Cagliari

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and is located on the southern coast of the island. Uniquely blending the ancient with the modern, this sunny city is famous for its rich history, impressive monuments, and natural beauty.

Keep reading our travel guide to find all the information you need about your trip to Cagliari, including must-see sights, gastronomic delights, best beaches, and ferry routes. Check out our travel tips and book ferry tickets to Cagliari without hidden fees!

• Holidays in Cagliari
• The port of Cagliari

A glimpse of the center of Cagliari

Holidays in Cagliari

Like many Italian cities, Cagliari has a rich past. Traces of its long and eventful history are everywhere, from the elegant buildings and century-old churches to the beautiful works of art and the language. Full of chic restaurants, clubs and old cafés, the historic center bustles with life.

The climate in the Sardinian capital is mild almost all year round, making it a great holiday destination beyond the summer season. The warm, sunny weather is perfect for enjoying the sea—especially since Cagliari, with its 50 km of coastline, boasts some of the most stunning beaches on the island!

How to get to Cagliari

You can reach Cagliari by ferry from mainland Italy and Sicily. Throughout the year, there are year-round ferry connections to the Sardinian capital from the ports of Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, and Palermo.

For more information about ferry routes to Cagliari, you can check our guide’s dedicated section.

You can also get to Cagliari by plane from several Italian cities as well as European countries, such as Spain, Germany, France, Austria, and the UK. The airport is located only 7 km from the city.

For those traveling from other cities in Sardinia, there are daily bus and train connections to Cagliari. Services are served by ARST, the main public transport company on the island.

A terrace overlooking the city of Cagliari

What to do in Cagliari

From the medieval castle and the stunning palazzi to the artisan shops, trattorias and markets, Cagliari is full of impressive attractions and places to visit. The area around the city is known for its natural wonders: calm lagoons, lush parks and gorgeous beaches that come alive in the summer, offering relaxation and fun.

Among the must-visit spots are the Molentargius - Saline Regional Park, home to dozens of pink flamingos, as well as the famous Poetto beach, where fine white sand meets the deep azure sea.

The historic center of Castello is perfect for a leisurely stroll, featuring the Cathedral of Santa Maria, breathtaking views from the Bastione di Saint Remy, and the Torre dell’Elefante. For a journey back in time, visit the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari and the fascinating Grotte della Vipera.

We strongly recommend stopping by the San Benedetto Market to discover local flavors, from cheeses to bottarga, or enjoying dinner at one of the restaurants in the Marina district, where you can savor traditional dishes.

If you visit Cagliari between the 25th of April and the 1st of May, don’t miss the chance to visit the Fiera Campionaria trade fair. Held annually, this event showcases the island’s best products, ranging from crafts to food and wine, and even the nautical industry.

Another unmissable celebration is the Feast of Sant’Efisio, taking place between the 1st and the 4th of May and featuring a spectacular procession of traditional costumes, music, and delicious Sardinian cuisine!

Βeaches in Cagliari

Apart from being a destination rich in charm, history and culture, Cagliari is ideally located for exploring the beautiful southern coast of Sardinia. From the capital, you can easily reach some of the most popular beaches on the island.

During the summer, shuttle buses can transfer you from Cagliari to the most famous beaches. If you want to explore the area at your leisure or visit several places in a singe day, we recommend getting around by car.

