Discover Cagliari city, sunlit streets and seafront charm
Visit Cagliari city for a compact, walkable blend of Mediterranean light, layered history and a lively food culture. The city pairs a long seafront with steep limestone streets that lead to hilltop viewpoints, neighbourhood squares and busy markets, all within easy reach on foot. Expect fresh seafood in small restaurants, practical public transport, and short coastal trips from a central base. Seasonally, spring and autumn bring warm days and fewer crowds, summer adds a bustling evening scene. Practical tips: stay near the historic centre to cut travel time, visit markets early for the best produce, use trams and buses for longer hops, and reserve an afternoon for a relaxed promenade along the water. Cagliari rewards travellers who prefer tangible experiences, clear routes and a measured pace.
Completed in 1307 under Pisan rule, the Elephant Tower was designed by the Sardinian architect Giovanni Capula to defend the Castello gate.
Cagliari Food Markets and Workshops
For a direct taste of Sardinia, follow your appetite. Start at Civic Market of San Benedetto , where colourful stalls and lively vendors make shopping a local ritual. Turn that harvest into a hands on experience with a session at Fede Pasta Lab , learning traditional shapes and techniques with an expert host. When you need everyday provisions, the compact, friendly aisles of Despar Cagliari Via Dante Alighieri 87 are practical and well stocked. For organic, vegan, and specialty ingredients, browse the curated selection at NaturaSì . These stops pair discovery with service, making it easy to shop like a local, taste on the move, and bring Sardinian flavours back to your own table.
Poetto Beach runs for about 7 km from the Sella del Diavolo to the Quartu shoreline, a city strand that only became popular for bathing in the early 20th century.
Cagliari Museums and Art Collections
Cagliari reveals centuries of culture within compact, well curated institutions. Explore island history and ancient finds at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari , then move to refined paintings and modern works at the National Pinacotheca of Cagliari . For unexpected perspectives, visit the Museo d’Arte Siamese “Stefano Cardu” with its Southeast Asian collection, or the meticulous anatomical displays at the Museo Delle Cere Anatomiche . Contemporary shows and intimate exhibitions await at Wohnung nr 138 and the Galleria Comunale d’Arte . Together these venues make for half or full day visits, each paired with clear labels and attentive staff who add context without fuss.
Greater flamingos began nesting at Molentargius in 1993, a now annual return that unfolds within the city’s protected wetlands.
Seaside Views and Active Adventures
Cagliari pairs easy urban walks with striking sea access and hands on activity. Climb historic ramps and take in sweeping panoramas from the Torre di San Pancrazio , then linger in the green calm of the Giardini Pubblici . For wide coastal horizons, book a day at sea with Cagliari Boat Tour & Villasimius Boat Tour , where snorkelling and hidden coves are the highlights. When you want something more physical in town, try routes and bouldering at S’Avanzada Climbing Cagliari . Finish with a pause at Palazzo Bandini to take in the local architecture and the square below. Each activity is accessible and adaptable, ideal for families and solo travellers alike.
Since 9 June 2013 Cagliari Elmas Airport has been linked to the city by train from the Elmas Aeroporto station, services run roughly every 20 minutes from about 5.00 to after 21.00, the ride takes 5 to 7 minutes and a single fare is €1.30.