Cagliari - Do & See

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Cagliari

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-09-13

Under the arcades of Via Roma, in Largo Cargo Felice and Yenne Square, you will find the historical cafés of the city with their adorable outdoor tables. Here, espresso and cappuccino accompanied by small puff pastries are a real ceremony.

Below Saint Remy Bastion, two pedestrian streets host mostly fashionable shops, which make them perfect for a walk and for a shopping afternoon: Via Manno and Via Garibaldi.

Lastly, Castello is the ancient district perched on top of the hill, from which your gaze will reach the lagoon and lakes, taking your breath away. Here, the aristocracy and rulers of the city used to live throughout Cagliari's history. Indeed, even today, the coat of arms is visible on the edifice's front doors. In Castello, many places deserve a visit, so take your time to appreciate them all.

Mari Pintau Beach

Mari Pintau Beach

This striking beach is located 20 min by car from Cagliari, and the trip alone offers astounding views. This is one of the bays that remains outside of easy tourist access, so get ready to hike steep cliffs to reach the water. The beach is mostly rocky and there are no cafés or restaurants on the boardwalk, but the water is transparent and nature is as untouched as it gets.

Citadel of Museums

Citadel of Museums

One of the gems enclosed inside Castello's ramparts is the Citadel of Museums. In the former headquarters of the Royal Arsenal, you will discover the most important artistic treasures of the city among the collections of the Archaeological Museum and of the National Art Gallery, which tell the whole history of the islands. The Citadel also includes the Siamese Art Museum, the Wax Statue Collection, and an observation deck.

Galleria Comunale d’Arte

Galleria Comunale d’Arte

Housed inside the public gardens of Cagliari, this limestone building contains works of prominent artists from Sardinia and Italy as a whole. The collection is continuously enriched with new acquisitions, and the high-tech equipment of the gallery has made it possible to create a specialized route for blind guests.

Villanova District

Villanova District

Villanova is one of the four ancient districts of the city dating back to the 12th century. It is located at the foot of the hill next to the Castello district. The entire area offers a lovely walk among typical houses, Aragonese churches and ancient workshops, but also a few elegant boutiques nestled in the recently renewed streets of the area.

Poetto Beach

Poetto Beach

Poetto Beach is a beautiful 6 km beach only a 10-minute drive away from the city centre. White sand and crystal clear blue water make it a popular place to relax. Along the boardwalk, you'll find plenty of restaurants and bars where you can finish your day at the beach on a high note.

Lions Door

Lions Door

This ancient portal, built in 1535, is the southern access to Castello. The door derives its name from the two lion head sculptures on the upper corners of the passage. It is a fascinating glimpse into ancient Cagliari, but also the perfect starting point for your tour of Castello.

Roman Amphitheater

Roman Amphitheater

The Roman Amphitheatre was carved into limestone during the 2nd century BC. Nowadays, it is an important Roman find and one of the best-maintained in Italy. Let yourself be astounded by this architectural masterpiece and embark on a travel through time, watching the masterful performances that take place here during the warm seasons.

Basilica of San Saturnino

Basilica of San Saturnino

This Early Christian complex dating back to the 5th century is another incredible piece of historical evidence. It includes the Byzantine-Roman church (known also as the Church of St. Cosma and Damian) and the Christian necropolis, in which burials even more ancient than the church itself have been discovered.

Archaeological Site of Nora

Archaeological Site of Nora

The Archaeological Site of Nora is located in the southwestern part of the Gulf of Cagliari and was one of the main centres of the settlement during the Phoenician times. After several years of oblivion, Nora was unearthed during the 1950s and opened again to the public shortly after being examined by researchers.

Cagliari Cathedral

Cagliari Cathedral

Cagliari Cathedral, in Italian: Duomo di Cagliari, Cattedrale di Santa Maria e Santa Cecilia, is a Roman Catholic church which was constructed in the 13th century in Pisan-Romanesque style and restored during the 1930s. Walking along its naves, you will admire the amazing marble elements, which provide the building with an enchanting aura, as well as the two astonishing pulpits sculpted by Guglielmo da Pisa.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Cagliari's Botanical Garden houses more than 500 species of tropical and Mediterranean plants. Besides being the ideal place to spend a sunny day in nature, the Garden also houses a museum, which will certainly be appreciated by all botany enthusiasts.

St Peter Island

St Peter Island

St Peter Island is located off the Coast of Sulcis Iglesiente. Despite its location being a bit far from Cagliari if you have time enough, do not miss the chance to visit this heavenly place, whose landscapes include stunning coastlines and beautiful terrain. It is perfect for both beach lovers and sports or trekking enthusiasts.

Surfing & Windsurfing

Surfing & Windsurfing

Are you up for a thrilling water activity? There are plenty of places where surfing and windsurfing can be practised in Sardinia, one of them being Poetto in Cagliari, although the area of Oristano is considered the real surfers' paradise with perfect waves. The WindSurfing Club in Cagliari provides a range of courses.

Diving & Snorkeling

Diving & Snorkeling

Sardinia is the ideal place to practice diving and snorkelling thanks to its crystal clear sea along 1849 kilometres of coastline. Here you can enjoy unspoilt seabeds populated with marine animals and plants. There are plenty of authorized diving centres to choose from. One of them is Morgan Diving, which also provides excursions for the whole family to the protected Marine Park of Villasimius with the chance to snorkel.

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