City break in Cagliari: complete guide

When is the best time to go?

May, June and September are ideal: 23 to 29 degrees, swimmable sea and sunny days without the heat and crowds of July and August, when many Italians head to Sardinia themselves and Poetto beach is at its busiest. In spring and autumn you can climb the Castello quarter without melting, and even in winter Cagliari stays mild at 14 to 16 degrees, perfect for a cheap off-season city break.

The best areas in Cagliari

• Castello The walled citadel high on the hill with the cathedral, old towers and the best views over the Gulf of Cagliari.
• Marina The lively harbour quarter between the station and the sea, full of trattorias and the most central place to sleep.
• Villanova A quiet, authentic neighbourhood with boutiques, bakeries and cafes where mostly locals go.
• Stampace At the foot of Castello, with the Roman amphitheatre, local markets and affordable places to eat.
• Poetto and Sant'Elia The beach district on the east side, with beach clubs, the marina and views of the Sella del Diavolo.

Top 5 things to do in Cagliari

• Castello quarter and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Wander through the medieval citadel; the cathedral is free to visit.
• Bastione di Saint Remy White terrace with a panorama over the city; the promenade is free, the covered gallery costs 3 euro.
• Roman amphitheatre and National Archaeological Museum The best preserved Roman monument on Sardinia and the treasure of the Nuragic culture (museum 7 euro).
• Poetto beach and the Sella del Diavolo 7 kilometres of white sand right in the city; hike up the Devil's Saddle rock for views over the whole bay.
• Molentargius nature park Just behind Poetto, free, with pink flamingos that nest in the city lagoon all year round.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

KLM flies direct from Schiphol to Cagliari (CAG) in the summer season (roughly June to October) in 2 hours 20. Outside that season, or for a budget ticket, many travellers fly Transavia direct to Olbia or Ryanair to Alghero, the two other airports on Sardinia, and drive on to Cagliari in 1 to 3 hours. From Cagliari-Elmas airport the ARST bus takes you to the centre in about 20 minutes for 1.30 euro; there is also a train to Cagliari station. Want to explore the south coast (Villasimius, Chia, Costa Rei) and the interior? With a rental car via DiscoverCars you are most flexible.

What does a trip to Cagliari cost?

Hostels from 22 euro, mid-range hotels 70 to 120 euro, apartments around 90 euro per night. Food is good value by Italian standards: a plate of culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli) 10 to 14 euro, a glass of Vermentino 4 euro, a focaccia or panino 4 euro. Budget from 330 euro per person for 3 days including a flight.

Day trips from Cagliari

Cagliari sits strategically in southern Sardinia and is the ideal base for day trips across the island:

• Villasimius (45 km, 45 min): turquoise lagoon beaches at Costa Rei and Capo Carbonara, with sea turtles in summer. Free parking outside peak season.
• Pula and Nora (30 km, 30 min): Nora is one of the best-preserved Phoenician-Roman cities in the Mediterranean. Entry €8 p.p. including the ancient harbour and theatre. Right next to it: the white sandy beach of Nora (no extra charge).
• Su Nuraxi di Barumini (70 km, 1 hour): UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most impressive nuraghe in Sardinia. Tours every 30 minutes for €12 p.p., mandatory guided only. Tip: book ahead in July and August.
• Poetto beach (5 km, 10 min): eight kilometres of city beach with beach bars, kitesurfing and flamingos in the lagoon right behind it. Free public beach.

Cagliari city break itinerary: 3 days

Cagliari is compact enough to explore in 3 days without rushing. It is the ideal city break combining culture and beach without a long flight.

• Day 1: Castello quarter and Marina harbour district Start early at the Bastione di Saint Remy for panoramic views over the Gulf of Cagliari. Walk through the medieval citadel, visit the Cattedrale di Santa Maria (free) and spend the afternoon in the Via Roma with an aperitivo and Sardinian snacks. Dinner in Marina: culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli) for around €12.
• Day 2: Poetto beach and Molentargius nature reserve Take the bus (line PF, €1.30) to the 7 km Poetto beach. Walk up the Sella del Diavolo cliff for the best views over the bay. Detour through the Molentargius nature park: a free walking trail with pink flamingos present year-round just minutes from the beach.
• Day 3: Roman remains and Nora day trip Visit the National Archaeological Museum (€7) for the Nuragic bronzes. Take a day trip to the Phoenician-Roman city of Nora, 40 km away: a theatre, forum and the only fully intact mosaic in Sardinia. Return in time for an evening flight.