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

Should you visit Taormina 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 Taormina 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. 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 under-rated, laid back, and relaxed city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Taormina and Cagliari: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Taormina or Cagliari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cagliari. Although Taormina and Cagliari are both popular with visitors, Cagliari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cagliari is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Taormina is known for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taormina is more touristy than Cagliari and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello.

How is Taormina different from Cagliari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina
Cagliari

Cagliari is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.


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

Taormina
Cagliari

Both Taormina and Cagliari offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

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 Taormina or Cagliari Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Cagliari

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Taormina and Cagliari.

The nightlife in Taormina has something for everybody. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Cagliari offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Taormina or Cagliari Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Cagliari

Taormina 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 Taormina. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Cagliari is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Cagliari Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Cagliari

Cagliari is a great city for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

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.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Taormina or Cagliari Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Cagliari

Cagliari is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Cagliari?

Taormina
Cagliari

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and Cagliari both offer plenty of good spots.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

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 Taormina or Cagliari Better for Families?

Taormina
Cagliari

Cagliari is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known 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!

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Cagliari Better for Couples?

Taormina
Cagliari

Both Taormina and Cagliari are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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.

Is Taormina or Cagliari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
Cagliari

Cagliari is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Cagliari is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.


Is Taormina or Cagliari Better for Students?

Taormina
Cagliari

Cagliari is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with 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.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina
Cagliari

Taormina and Cagliari both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

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

Is Taormina or Cagliari a more walkable city?

Taormina
Cagliari

Taormina and Cagliari are superb when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

Cagliari is very walkable. 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 Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Cagliari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cagliari or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Cagliari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taormina and Cagliari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taormina than in Cagliari. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cagliari.

Families should spend more time in Cagliari than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Cagliari? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Cagliari 1-3

One day in Taormina or Cagliari?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The city of Cagliari offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Taormina or Cagliari?

Taormina 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Taormina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cagliari 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cagliari, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Cagliari?

Taormina 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 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.


A week in Taormina or Cagliari?

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Cagliari 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cagliari or Taormina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €108, 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 Taormina and Cagliari in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Cagliari 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Cagliari 132
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Cagliari

Looking for a hotel in Taormina 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 Taormina


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: Taormina Hotel Prices and Cagliari Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

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

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41
  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cagliari

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Cagliari?

Prices for flights to both Cagliari and Taormina 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
    Taormina 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.
    Taormina 11
    Cagliari 17

Tours and Activities in Taormina

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150

Tours and Activities in Cagliari

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

  • 2 Hours Guided Tour of San Pancras and Castello: $43
  • 3 Hours Guided Tour of the Historical Cagliari: $64
  • Archaeological tour of Nora: $91
  • Barumini Unesco Site and Giara of Gesturi Tour from Cagliari: $98
  • Beach Tour Porto Pino & Piscinnì from Cagliari: $91
  • Beachtour Marina Rei & Sant'Elmo from Cagliari: $91
  • Beachtour Porto Giunco & Cala Sinzias from Cagliari: $91
  • Beachtour to Chia & Tuerredda from Cagliari: $91
  • Boat Tour at Devil's Saddle: 4 Swim Stops, Snorkeling & Prosecco: $60
  • Boat Tour in the Gulf of Cagliari with aperitif on board: $84
  • Cagliari : Highlights & Hidden gems Private Walking Tour: $70
  • Cagliari : Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Guide: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Cagliari 7.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299

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 comparing the travel costs between Taormina 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 Taormina Expensive? and Is Cagliari Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Cagliari?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Cagliari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Cagliari. Many visitors come to Taormina in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Cagliari 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Cagliari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Cagliari. Most visitors come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Taormina is a little warmer than Cagliari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Cagliari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 192 hours of full sun.

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Cagliari. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Cagliari 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Cagliari in the Winter?

Both Cagliari and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Taormina 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.

In the winter, Taormina is a little warmer than Cagliari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Cagliari averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Taormina usually receives less sunshine than Cagliari during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Cagliari receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives more rain than Cagliari. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Cagliari 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Cagliari in the Spring?

Both Cagliari and Taormina during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Cagliari. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Cagliari fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cagliari. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cagliari receives 202 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cagliari. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cagliari receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Cagliari 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cagliari and Taormina

Taormina Cagliari
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 18°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)