A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Cagliari for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Palma de Mallorca and Cagliari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

Both Cagliari and Palma de Mallorca have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cagliari attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Cagliari and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Cagliari is famous for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches.

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Cagliari offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Palma de Mallorca has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Cagliari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Cagliari is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Palma de Mallorca while you're in town. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Cagliari is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cagliari is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Palma de Mallorca. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Cagliari is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Cagliari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca 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, Palma de Mallorca is a very popular vacation destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for its hiking trails. However, Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Cagliari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Cagliari.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Cagliari are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Cagliari is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Couples?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd 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 Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari Better for Students?

Cagliari is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Cagliari.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Cagliari is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Cagliari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

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

Couples should spend more time in Cagliari than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

The beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca offers shopping 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 shopping and museums around the destination of Cagliari, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

Palma de Mallorca 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.

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Cagliari, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated destination of Cagliari. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

Palma de Mallorca 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari in the Summer?

Both Cagliari and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Cagliari averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cagliari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari in the Autumn?

Both Cagliari and Palma de Mallorca during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 192 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in October than Cagliari. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Cagliari. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Cagliari in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Cagliari fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Cagliari during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Cagliari. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Cagliari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Cagliari. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Cagliari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Cagliari averages at about 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 Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in April than Cagliari. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Palma de Mallorca