Cagliari is at the southern tip of Sardinia but has earned a place at the very heart of the island’s culture and history.
This is a great location to combine relaxation with sightseeing, and it also serves as a great launchpad for wider exploration.
Culture in the city
Cagliari is castle-like and colourful – a brilliant combination. In 2015 it was named Italy’s capital of culture, so you can count on finding some excellent artistic exhibitions and mouth-watering cuisine to tantalise the taste buds.
Castello is the beating heart of Cagliari’s culture: here, you’ll find layers of history built into the hillside. Take note of the city’s ornate cathedral and – if they are open – don’t forget to climb one of the medieval towers that grace the skyline above this district. They offer some of the best views in town.
Cagliari is also home to exceptional art galleries, including the National Art Gallery and the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art.
Bastione Saint Remy meanwhile is a beautiful landmark building that was built into the city’s medieval walls and houses the most important cultural events around. Venture up the monumental staircase to the terrace and you might see artistic handicraft exhibitions or energetic sporting events passing by in the streets below.
The wealth of attractions means there’s something for every taste –it’s easy to fill an afternoon or evening in Cagliari.
Brilliant beaches
Poetto Beach magnetizes sun worshippers, families and romantic couples alike.
Step onto this eight-kilometre stretch of sand to find watersports, quality restaurants and beach clubs among the golden shores.
Other great beaches near Cagliari Airport include the azure, rocky, cliff-framed sands on the Bay of Chia and Villasimius, where crystalline waters and luscious coves sit within a marine protected area. If you’re searching for white sands and a taste of paradise, you’re bound to create beautiful memories here.
Colossal cliffs and azure oceans
Renting a car is a great way to get around Sardinia, since a network of smooth-flowing highways allows you to circumnavigate the isle in a matter of hours.
But flipping the perspective lets you take in the beauty from another angle. Once you’ve enjoyed a few coastal drives, embark on a boat trip up the Sardinian shores to experience the magic in a different way.
Explore Sardinia’s history
Cagliari’s Marina quarter was founded millennia ago by the Romans, and Sardinia’s rich history dates back even further than that. There is an archaeological museum where you can explore Phoenician, Punic and Byzantine influence too.
Don’t forget to pay the Roman Amphitheatre a visit – it’s perhaps the city’s most iconic site. The ancient city of Nora is around 40 minutes away from Cagliari by road too, near the seaside town of Pula. These ruins are enchanting and bring the Archaeological Museum’s displays to life with temples, museums, necropolises and elaborate mosaics.
Rent a car from Cagliari Airport to get the most from your Sardinian trip, whether you’re aiming to be a city vacationer, culture vulture or are simply searching for bliss.
