With its historic monuments, colourful neighbourhoods, and delicious cuisine, Cagliari offers a unique experience. For many, it is simply a point of arrival in Sardinia, as it hosts an international airport. However, there are indeed many things to see and do in Cagliari. If you want to take advantage of your holiday in Sardinia to discover this beautiful city, here is an itinerary to discover what to do in Cagliari.
What to do in Cagliari in one day
Cagliari is a city with a dual soul: the bustling port area and the tranquil upper part, also known as "Castello."
- Starting from the lower part of the city, you should begin in the Marina district, full of shops, restaurants, and bars. This neighbourhood, rich with narrow streets and alleyways, stretches from Via Roma, an arcaded street running along the sea.
- Next, heading up from Largo Carlo Felice, you will find Piazza Yenne, where Via Manno begins. This street connects the city centre to the Bastione di Saint Remy. Here you will find many shops for shopping or bars for relaxing. The bastion, a symbol of the city, is also one of the free attractions in Cagliari.
- Now, you can finally climb to the upper part of the city, and after the bastion, we recommend visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria, one of Cagliari’s landmarks.
- Also in the upper part, don't miss the Archaeological Museum and the Roman Amphitheatre.
- If you can extend your route a bit, don’t miss the Castle of San Michele. This medieval fortress, situated on a hill overlooking the city, offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
All these attractions can be visited in a short time as they are close to the port, but Cagliari is a city that requires time to be thoroughly explored. This is why it is recommended to dedicate one or two days to it. By the end of the day, you will realise that Cagliari is definitely worth visiting.
If you have more time, you can also visit two of the city's main parks:
- Monte Urpinu Park, which overlooks the city from above and is a true green lung.
- Molentargius Park is a must. This natural park, located between Cagliari and Quartu Sant'Elena, is famous for its pink flamingos. It’s a unique experience that you won’t forget.
Beaches near Cagliari: which ones to visit
Naturally, Sardinia is well known around the world for its crystal-clear sea. Even in an urban environment like Cagliari, you can find one of the most beautiful city beaches in Italy.
- One of the most popular destinations is undoubtedly Poetto Beach, one of the longest beaches in the Mediterranean. Here, you can enjoy the sun on the golden sand and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. But Poetto is not just a beach: it is also a lively nightlife centre, with numerous bars and restaurants along the coast. Due to its characteristics, Poetto Beach is certainly one of the must-see attractions in Cagliari with children.
- If you can travel a bit further, you will also find the beautiful beaches of Quartu Sant’Elena and Maracalagonis, such as Mari Pintau Beach or Kal’e Moru, a short distance from Cagliari.
Check out more of the best beaches in Cagliari with our guide, including some of the best beaches in Sardina.
Visiting Cagliari in a weekend
If you have more days in the city, you can enjoy the relaxed Cagliari lifestyle, which is enriched by events and concerts during the summer. Alternatively, you can explore the surrounding areas. Here are some things not to miss:
- If you are an archaeology enthusiast, do not miss the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Nora. This archaeological site, located a few kilometres from Cagliari, is one of the most important in Sardinia. Here, you can admire the remains of ancient Roman baths, a theatre, and various dwellings.
- If you want to see what a Nuragic village looked like, you should head to Barumini, where a UNESCO site is hidden. Here you will find Su Nuraxi, one of the best-preserved Nuragic villages.
- Alternatively, you can visit the Castle of Acquafredda, built by Ugolino della Gherardesca, known for his mention in the Divine Comedy.
Free things to do in Cagliari
Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, Italy, offers several free activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. There are plenty of unique things to do in Cagliari, and not all of them have to break the bank. Here are some suggestions:
Explore the historic districts: Wander through the historic neighbourhoods such as Castello (the old town) and Villanova. Admire the medieval architecture, narrow streets, and historic buildings. Castello offers stunning views over the city and the sea.
Visit Poetto Beach: Poetto Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach just a short distance from the city center. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach, swim in the clear waters, or simply relax and soak up the sun.
