Cagliari
Temperature
23°
Time
1:33 AM
Cagliari
The narrow and often steep granite-paved streets of Cagliari’s Castello District remind of a bygone age, when the town was dominated at first by Pisans, and later by the Aragonese. Built from white limestone, the walls and towers of the old town shimmer in the sun and are a magnificent sight, especially if you are lucky and approach the city from the sea, like the English novelist, D.H. Lawrence, did in 1921, when he described the old town as looking like a "Jerusalem without trees."Find your trip
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vela Shop strives to offer a large and constantly updated range of clothes including the latest fashion collections of renowned local and international brands. Find the latest trends in men's, women's and children's clothes at Vela Shop.
At Stile Alpino, you can find all the necessary equipment and sporting goods for trekking, mountaineering, and climbing. The rich range of backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, hiking shoes, telescopic sticks, tourist clothes, snowshoes, front lighting, and alpine inventory can help get you completely prepared for your next hike.
The Mercato di Santa Chiara is the oldest market in the city and is the ideal place to look for something typical to eat while enjoying the stunning view of the city. On the stalls you will find the best local produce and specialities, everything fresh and genuine, according to the finest Sardinian tradition.
Zia Peppina is a small artisan cake shop which strives to keep traditional sweet production alive. Production is still carried out manually, with the use of excellent quality raw materials. Here you will find all the typical Sardinian desserts, such as pabasine di sapa, gueffus and seadas.
The unique cultural mix of Sardinia is perfectly mirrored in its cuisine, and what could be a better souvenir from your holidays than local specialities? Sapori di Sardegna offers all the best local produce, from wines to cheeses to handmade pasta and bread. If you are not in a rush, you can also sit in the comfy room and taste-test products before you decide what to buy.
Take home with you one of the finest local products of Sardinia: a bottle of supreme wine. To choose among the best, visit this beautiful winery, which displays a vast selection of local, national and international brands, as well as some traditional delicacies to accompany the divine nectar.
If you are looking for locally grown fresh products, this place won't disappoint you. It is one of the biggest markets of its kind in Europe, located in a two-level structure of about 8,000 square metres. It is full of the freshest and most beautiful produce typical of Sardinia.
This tiny shop is dedicated to Sardinian traditional handicrafts. Even the name is a reference to one of the main traditional Sardinian crafts: weaving. It seems more like an art gallery than a simple shop, and it is not a coincidence, since the Sardinian handicrafts sold here are real works of art.
Vela Shop strives to offer a large and constantly updated range of clothes including the latest fashion collections of renowned local and international brands. Find the latest trends in men's, women's and children's clothes at Vela Shop.
At Stile Alpino, you can find all the necessary equipment and sporting goods for trekking, mountaineering, and climbing. The rich range of backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, hiking shoes, telescopic sticks, tourist clothes, snowshoes, front lighting, and alpine inventory can help get you completely prepared for your next hike.
Cagliari Elmas Airport is located 6 kilometres northwest of the city. The easiest way to reach it from Cagliari is by train with the "Elmas Aeroporto" line. Trains run every 20 minutes from 5am to 9pm. The trip takes around 7 minutes and the stop is only a 5-minute-walk from the terminal. Tickets are available at the station and on the Trenitalia website. You can also get to the airport by bus. Buses leave from Piazza Matteotti every hour, and the trip lasts around 15 minutes. Inside the airport, you will find two bus stations: one near the arrivals hall (open from 8:40am until 11:30pm), and the other next to departures (open from 5:20am to 10:30pm). Normally, buses leave every 30 minutes. The tickets are available at the newsstand in the airport.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Italy, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
The weather in Cagliari is generally favourable for tourism from April to October, but in July and August, temperatures can get oppressively hot. It is recommended to visit Cagliari in June or September for the most pleasant weather conditions and to avoid the largest crowds.
Public transport in Cagliari is run by CTM Company. Bus tickets can be bought at any newsstand and tobacconist before boarding the bus, and you will need to validate the ticket once on board. You can also purchase tickets through an app on your mobile device. Passes and cards for more than one trip are available at every CTM point or newsstand in the city.
Taxis in Cagliari are regulated by the local government, and all licensed taxis are required to display a special emblem on their vehicles. Cabs can be hailed on the street or can be booked in advance by phone or through a taxi app. It is also possible to find taxi ranks at key locations throughout the city, such as train stations, airports, and major tourist attractions. Taxis in Cagliari are generally metered, with rates that are determined by the distance travelled and the time of day. It is worth noting that taxis in Cagliari, like in many other cities, are generally more expensive at night and on weekends. Here's the contact info from Radiotaxi Rossoblu, a taxi service available 24/7 in Cagliari: +39 070 6655
In Cagliari, post offices are open on weekdays and on Saturday mornings. You can recognise them by the yellow and blue sign. Stamps can be bought in these offices or at any tobacconist.
Normally in Italy pharmacies are open every day, with a lunch break. One shop per area covers the shift during the weekend and by night (by rotation). You can discover which one is open on a notice outside any pharmacy or on the government website. Pharmacies are marked with a flashing green cross sign.
Italy uses the Type F electrical sockets with two round holes, the same as in many countries in Continental Europe. You will also encounter Type L sockets with three round holes arranged in a line. A “universal“ socket, that accepts Type C, E, F and L plugs, is commonly used in Italy. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.
Cagliari Elmas Airport is located 6 kilometres northwest of the city. The easiest way to reach it from Cagliari is by train with the "Elmas Aeroporto" line. Trains run every 20 minutes from 5am to 9pm. The trip takes around 7 minutes and the stop is only a 5-minute-walk from the terminal. Tickets are available at the station and on the Trenitalia website. You can also get to the airport by bus. Buses leave from Piazza Matteotti every hour, and the trip lasts around 15 minutes. Inside the airport, you will find two bus stations: one near the arrivals hall (open from 8:40am until 11:30pm), and the other next to departures (open from 5:20am to 10:30pm). Normally, buses leave every 30 minutes. The tickets are available at the newsstand in the airport.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Italy, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
