagliari. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Nafplio