A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Piazza Armerina vs. Cagliari for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a historic, charming, and authentic town. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a laid back, relaxed, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina and Cagliari: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cagliari than Piazza Armerina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Piazza Armerina is well known for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale. Cagliari is well known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. Also, Cagliari is famous for Castello.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Piazza Armerina and Cagliari.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Piazza Armerina. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

Cagliari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Piazza Armerina or Cagliari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Cagliari is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Cagliari is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Cagliari has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cagliari Better for Beaches?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Cagliari is notable for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cagliari for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.


Is Piazza Armerina or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Piazza Armerina and Cagliari.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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 Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Cagliari is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cagliari Better for Families?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Cagliari is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Cagliari is a very kid-friendly city. 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!

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.


Is Piazza Armerina or Cagliari Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Cagliari is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Cagliari is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Cagliari is a good destination for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cagliari Better for Students?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Cagliari is a good destination for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Cagliari is a good city to visit for students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.


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

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Both Piazza Armerina and Cagliari offer notable public transit options.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Cagliari has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina
Cagliari

Piazza Armerina and Cagliari both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable town. You can explore most of the old and new towns 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 Piazza Armerina Worth Visiting? and Is Cagliari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

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

Families should spend more time in Cagliari than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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.


  • How many days in Piazza Armerina or Cagliari? Ideal Length of Stay
    Piazza Armerina 1-2 
    Cagliari 1-3

One day in Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

The town of Piazza Armerina offers museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The under-rated destination of Cagliari offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

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

The city of Cagliari offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

Piazza Armerina 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

Piazza Armerina 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 town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cagliari. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, and The Best Adventure Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cagliari or Piazza Armerina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Piazza Armerina is €93, while the average daily cost in Cagliari is €120. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Piazza Armerina and Cagliari in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Piazza Armerina 56
    Cagliari 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Piazza Armerina 112
    Cagliari 132
Compare Hotels in Piazza Armerina and Cagliari

Looking for a hotel in Piazza Armerina or Cagliari? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Piazza Armerina


Hotels in Cagliari


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices and Cagliari Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Cagliari 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cagliari

Also for Cagliari, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Cagliari hotels to Cagliari Cruise Port: $26
  • Transfer / taxi Cagliari Airport - Cagliari city: $60
  • Cagliari Elmas Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Cagliari: $65
  • Private Transfer Cagliari airport City - Orosei city Marina: $513

Is it cheaper to fly into Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

Prices for flights to both Cagliari and Piazza Armerina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Piazza Armerina 33
    Cagliari 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cagliari

For Cagliari, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sardinia Cooking Class: Fresh Handmade Pasta: $75
  • Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $80
  • Homemade fresh pasta cooking: $82
  • Sardinia Traditional Food Tour: $87
  • Sardinian Cooking Class with Meal and Drinks: $96
  • Traditional Sardinian Lunch and Cooking Class In Cagliari: $116
  • Romantic sunset dinner experience with private chef: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Cagliari 17

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Piazza Armerina are as follows:

  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $128
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $241
  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $42
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $225

Tours and Activities in Cagliari

For Cagliari, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Train ticket to travel between airport and city: $1.59
  • Pinuccio Sciola Museum: Giardino Sonoro Guided Tour: $8.56
  • Conti Vecchi Salt Flats Train and Tour: $13
  • Museum of Nuragic Civilization Entry Ticket: $19
  • Walking Tour of the Old City: $21
  • Climbing Experience beneath the ancient walls: $26
  • Underground Cagliari Walking Tour: $27
  • Nocturne Karalis, night tour in Cagliari: $27
  • walking tour through the alleys of Castello: $30
  • Sardinia Escape Experience: Be a detective on the road: $32
  • Cagliari sunset tour with aperitif - Lighthouse Capo S.Elia: $37
  • 2 hours sightseeing tour by e-bike: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Piazza Armerina 13
    Cagliari 7.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Cagliari

Also in Cagliari, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Artisanal Food and Wine Tasting Experience: $48
  • WINE TOUR with sommelier in a winery near Cagliari: $66
  • Small-Group Food and Wine Tour from Cagliari: $98
  • Wine Tour Sardinia: $107
  • Wine tour aroud vineyards of Cagliari : $109
  • Wine Tasting & Winery Tour: $266
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting with Lunch: $641


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Piazza Armerina and Cagliari, we can see that Cagliari is more expensive. And not only is Piazza Armerina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piazza Armerina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piazza Armerina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cagliari would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cagliari than you might in Piazza Armerina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Piazza Armerina Expensive? and Is Cagliari Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Cagliari?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina or Cagliari in the Summer?

Both Cagliari and Piazza Armerina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cagliari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Cagliari in the summer. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Cagliari fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. In the summer, Piazza Armerina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in July than Cagliari. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F) 
    Cagliari 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Cagliari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Cagliari. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Cagliari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Piazza Armerina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cagliari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

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

In October, Piazza Armerina usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F) 
    Cagliari 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Cagliari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Cagliari. Most visitors come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Piazza Armerina is generally around the same temperature as Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 10°C (51°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Piazza Armerina often gets more sunshine than Cagliari. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 131 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets more rain in January than Cagliari. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F) 
    Cagliari 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Cagliari in the Spring?

Both Cagliari and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year.

Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Cagliari in the spring. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Cagliari fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Cagliari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari during spring. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cagliari. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F) 
    Cagliari 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina Cagliari
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)