Visit Cagliari: what are the best things to do and see in the magnificent capital of Sardinia?
Capital and historic city of Sardinia, Cagliari is an important port on the road linking Europe to the north coast of Africa. This strategic position allowed the city to become an important economic and cultural hub over the centuries.
The city was at the heart of history: Roman city, then Spanish possession within the Habsburg Empire, before experiencing an exceptional expansion after the Italian reunification. Today, it has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its monuments, culture and surrounding nature. If you are going to visit Cagliari, here is our list of essential things to do in Cagliari.
1. La Marina
Photo credit: Flickr – Alessandro Cani
Cagliari, thanks to its strategic position, has a fantastic Marina, full of small shops, restaurants and promenades on the seafront! In particular, you should go down the street Largo Carlo Felice and reach Via Roma to enjoy a nice walk, the road is lined with trees and a magnificent view of the port offers you!
2. A boat ride
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Roman Babakin
Along the Marina de Cagliari, another must-have will quickly offer you... The boat ride! Indeed, boat rental in Cagliari is a must to discover the coasts of Sardinia at best.
Starting early in the morning, you will be able to watch the sunrise in the middle of the Mediterranean, before entering a full tour of this sublime island that is Sardinia. Then stop on the edges of Olbia or Sassari to enjoy an unforgettable relaxing moment, surrounded by your loved ones.
If you do not have the boat permit, you can call a skipper, who will stop you in the most beautiful remote corners of this sublime island.
3. Bastion San Remy
Photo credit: Flickr – Alessandro Cani
Built during the 19th century and located in the centre of the historic city, the Bastion San Remy originally served within the city’s defence system. Today, it is appreciated for the magnificent view that its platform offers on the Mediterranean Sea and on the surroundings of the city! Visiting Cagliari without going to the San Remy Bastion is impossible: it is an icon of the city and a must to do in the Sardinian capital!
4. Torre dell’Elefante
Photo credit: Flickr – Gomezdegomera
Not far from the San Remy Bastion is the Elephant Tower, one of the most impressive and appreciated buildings in Cagliari! Built in 1307, the tower served as a guard tower within the fortifications of the city. The tower is rich in small details, like the famous statue of the elephant, have fun discovering them all! Good to know: it is possible for 3€ to climb to the top of the tower to have a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings!
5. Il Castello, the old center
Photo credit: Flickr – Alessandro Cani
The Heart of the City – Il Castello is one of the most charming places in Cagliari, with its many picturesque little streets, colourful buildings and lively local life. If you are looking for an authentic experience, you must go to this part of Cagliari! Enjoy it to discover the Palazzo Archivescovile and the Palazzo Reggio, or to enjoy an Italian ice in one of the cafes of Piazza Carlo Alberto!
6. Cattedrale di Santa Maria
Photo credit: Flickr – Cristiano Cani
At the heart of the Il Castello district stands the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, with its sumptuous facades and its richly decorated interior. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and was restored and modified over the centuries. Today, it is an amalgam of different styles, including Roman and Baroque. To see absolutely by sticking in the old center.
7. Museo Archeologico Nazionale
Photo credit: Flickr – Dennis Jarvis
It is in this fantastic museum that the main archaeological discoveries of Cagliari are located! You can admire the collections of Roman, Greek or carthaginian art and artifacts. The museum is located in the northwest of the old town, very close to the Roman amphitheatre: enjoy it to visit both during your stay!
8. The Roman Amphitheatre
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Unukorno
From the Roman period there are many ruins observed in Cagliari: the most precious and best preserved is undoubtedly the Roman Amphitheatre!
9. Mercato di San Benedetto
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sabino Parente
Located on Via Tiziano, this market is by far the largest and most lively of Cagliari: the perfect place to discover local life. The specialties of the market are fish and seafood, vegetables and fresh fruit, as well as goat cheese!
10. Parco di Monte Urpinu
Photo credit: Flickr – Giorgio Michele
Just twenty minutes from the city centre is this beautiful park – a quiet, secluded and relaxing place. We recommend climbing to its heights to discover the incredible panoramic view it offers on Cagliari and the sea in the distance!
11. Calamosca
Photo credit: Flickr – Carlo Murgia
Accessible by bus from the center of the city, this beautiful beach is located after the main port, in the small town of Calamosca. This is the perfect place for lovers of crystalline water, the hot sea will delight swimmers and the beach is perfect for a small sunbath! In addition, it is surrounded by small cliffs of rocks, to explore with caution. Take the yellow bus N°5 on Piazza Matteotti. Stop in San Bartolomeo and then walk 5 minutes to reach the beach directly.
How to get to Cagliari?
Cagliari Airport is best served in Sardinia. To get to Cagliari, the plane is by far the most convenient and accessible means of transport: there are direct flights from Nantes, Toulouse, Paris and Bordeaux. To find cheap flights to Cagliari, visit our partner's website Ulysses .
The port of Cagliari is one of the largest seaports in Italy and one of the largest seaports in the Mediterranean basin, so you can reach Cagliari by ferry from Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo. Also, more generally to go to Sardinia, ferries depart from Toulon, Marseille Nice or Genoa and go to Porto Torres, Olbia or Cagliari. You can book your ferry online for Cagliari and Sardinia on the site DirectFerries .
If you are visiting Cagliari for a weekend, you will not need a car on site to move. However, if Cagliari is the starting point of your road trip in Sardinia, Like any island, it is highly recommended to come with its own car or motorcycle (by ferry), or to rent a car in Cagliari. You can compare car rental prices in Sardinia on the website Rentalcars .
Where to stay in Cagliari?
Cagliari is not a very large city, it is easy to move without public transport. You can stay in the historic centre by comfort and desire, but it is not necessary to visit Cagliari. To find a cheap hotel in Cagliari, search this Compare hotels .
Main photo: Wikimedia – Martin Kraft
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