What to Do in Cagliari?

Among the ideal destinations to enjoy the sun and sea, Sardinia offers many activities, as well as beautiful landscapes not to be missed. If you are unsure of which cities to prioritize during your stay in the region, the capital can be a good starting point. Discover what to do in Cagliari in the following lines with my 15 favorite activities

Sardinia is a large Italian island located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It is an ideal destination for a sunny vacation, whether it's a family trip, a getaway with friends, or a romantic escape. If you're wondering where to go in Sardinia, I advise you to start with Cagliari!

For nature and hiking enthusiasts, you will not be disappointed! The surroundings of Cagliari are filled with magical landscapes to discover during wonderful hikes in the mountains. You will also find a beautiful diversity in terms of flora and fauna. Finally, there is also a rich cultural heritage with historical monuments, museums, and other unusual visits

The Cathedral of Santa Maria is undoubtedly one of the most important monuments in Cagliari. Built between the 13th and 19th centuries, it is the seat of the Archdiocese of Cagliari. The church has undergone several renovations over the centuries, which explains the mix of Baroque and neo-Romanesque styles on the facade.

The interior of the Cathedral is also very impressive with beautiful 15th-century illustrations. You can also visit the church crypt, which houses the relics of Cagliari's martyrs. Entrance to the cathedral is completely free. You can visit it every day from 9 AM to 8 PM

To visit the city in an unusual way, you can explore the underground tunnels of Cagliari. Indeed, the city hides an important network of tunnels, galleries, and crypts beneath the surface. True witnesses of history, these tunnels served as shelter for civilians during World War II

If this visit interests you, I recommend joining this guided tour of the underground of Cagliari. For €30 per person, a local guide will take you through 3 different galleries, including the Crypt of Saint Restituta and the Underground Museum of Saint Eulalia. You can also choose an option to tour the old city for an additional €10 per person.

Another must-visit during your stay in Cagliari is the Roman amphitheater. This historical building was carved directly into the rock with stands that could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators. This arena once hosted gladiator fights and animal combats ⚔️

To visit the amphitheater of Cagliari, you just need to go there and buy entry tickets directly for €3 per person. The site is open all week from 9 AM to 5 PM, but you can buy your tickets at the counter between 8 AM and 6 PM.

The Torre dell'Elefante is the second-largest medieval tower in the city after the Tower of San Pancrazio. Located in the historic center, it is famous for the small sculpted white elephant that gave the tower its name.

You can of course visit the tower to enjoy the view of the city and its surroundings. The tower stands at 30 m high, making it one of the best viewpoints in Cagliari. You will just have to climb about 120 steps to reach the top of the tower

The top of the tower is currently closed to the public for renovations. If you wish to visit, be sure to check accessibility before you go! But you can certainly admire it from the outside, of course

Built in a neoclassical style, the Bastion of San Remy is one of the most important fortified buildings in the city. It consists of two large staircases and an archway.

Located in the historic district of Cagliari, you can stroll along the covered promenade and the Umberto I terrace to enjoy the view Visiting this historic building is free, and you can access it at any time of the day.

The Castello (old town in Italian) is a must-visit area during your stay in the city. Located on one of the region's hills, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Angels, which I will talk about later

This part of the city houses most of the iconic buildings such as the Torre dell'Elefante and the archaeological museum. However, to make sure you do not miss anything in this charming district, I recommend you take this guided walking tour of the old town. For €22 per person, a local guide will lead you through the streets of Castello during a 2 to 4-hour stroll.

If you are not sure what to do in Cagliari, you can take a stroll in the Marina district. This neighborhood next to the port is the perfect place to stroll while enjoying the local shops, bars, and restaurants

You will also find some historical buildings like the palaces on Via Roma or the church of Sant'Eulalia, which houses a remarkable archaeological site. You will also find many boat tour departures from the Marina.

For nature lovers, you must absolutely discover the Sella del Diavolo. This natural site is surely one of the best viewpoints in the region. You can access it through numerous hikes in the great outdoors. Even though there are some elevation changes, I guarantee you will not be disappointed upon reaching the summit!

