The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, is located in the south of the island and offers a lots of attractions and spots for recreation. It is a city with a unique energy, where you’ll encounter many tourists, but also you might get lost in its charm. It offers a lot, from churches and a castle to beaches and even flamingos.

Cagliari: The Capital of Sardinia

Capital cities are always somewhat different from the rest of the country, and Cagliari is no exception. It’s a tourist city where you’re likely to hear more German than Italian. Cagliari has a port, beaches, parks, flamingos, and plenty of historical landmarks, including a castle. I stayed at Hostel Marina, which I highly recommend. It’s right in the city center (in the Marina area I’ll discuss later) and is a converted church that also served as a hospital. Even if you don’t stay there, it’s worth walking by and peeking inside.

In Cagliari, make sure to try the fish or seafood, which you can find on every corner. Don’t miss the fish market at San Benedetto. For gelato, head to Gelateria Intenso where they’ll fill your cone with chocolate and whipped cream. Two scoops for 2 euros!

Cagliari offers a historical center, a castle, Parco di Molentargius-Saline, and the Poetto Beach. Since each of these areas has a rich history and plenty of places to visit, I’ll try to describe everything as clearly as possible and divide it into sections so you can choose what to explore.

Historical Center of Cagliari

Marina

The historical center can be divided into several sections. The first is the Marina area, which is located near the port. It’s a part of the city with narrow streets, many bars and restaurants, shops, and cafes. Some of the landmarks here include the Church of Santa Lucia di Marina, the archaeological site of Sant’Eulalia, the Church of Santo Sepolcro, the Auditorium (located near Hostel Marina), and the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. You can enjoy a good gelato at Gli Stefini, a gelateria that’s a bit hidden but recommended by locals.

For Aperol and aperitivo, visit the Moonlight bar, which also has an outdoor garden and friendly service. The entire Marina area is bordered by the port and the shopping street Via Roma, where you’ll find the so-called “palazzata,” arcade buildings with Renaissance and Art Nouveau elements. This is like a promenade with arcades, a project that took almost a century to complete.

On the eastern side, you can see the remains of the Zamberletti Palace, which was destroyed during World War II bombings. Via Roma has become a place for coffee and gatherings of people of all ages, and surprisingly, it’s where you’ll find more locals than tourists. The arcades provide shelter on chilly and rainy days and offer a nice view of the port and ferries arriving on the coast.

Castello

The second area is called Castello. It’s a part of the city where you’ll climb the most stairs and keep going uphill. There are two elevators, but if you want to see all the landmarks, I recommend walking. One of the most important places is Bastione Saint Remy, which was closed when I was in Cagliari.

This is one of the city’s most important fortifications, and in the late 19th century, it was transformed into a staircase, which still exists. Under normal circumstances, you can reach the terrace via the stairs, which allegedly provides a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Other nice places include Piazzo Carlo Alberto and Piazza Palazzo.

The last-named square is the most important in Cagliari – 18th-century Palazzo Realle. From there, it’s a short walk to Torre dell’Elefante, Bastione di Santa Croce, both of which offer a magnificent view. Cattedrale di Santa Maria is a place where many weddings and religious ceremonies take place. Torre di San Pancrazio is a massive tower built to protect the south of Sardinia. The tower was designed by Giovanni Capula and made from limestone blocks. Its original function was lost in the 16th century when it was used as a prison. In Piazza Arsenale, you’ll find Porta Cristina.

If you enjoy museums, Cittadella di Musei is the right place for you. When you go downhill, you’ll come across Giardini Pubblici, with some unusual headless sculptures. At the end of the gardens, you’ll find Galleria Comunale d’Arte. It’s a great place to relax after a busy day.

Stampace Area in Cagliari

One of the most interesting parts of the city in terms of landmarks is the Stampace area. Here, you’ll find the Orto Botanico, a botanical garden, and a little further, the Anfiteatro Romano, which was built in a natural valley. Stairs, an arena, and various passages were carved into the rock. The amphitheater was built for 10,000 spectators and primarily hosted battles between men and wild animals, death penalty executions, and warrior contests.

The Church of Sant’Anna (Chiesa Sant’Anna) is a baroque building on the site of a small chapel. Financial difficulties delayed the completion of the church for 33 years. An impressive staircase leads to the building, which has four side chapels and two tall bell towers. The structure was damaged and partially destroyed during the bombings of World War II but has been reconstructed and made accessible to the faithful.

Villa di Tigello is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Sardinia. It confirms the extent of the ancient Roman settlement in the western part of the city. The complex is named after the poet and singer Tigellius. Piazza di Carmine was built in the second half of the 19th century. The square is lined with trees, and in the center stands a statue of the Immaculate Conception. I don’t recommend visiting in the evening, as some strange characters tend to gather here.

