Car Rental Cagliari

Cagliari and the surrounding area is a pleasure to explore by road, since its old-world buildings and winding lanes make the city a treasure trove of history, while the shoreline scenery is second-to-none.

Its province covers a considerable area in size, so a rental car makes it easier to see every district. The city centre is accessible via Asse Mediano di Scorrimento – by Piazza Tristani, you’ll find Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, an illuminated opera house set in relaxing parkland.

There are also convenient parking lots set between the many elegant pizzerias and striking government buildings. In this part of town, the streets are mostly one-way, so keep an eye out for signs and follow the flow of traffic.

Head west to discover Cagliari’s cultural side. Via Is Mirrionis winds south from the sports stadium towards a district buzzing with artistic energy – the Galleria Comunale d’Arte sitting next to modern exhibition and trade centres.

Continue driving south to reach the archaeological museum, as well as centres dedicated to ethnography and art.

The Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari is one of the city’s major attractions – reach it via Viale S Vicenzo and park your rental car near Viale Luigi Giussani.

The E25 is one of the city’s most important roads – from the northern suburbs to the port, it provides a thoroughfare for tourists and locals alike. This road also connects to wider Sardinia including Oristano on the island’s far edge.

Speed limits in Sardinia typically range from 50km/h in build up areas to 90km/h on rural roads – though a few highways have limits of 110km/h in fine weather. Just check the signs for the route that you are on.

Once you have wound through the Old Town and the marina, venture from Cagliari to Villasimius and take in the rugged beauty of the sea views on SP17. Or, head south-west on SS195 to find even more wonders.

In the Sardinian language, the city is called Casteddu, which means ‘castle’.

But while its clifftop amber fortification was made for picture-perfect romance – and showcases the compelling history of the region – this destination is also bustling with vibrancy and atmosphere. See it all when you rent a car in Cagliari.

See the antique streets of Il Castello

Cagliari’s Old Town is a sight to behold, with colourful buildings, winding streets and hilltop churches to discover. Take a walking tour to soak in the charm – you’ll see medieval city walls and find cafes with extraordinary views across the ocean.

Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria on Piazza Palazzo to take a look inside the city’s Pisan-Romanesque wonder. It’s a 14th-century marvel built upon a hill above the port, with ornate marble interiors beneath an intricately carved ceiling.

Cagliari’s Old Town is also speckled with elegant boutiques and mouth-watering eateries. The San Benedetto Market is a major highlight – it’s the largest covered food market in Italy, and one of the most impressive in Europe.

Roman ruins and historical towers

Roman Amphitheatres may seem like the stuff of legend, but in Sardinia, you can see one with your own eyes. The ancient structure was built almost two thousand years ago and housed 10,000 spectators at its prime.

Come to see the site of gladiator battles or take a tour of the city’s wider Roman ruins. The Botanical Garden of Cagliari is home to an intact roman cistern and there is a haunting Roman necropolis north of the city.

Once you have toured the relics from antiquity, explore a slightly more recent chapter in the city’s history by visiting its iconic towers. They’re home to some of the best views in town if they are open, so it’s a great way to enhance your vacation photos.

Torre di San Pancrazio has 3-metre thick walls and rises above the city, while Torre dell’ Elefante has offered serene ocean views since 1307 – and boasts a wonderful elephant sculpture.

The archaeological museum is a great place to dig deeper into local history. The venue boasts interactive exhibitions and unique experiences.

Discover amazing art

Other attractions include the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, which is set in a neoclassical building surrounded by gardens. Inside, you’ll find treasures from across Italy.

Visit beautiful beaches

Cagliari is closer to Tunisia than Rome, making it one of the best cities in Italy for soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine.

The city’s own beach covers eight kilometers of paradise sand – it’s a visitor magnet by day and by night, but there’s still plenty of space to stretch out. Poetto Beach features traditional Sardinian restaurants, water sports and a green peak nicknamed ‘the devil’s saddle’.

Some of the best beaches on the island are clustered around the resorts at Villasimius, Chia and Costa Rei – simply step into your rental car in Cagliari and transform your stay.