Climb up Bastione di Saint Remy: The Bastione di Saint Remy is a historic fortification offering panoramic views of Cagliari and the Mediterranean Sea. It's a great spot to take photos and enjoy the scenery, especially at sunset.
Visit the Roman amphitheatre: Although entry to the archaeological sites like the Roman Amphitheatre may require a fee, you can often view them from outside without charge. The amphitheatre is an impressive ancient ruin located in the heart of the city.
Stroll through public gardens: Spend time in the Botanical Gardens or the Terramaini Park, both offering pleasant green spaces for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Explore museums on free admission says: Some museums in Cagliari offer free admission on certain days of the month or year. Check ahead to see if any align with your visit.
Attend festivals and events: Depending on the time of year, Cagliari hosts various cultural events and festivals, some of which are free to attend. These can include music festivals, local fairs, and religious celebrations.
Experience local markets: Visit the bustling local markets such as Mercato di San Benedetto or Mercato di Sant'Elia. You can explore the stalls, sample local produce, and experience the lively atmosphere.
Walk along the Marina: Take a stroll along the Marina area, where you can see yachts and boats, enjoy views of the port, and watch the sunset.
Enjoy street art and architecture: Cagliari has vibrant street art scenes in some neighbourhoods, particularly in Stampace and Marina districts. You can explore these areas and admire the creativity of local artists.
These activities provide a variety of experiences that showcase both the historical charm and natural beauty of Cagliari, allowing you to enjoy the city without breaking your budget.
Eating in Cagliari: the secrets of Sardinian cuisine
In Cagliari, you can, of course, taste the delicious Sardinian cuisine. Many dishes, based on fish or meat, are served in the city's restaurants.
What to eat in Cagliari
- Malloreddus, also known as "Sardinian gnocchi," are excellent with a ragu called "alla campidanese."
- Culurgiones, which are ravioli filled with potatoes, pecorino cheese, or alternatively, flavoured ricotta.
- Fregula, a type of pasta served with tomato or fish.
- Various types of fish dishes that include bottarga or clams.
- Seadas, typical fried desserts with sheep cheese.
Restaurants in Cagliari
Cagliari offers a diverse range of restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Here's an overview of what you can expect:
- Sardinian cuisine: Many restaurants in Cagliari specialise in traditional Sardinian dishes. You can find places that serve local specialities such as the aforementioned Malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi), Culurgiones (filled pasta), Porceddu (roast suckling pig), and various seafood dishes featuring local ingredients like bottarga (cured fish roe).
- Seafood restaurants: Given its coastal location, Cagliari boasts excellent seafood restaurants. These establishments often feature fresh catches of the day prepared in Mediterranean styles, such as grilled fish, seafood risotto, and seafood pasta dishes.
- Pizzerias: Like much of Italy, Cagliari has numerous pizzerias offering a variety of pizzas, ranging from traditional Margherita to creative gourmet options with local ingredients.
- International cuisine: You can also find restaurants serving international cuisines such as Italian (beyond Sardinian), Mediterranean, French, Asian, and more. These places cater to diverse tastes and offer a wide range of dishes.
- Cafés and bars: Cagliari has a vibrant café culture, with many establishments serving coffee, pastries, and light meals throughout the day. Bars in Cagliari often serve "aperitivi" (pre-dinner drinks) along with small snacks or appetisers.
- Fine dining: For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Cagliari has several fine dining restaurants offering gourmet meals with attentive service and often a scenic view, especially in the historic Castello area.
- Local markets and street food: Don’t miss the local markets where you can find fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and also street food stalls offering quick bites like panini, arancini (rice balls), and local delicacies.
Overall, whether you're interested in exploring traditional Sardinian cuisine, enjoying fresh seafood by the sea, or experiencing international flavours, Cagliari's restaurant scene has something to offer for everyone.
Living in Cagliari
Cagliari is a place to admire at all hours and in all seasons. Its mild climate and proximity to the sea make it the perfect place to move to or spend your holidays. With idealista, you can discover the best places to live in Sardinia and choose the house that best suits your interests.