Villanova

The last, and for me, the least interesting area is Villanova. One of the larger squares is Piazza Gramsci, and the most interesting place is probably Chiostro di San Domenico, a monastery and crypt. The monastery was mostly destroyed by bombings in 1943, but it’s one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sardinia. At the edge of this area is Palazzo Doglio, which I stumbled upon by chance while heading to Poetto Beach, which I’ll discuss later.

An interesting place is Piazza Yenne, a square that connects the Marina, Stampace, and Villanova areas. It’s an area with good breakfast bars and evening aperitivo spots. I highly recommend it. There’s also a supermarket on the corner where you can buy water, which can be very handy.

• TIP: If you want a nice view of the city, I recommend visiting Parco Colle di Bonaria, which is located outside the historical center, towards the beach. There you’ll find the Cimitero Monumentale Bonaria and Necropoli di Viale Bonaria. It’s a very interesting area, and if you have some extra time, I recommend it.

Poetto Beach

Poetto Beach is quite nice for a city beach, although personally, I prefer Maria Pia in Alghero. The beach is located just under three kilometers from the city center and stretches for 8 kilometers. Since the 20th century, it has been a tourist attraction, but it used to protect the city from enemies.

As a beach, it opened in 1913. The beach features fine sand, clear water, bars, and sports activities like paddleboarding and windsurfing. There’s a promenade for long walks on foot or by bike. It’s located near Molentargius – Saline Park, so you can combine both in one day.

Parco Di Molentargius-Saline

The Regional Natural Park Molentargius Saline was established in 1999. It’s a wetland landscape that’s rare due to its unique ecosystem. You can see many animal species here, including endemics, and you’ll also spot flamingos, which are something of a symbol of the city. I recommend stopping at the information booth where you can rent a bike and pick up a park map. The flamingos are right at the beginning of the park; unfortunately, I only saw them from a distance. The entire park is quite large but can be driven through by car. There’s not much shade, so it’s not recommended to explore on foot.

Castello San Michele

Catello San Michele is located quite far from the city center, but you can walk or take a bus to get there. Personally, I enjoyed the view of the city, but the castle itself isn’t very interesting. Don’t pay the three euros for entry; there’s nothing inside. It was the biggest disappointment in Cagliari for me.

The castle was originally built to defend the city, then it became one of Sardinia’s most luxurious residences. During the mid-17th-century plague, it served as a hospital. A century later, it was used as barracks for the disabled, and in the 1930s, it gained military importance. Restoration work began in the late 20th century, and today the castle is used for various social events and exhibitions.

Festivals in Cagliari

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating a mix of cultural, historical, and traditional themes. Some of the notable festivals and events in Cagliari include:

1. Sant’Efisio Feast (Festa di Sant’Efisio): This is one of the most important and famous festivals in Sardinia. It takes place on May 1st, celebrating the city’s patron saint, Saint Efisio. The festival includes a religious procession with a statue of the saint, colorful traditional costumes, and horse-drawn carriages. The procession travels from Cagliari to the nearby town of Pula and back.
2. Cagliari Carnival (Carnevale di Cagliari): The Carnival is celebrated in February or March, depending on the date of Easter. It features parades, costume contests, and street parties. The city comes alive with colorful floats and costumed revelers.
3. Sardinia Film Festival: This international film festival takes place in Cagliari, usually in June. It showcases a diverse selection of international and Sardinian films and offers opportunities for filmmakers to present their work.
4. Cagliari Music Festival: This event features a variety of music genres, including classical, jazz, and contemporary music. It often hosts internationally renowned musicians and takes place at different venues across the city.
5. Artigianato in Fiera: This craft fair is held in December and features a wide array of local and national crafts, art, and traditional products. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore and purchase Sardinian handicrafts and unique gifts.
6. Cagliari Book Fair (Fiera del Libro di Cagliari): This annual book fair showcases literature, authors, and publishers, with readings, book signings, and discussions. It’s a great event for book lovers and usually occurs in late spring.
7. Sagra di San Benedetto: This traditional food festival celebrates the culinary delights of Sardinia. It usually takes place in July and offers an opportunity to savor local dishes, wines, and sweets.

Is Cagliari worth visiting?

Cagliari is unquestionably worth visiting. This vibrant capital of Sardinia offers a delightful blend of historical charm and modern energy, with its unique neighborhoods, stunning landmarks, and beautiful beaches. Whether you’re exploring the narrow streets of the historical center, enjoying fresh seafood at the local markets, or taking in the panoramic views from Castello, there’s a diverse range of experiences to savour.

The city’s rich history and natural beauty, including the iconic flamingos, make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of culture and relaxation. Cagliari’s distinct character, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for those exploring Sardinia.