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Jan
10
Cagliari Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Italy
A trip to Cagliari
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, provides a plethora of history and a wealth of culture for visitors arriving from around the world. The city’s medieval quarter, known as Castello, is home to the city’s main sights. Cagliari is also a popular gateway for exploration of the magnificent countryside that surrounds the city.
Flights to Cagliari
The main airport serving Cagliari is located at Elmas, only three miles from the island’s capital. The airport receives traffic from across Europe and internally from around Sardinia. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Cagliari try Thomas Cook. Regular bus services run from the airport to the city and surrounding areas. The island is the second biggest in the Mediterranean and is well served by ferries, which operate frequently to Civitavecchia.
Walking around the city is a viable option as it is compact and reasonably free from congestion. Car hire is another excellent option, with a number of companies providing services both at the airport and in the city. Driving also allows you the freedom to explore the beautiful countryside and quaint villages surrounding the city.
Cagliari
Sightseeing in Cagliari
Castello, the ancient part of the city, is the top place for tourists to the city. The narrow winding streets give the impression of visiting a past time, while remnants of Catalonian rule offer an interesting insight into the history of the area. The striking buildings such as the churches of Santa Croce and San Giuseppe provide excellent photo opportunities, while a number of museums provide excellent information on the heritage of the Sardinian capital.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Castello is the centre of activity at night, with bars and restaurants lining the street offering the best in local food and live entertainment. Live music is common in many bars and clubs, and there is a range of styles available from the tunes of most talented of local performers to performances by national superstars.
Fresh seafood plays a major role in the hearty speciality dishes of Sardinia. Restaurants all over the city offer extensive menus with many serving internationally loved dishes as well as less well known local delights.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
The antiques markets here are a buyer’s dream, especially for those interested in well restored furniture and household items. Bargains can be found throughout these markets. Workshops for experts in ceramics, wrought iron and leather goods can be found in Castello, and goods are often for sale at these establishments for very reasonable prices.
Outside of Cagliari, the town of Nora is an enchanting site of Roman baths and ancient ruins. The large amphitheatre reminds visitors of times past when the people of the town would come out en masses for regular performances. Nearby Poetta, a picturesque beach resort town, is the perfect place for sun, sand and sea.
Daytrips
The island of Sardinia presents a multitude of highlights that can be explored from Cagliari by car. You can visit Roman ruins and strange grottoes, above all the Grotta Nuova on the east coast. Or you can watch seals, flamingos and wild horses while enjoying the fantastic arid landscape or relax on silent sandy and rocky beaches.
To the north of Cagliari is the province of Oristano which features several captivating historical sites, particularly the ruins of Tharros. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, this town was used as a trading colony previous to the settlement of Cagliari. Nearby is the town of Oristano with the impressive Tower of St Christophoros, constructed in 1291.
Gateway to the Emerald Coast, the town of Olbia is one of the most significant (and costly) resort areas in Europe and boasts sites spanning 3,000 years of history. Further major draws on the island include the Porto Torres and the Goddess of Fortune Temple, the pink sand beach near Porto Ferro, Alghero with its intense Catalan atmosphere, and Su Nuraxi Nuraghe, an imposing Nuraghic fortress 37 miles north of Cagliari.
Must-see attractions
The old part of Cagliari is called Castello and can be easily toured on foot. It sits on top of a hill and offers stunning vistas of the Gulf of Cagliary or Angels Gulf. Parts of its mostly intact Pisan fortifications are two 13th century limestone towers, the Torre dell’Elefante and the Torre San Pancrazio.
The 13th century cathedral, erected on Piazza Palazzo, was refurbished in the 1930s and its former Baroque façade was turned into a medieval Pisan style which resembles the original look of the church. A main tourist puller on Piazza Costituzione is the Bastione San Remy, a grand bastion that provides entrance to the old city and presents a spectacular panorama over the harbour.
One of Sardinia’s most important Palaeo-Christian monuments is the Basilica di San Saturnino. Built in the 5th century, it was dedicated to Saturninus of Cagliari, a martyr under Diocletian’s reign who became the city’s patron saint. Located on the Via Dante outside the old city, this place of worship is the island’s oldest Christian church.
Best time to go
Thanks to the moderate climate of the Mediterranean, Cagliari is an optimal year-round tourist destination. During the warm summers, the seaside resort is perfect for various outdoor activities, especially water sports, while the plentiful historical sites can be admired throughout the entire year.
Summertime is the warmest season, but it never gets extremely hot, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 28°C. The winter weather rarely becomes too freezing, although temperatures occasionally drop to around 4°C at night.
Rainy day suggestions
In (the uncommon) case the weather doesn’t cooperate, Cagliari places a multitude of indoor options at your disposal. Situated in the city centre, the Citadel of Museums complex conveniently packages Sardinia’s culture and history. Here you will find the imperative National Archaeological Museum as well as the National Picture Gallery and the Cardu Siamese Museum.
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