Here are the 9 best beaches in Cagliari that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Poetto: located just a few kilometers from the center and the port of Cagliari, this fabulous 7-km-long sandy beach is one of the most famous in Sardinia. It offers a wide range of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, bars, and water sports facilities.
2. Mari Pintau: the beauty of its waters gave this lovely beach the name “painted sea.” This bay is surrounded by a pine forest, accessible via a dirt path. Perfect for relaxation and underwater fishing enthusiasts, it also offers amenities, such as restrooms, showers, and umbrella rentals.
3. Capo Malfatano: this sandy beach with the calm and shallow turquoise waters is ideal for children. It has umbrellas, sun loungers, a bar, and a restaurant. Pedal boats and RIB boats are also available for hire if you want to explore the coast.
4. Porto Giunco: located in the Villasimius area, this gorgeous beach is known for its crystal waters and fine white sand with pink hues. It has umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports facilities, and boat rentals. Along the coast, you will also find bars and nightclubs as well as kiosks selling snacks and beverages.
5. Punta Molentis: located in the Capo Carbonara marine protected area, this beach with the crystal-clean waters and white sand is one of the most impressive on the island. Nearby, you can see the ruins of a nuraghe, a type of ancient megalithic edifice found in Sardinia. The beach has umbrellas and a restaurant.
6. Su Giudeu: overlooking Chia Bay, this beach consists of 3 sections: Colonia, Porto Campana, and S’Acqua Durci. It has golden sand and shallow waters that are perfect for kids. Umbrellas, sun loungers and pedal boats are available for rent, while you will also find several bars, restaurants, hotels and campsites in the area.
7. Tuerredda: with its crystal blue waters and fine sand, this heavenly beach is one of the most famous in Sardinia. It offers amazing views of Isola Tuerredda, a green islet located only 150 m from the coast. The beach offers a wide range of amenities, including umbrellas, sunbeds, restaurants, bars, and boat rentals.  
8. Cala Cipolla: located east of the promontory of Cape Spartivento, this picturesque cove is surrounded by centuries-old pines and junipers. The beach is very popular with surfers and diving enthusiasts. A small refreshment area and paid parking are available.
9. Cala Regina: this lovely green bay is framed by rocks covered with eucalyptus and pine trees. A Spanish watchtower stands atop a dramatic seaside cliff, overlooking the cove. It is one of the wildest beaches in southern Sardinia, with no amenities in the area.

The beautiful green bay of Cala Regina

Sightseeing in Cagliari

Cagliari is the perfect seaside getaway, no matter the season. The historic center of Cagliari consists of 4 districts: Castello, Villanova, Marina and Stampace. You can explore them on foot to discover the most important monuments and attractions of the city. 

Here are some of the top things to see during your stay in Cagliari:

• the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, Cagliari’s cathedral and symbol of the city
• the Bastione di Saint Remy, a majestic terrace at the foot of the Castello district, offering stunning panoramic views
• the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Bonaria, a 14th-century Gothic church and Sardinia’s most important Christian temple.
• the San Benedetto market, a paradise for seafood lovers, featuring a wide selection of fresh fish and shellfish
• the Cittadella dei Musei, the main museum complex in Cagliari, home to many cultural treasures.
• the Basilica di San Saturnino, the city’s oldest church, dedicated to its patron saint.
• the Castello di San Michele, a Spanish fortress that offers panoramic views of Cagliari and the sea
• the public gardens of Cagliari, the oldest urban park in the city, built in the early 19th century
• the Chiostro di San Domenico, one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Cagliari
• the medieval towers of Torre dell'Elefante and Torre di San Pancrazio
• the Villa di Tigellio, a complex of Roman-era ruins
• the Roman amphitheater of Cagliari, partially carved into the rock

The Bastione di Saint Remy offers panoramic views of Cagliari

Nightlife in Cagliari

Cagliari is a lively city with a vibrant nightlife. From the historic center to the port and all the way to the seaside areas, you can find many restaurants, pubs, lounge bars, cafés, and nightclubs.

The heart of Cagliari's nightlife is the Marina district, with famous breweries and wine bars that are always buzzing with young crowds. The bars in the Poetto area and its waterfront are also very popular during the summer.

Tip: if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, we suggest visiting Babeuf, a small bistro and café serving local products, ranging from natural wines, craft beers and homemade desserts to cheese and cured meats from all over Italy. Grab one of the many books available and take your time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and good music.

Food in Cagliari

Cagliari’s cuisine is a harmonious blend of land and sea, offering something to delight every palate. Meals are often paired with the renowned Cannonau wine and traditionally end with mirto (myrtle liqueur) as a digestive.

You should not leave Cagliari without trying:

• tasty olives
• burrida (delicious fish stew)
• bottarga (salted, cured fish roe)
• malloreddus (pasta typical of Sardinian cuisine)
• clam and mussel soup
• traditional Sardinian sausage
• local cured meats and cheeses
• pardulas (tartlets filled with ricotta and flavored with saffron) 
• seadas (fried pastries with pecorino cheese and chestnut honey)

Some typical products from Cagliari

Short trips from Cagliari

If you feel like spending a few hours away from the city, the area around Cagliari is full of impressive attractions and stunning natural sights that are worth discovering.

During your holidays in Cagliari, don’t miss the chance to visit: 

• the Molentargius - Saline Natural Park
• the caves of Is Zuddas
• the park of Sette Fratelli (“seven brothers”)
• the promontory of Sella del Diavolo (“devil’s saddle”)

Just a short drive from Cagliari, you'll find several charming towns worth exploring. One of the highlights is the picturesque village of Pula, home to the ancient Roman ruins of Nora. Another must-visit is the historic town of Orroli, where you can discover Nuraghe Arrubiu, an impressive archaeological site dating back to 1500 BCE.