If you're less sporty, you can also enjoy a boat tour around the Sella del Diavolo. Many popular diving spots are particularly appreciated in the area. I then recommend this boat tour to Sella del Diavolo, which includes 4 stops for diving and exploring the underwater world. Offered at €49 per person, this trip even includes a glass of prosecco to enjoy on board

At the southern tip of Sardinia, the Gulf of Angels (also called the Gulf of Cagliari) offers one of the most beautiful views in the region. Here, many hikes are accessible in the area as well as the ruins of Nora, located 30 minutes by car from Cagliari.

This is the perfect spot to enjoy many water activities ranging from classic boat tours to more sports-oriented activities like wakeboarding ‍♀️ If you're lucky, you might even spot some dolphins swimming nearby!

Cagliari is home to one of the richest archaeological museums in the world. With a collection of over 4,000 objects from the pre-Nuragic period to the Byzantine era, it is a must-visit if you want to learn more about the history of the Sardinian region ️

Located in the historic district of the city, I recommend booking your tickets in advance since it is quite a busy museum. To do this, you can go directly to the official museum website. The ticket is available for €10 per person. The museum is open to the public from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

If you wish to discover local products and taste the local gastronomy, I recommend visiting the Mercato di Son Benedetto. This indoor market is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful markets in Italy and is, in fact, the largest market in the country!

The market is open from Monday to Friday between 7 AM and 2 PM, and until 3 PM on Saturdays. You will find all sorts of local products such as fresh seafood and fish, as well as fruits, vegetables, and other specialties

The Molentargius-Saline Park is part of a large protected area. It is home to a large number of bird species, including flamingos! These colorful birds come every year to lay their eggs in the spring and early summer. If you plan to come to Sardinia to observe them, be sure to respect the area, as they are very sensitive animals

To enjoy this protected space, I recommend going with a guide on this bicycle tour of Molentargius Park, offered at €43. You will leave from the Marina of Cagliari and cross the city to the salt lakes on a trip lasting about 2 hours.

Another park not to miss during your exploration of Cagliari is Monte Urpini Park. Located at the top of a hill, it is the perfect place for a peaceful break in the heart of the city. You will find numerous paths and playgrounds for the little ones. The view from the park is also remarkable!

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria is the most important religious building in Sardinia. It is actually a complex made up of 4 distinct buildings, namely a sanctuary, a basilica, a cemetery, and a convent

The Basilica is particularly renowned for its wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. An ivory statue of a ship is also displayed in the Basilica. You will also find in this complex the Museum of the Sanctuary, which features naval models and antique furniture.

Finally, Cagliari is also the perfect destination to enjoy the Mediterranean sea and beaches. The main beach of the city is Poetto Beach, which stretches for about 8 kilometers to the south of the city. You can enjoy the turquoise waters to relax in the sun, swim, or take part in water sports. If you visit Sardinia during the cooler months, you can also simply stroll along the coastline while enjoying the view!

If you want to stay in the city center, I recommend the Albergo Diffuso Birkin Castello. This establishment is ideally located in the heart of the Castello district, just steps from the train station and the cathedral. You will stay in comfortable rooms starting at €150 per night, breakfast included.

If you prefer a place with a sea view, I recommend the Birkin Marina located near the port of Cagliari. Very spacious rooms are offered starting at €140 per night, breakfast included.

The Hotel Nautilus is also a great place to remember if you want to sleep close to the beach while enjoying a nice view. The establishment also has a pool and a bar. Room prices range from €200 to €350 per night depending on the season, breakfast included.

To get to Cagliari, you can simply fly to land directly at the airport of the Sardinian capital. A direct flight from Paris takes about 2 hours and you will find tickets between €200 and €500 round trip. Of course, I advise you to book your tickets as early as possible and use a flight comparator like Ulysse to save some money ️

If you're wondering when to go to Sardinia, I advise you to avoid the months between December and March, which can be quite rainy and cool. Although there isn't really a bad season to visit Sardinia, spring and autumn remain the best compromise for enjoying the region without the summer crowds!

If you're looking for a beach vacation, you should still aim for the months between June and August when the sea temperature is most pleasant Just keep in mind that the summer period is also when tourists are the most numerous. Therefore, you may be less tranquil, and the prices for accommodations, rentals, and activities will also be higher as a result...

And that's it! I've finished this article! I hope you now know what to do in Cagliari. If you don't want to spend your entire stay in the city, you can also easily include it in a road trip in Sardinia, so feel free to read my article on the subject