Sardinia's largest city and its capital has a rich history, which is reflected in the city's unique architecture. There are also many beaches in the immediate vicinity of the city.

Sights and attractions

There is no shortage of monuments and huge city palaces built along the lines of other Italian cities. Worth a visit are the medieval citadel of Il Castello, St Mary's Cathedral, the Torre dell'Elefante, the Jesuit Church of St Michael, the Pinacoteca Nazionale picture gallery and the National Archaeological Museum.

Museum lovers should consider buying a museum pass, which entitles you to visit the best museums in Cagliari for 7 days.

The former working-class district of Stampace is now a popular tourist spot thanks to its churches, botanical garden, Roman amphitheatre and Piazza Yenne, where nightlife is concentrated. One of the city's prettiest districts is the Marina, which doesn't offer many sights, but there's no shortage of photogenic narrow streets, cosy cafés and tasty trattorias.

Beaches and swimming

At the south-eastern end of Cagliari, you'll find Spiaggia del Poetto, the longest and prettiest beach in the area. On over 5 km of fine white sand, you can enjoy a peaceful stay by the sea with plenty of entertainment and refreshment options and with very good access to the city.

Cagliari is close to other resorts on both sides of the coast.

Accommodation

You can stay in Cagliari for at least 1 night if you arrive at the local airport and don't want to go straight on to your destination. The city is also a good starting point for travelling around southern Sardinia. Cagliari has all types of accommodation from budget hostels to classic hotels. Prices in high season are around 85 eur per night for 2.

Take a look at our tips for specific accommodation in Cagliari.

Cheap guesthouses - Colle dei Fiori Rooms, Bed and Breakfast San Saturnino, B&B Pascal
Hotels - Hotel Italia, Hotel 4 Mori, L'Ambasciata Hotel de Charme
Beachfront Accommodation - Hotel Chentu Lunas, Hotel Calamosca

Transportation

Public transport in Cagliari is provided by about 20 bus lines and one tram line running from the centre to the northern suburbs.

A 90-minute ticket for the bus only costs 1,30 eur, while a 2-hour ticket costs 2 eur (also valid for the tram). A 24-hour ticket valid for both buses and tram costs 3,30 eur. For timetables, route maps and current ticket prices, visit the transport company's website at ctmcagliari.it.

Intercity transport around Sardinia from Cagliari is provided by train and bus. The main train and bus stations are together in Piazza Giacomo Matteoti. Check the timetables of the important lines that go to Bosa (click on the line number):

Alghero - by train with a change in Sassari
Olbia - train Trenitalia
Sassari - train Trenitalia
Bosa - fastest train to Macomer and then buses 9205, 9210, 9223
Oristano - 444
Tortoli - 103
Villasimius, Costa Rei, Solanas - 101, 135
Santa Margherita, Chia - 129
Sant' Antioco (island) - 801, 802
Nuoro - 9342

For detailed information on travelling by car, bus and train, see the chapter Transport in Sardinia.

Tip!

If you want to get into the secrets of Sardinian cuisine, go to the Sardinian restaurant Su Cumbidu in Via Napoli just a short walk from the main station. The really friendly staff will serve you the best Sardinian delicacies at an affordable price. The great thing about the restaurant is that it remains hidden from tourists and most of the guests are locals.