Useful information about Cagliari

Whether you’re looking for a short getaway to the Italian island or you want to take your time to explore Sardinia's wonders, Cagliari is a perfect destination.

The capital of the island offers a wide range of amenities and accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs, including luxury hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and affordable apartments for rent. Most of them are located in the Castello district and the Poetto waterfront area.

Regarding medical services, there are several hospitals both in the city and the region around Cagliari. In the summer, tourist medical services are also available in major seaside resorts, providing care for non-residents.

Tip: Easter is a wonderful time to visit Cagliari, as you can witness the Processione dei Misteri, a powerful tradition that weaves through the city’s historic streets. Curious to learn more? Check out our article on Easter in Sardinia!

Important phone numbers for your stay in Cagliari

Here are some useful contacts to keep handy during your trip to Cagliari:

• G. Brotzu Hospital: +3970539210
• Cagliari Carabinieri Station: +3970657235
• Cagliari tourist information office: +39706778173
• Cagliari Port Authority: +3970605171
• Taxi services: +39707055
• Emergency medical services (guardia medica turistica): +3970520552
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Cagliari

Getting around Cagliari is very easy. The city center is quite compact and can be explored on foot or by bike. Alternatively, there are bus services run by CTM, as well as taxis. 

If you want to travel outside the city, you can take the Metrocagliari, a light rail system that serves the town and part of its metropolitan area, or public buses. However, renting a car is the best option if you’re planning a road trip in the region.

Tip: in order to protect Cagliari’s historic center, the city has 6 Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL), where access to non-registered vehicles is prohibited during certain hours (Poetto, Castello, Marina, Stampace Basso, Stampace Alto, and Villanova). To avoid fines or unexpected restrictions, make sure that you check the official Cagliari Municipality website for up-to-date access hours.

View of the sea from Cagliari's waterfront

The port of Cagliari

The port of Cagliari is one of the largest seaports in the Mediterranean. It is divided into 2 areas: the historic central port along Via Roma and the modern port in Giorgino. The Via Roma port is the city’s main harbor, with a history dating back to the Phoenician-Punic and Roman eras.

In the port area, you will find a passenger station, as well as many bars, restaurants, pizzerias, and ice cream shops, while the bustling Via Sardegna is just around the corner.

The port is located very close to the city center and is just a short walk from the railway station. Regular train services connect the port to Cagliari Elmas Airport. Trains depart every 20 minutes and the ticket is only €1.30.

Find out more about the ports of Sardinia, including Caglari's, in our dedicated guide.

Cagliari ferry: schedules and tickets

Daily ferries connect Cagliari with central and southern Italy, offering a convenient way to reach Sardinia. Services are available throughout the year from the cities of Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo. The ferry company operating on these routes is Grimaldi Lines.

There are currently no direct ferry routes from northern Italy to Cagliari. If you're departing from a port north of Civitavecchia, consider bringing your own car or renting one to explore southern Sardinia more freely.

More specifically, the ferry routes from mainland Italy to Cagliari are the following:

• Civitavecchia - Cagliari: there are about 3 weekly ferries from Civitavecchia to Cagliari all year round. Most crossings are overnight and take between 12 and 15 hours, depending on the crossing.
• Naples - Cagliari: the Naples - Cagliari ferry route is normally seved 3 times a week, with crossings lasting approximately 15 hours.

Ferry from Sicily to Sardinia

The two largest Italian islands are connected with regular ferry crossings between the port of Palermo and Cagliari. The Palermo - Cagliari ferry route is usually served once a week, usually on Sundays, and the trip takes 12 hours.

Even though the ferry ride from Palermo is not short, you can book a cabin to make the most of this mini cruise in the Mediterranean! You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of onboard facilities.

Tip: want to know more about ferry routes to Sardinia? Check out schedules, deals, and prices for Cagliari and other destinations to plan your trip hassle-free!

Sailing boats at the port of Cagliari

Book ferry tickets to Cagliari online

On Ferryhopper, you can book cheap ferry tickets to Cagliari online without hidden fees. Discover the historic city with our travel guide, check all available ferry routes to Cagliari on our Map of ferries, and organize your trip to Sardinia in just a few steps!