Located on Sardinia's south coast, this capital city blends ancient history with modern life. Its medieval Castello overlooks narrow streets and beaches with restaurants and amenities nearby.
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, sits on the southern coast of this Italian island. This Mediterranean city combines ancient history with modern urban life. In the hilltop Castello district, you can climb the Elephant Tower for panoramic views. The 8-kilometer-long Poetto beach invites you to swim and sunbathe, while the nearby Molentargius-Saline Regional Park is home to pink flamingos. Cagliari's mild climate, bustling San Benedetto Market, and diverse architecture ranging from Roman ruins to Art Nouveau buildings make it a captivating destination.
Layout of Cagliari's Historic Center
Cagliari's historic center consists of four distinct quarters. Castello, perched on a hilltop, contains many of the city's oldest structures. As you walk its narrow streets, you'll encounter the 13th century Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Elephant Tower. The Marina district below has many shops and restaurants along its grid-like streets. Stampace and Villanova complete the old town, each with its own character and landmarks.
Beaches Near Cagliari
Poetto, Cagliari's main urban beach, stretches for 8 kilometers along the city's eastern edge. In summer, this wide sandy expanse fills with locals and visitors. You can rent umbrellas and loungers, try windsurfing or paddleboarding, or dine at one of the seaside cafes. Calamosca and Cala Fighera are smaller coves nestled beneath rocky cliffs. Near the coast, you'll spot flamingos wading in the salt pans of the Molentargius-Saline Regional Park.
Food Markets and Local Cuisine
San Benedetto Market gives you a glimpse into Cagliari's culinary scene. This large covered market houses hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood. You can sample local specialties like bottarga (cured fish roe) or pecorino sardo cheese. For a full meal, head to one of the trattorias in the Marina or Stampace districts to taste traditional Sardinian dishes such as culurgiones (stuffed pasta) or porceddu (roast suckling pig).
Museums and Historical Sites
In the Castello district, you'll come across the Cittadella dei Musei complex. The Archaeological Museum here displays artifacts from Sardinia's ancient Nuragic civilization, as well as Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Nearby stand the remains of a Roman amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century AD. For more recent art, visit the Galleria Comunale d'Arte, which exhibits Sardinian works from the 19th century to the present day.
Transportation in Cagliari
Many of Cagliari's main sites are within walking distance of each other, though the climb to Castello can be steep. Public buses connect different parts of the city, including routes to Poetto beach and the airport. To explore the surrounding area, consider renting a car. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips.
