Cagliari is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage that blends different cultures and influences. Whether you are looking for a day out, a place to stay or just a great place to eat, there is something here for everyone!
Start your visit with a trip to the historic Castello district. It's an atmospheric area with a storied cathedral and smattering of archaeological ruins to explore.
1. Cattedrale di Santa Maria
Located in the heart of the Castello quarter, Cattedrale di Santa Maria is Cagliari’s main cathedral. It dates back to the 13th century and was built in Pisan-Romanesque style.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was renovated along Baroque lines. Finally, in the 1930s, it received its current facade in Neo-Romanesque style, inspired by Pisa Cathedral.
The church has many impressive features. The crypt, for example, is filled with ancient relics and is worth a visit.
Inside, you can also admire polychromed Baroque altars and funerary monuments to archbishops and viceroys. It’s also the final resting place of Marie Josephine of Savoy, wife of Louis XVIII.
Another place to see is the Orto Botanico dell’Universita, a lovely botanic garden with more than 2000 species of flora. It has also several ancient Roman cisterns and natural caves. The ticket costs only 4 euros and it is definitely worth going. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Cagliari!
2. Bastione di San Remy
The Bastione di San Remy is a prestigious monument and exhibition space in Cagliari. It is a gateway from the Villanova quarter to the fortifications of Castello in the heart of the old town, overlooking Piazza Costituzione.
The Saint Remy Bastion was built between 1896 and 1902 with a neoclassical architectural style at the old medievals bastions of Cagliari. The imposing structure of the bastion, named after the first Piedmont Viceroy, Baron of Saint Remy, has white and yellow limestone columns topped with corinthian capitals.
It is an important symbol of Cagliari and one of the most majestic monumental complexes in the city. It was designed by Giuseppe Costa e Fulgenzio Setti, and is characterized by the large panoramic terrace “Umberto I”, which opens to Piazza Castello.
It was bombed during the Second World War and later restored. The double flight of steps and triumphal arch were severely damaged but accurately reconstructed. The main staircase leads to a huge landing with two ramps that lead to a roof terrace, where you can enjoy the view of Cagliari and its port area from above.
3. Poetto Beach
Poetto Beach is the most well-known stretch of white sand and emerald green sea in Cagliari, Sardinia. It stretches for eight kilometers from Sella del Diavolo promontory to the coast of Quartu Sant’Elena.
This beach is famous for its pristine waters, beautiful beaches and the many activities it offers. It’s also one of the best beaches in Sardinia for water sports.
In fact, it’s a good spot to try wind surfing or kite surfing during the winter. You can also go kayaking or canoeing along the shore.
Another beach worth visiting in Cagliari is Calamosca, a popular local nudist beach with crystal clear waters. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also check out the Devil’s Saddle, a scenic viewpoint that separates Poetto from Calamosca. The fun story behind it is that the area was enchanted by Lucifer and his demons, so they decided to keep the gulf and everything else hidden from God.
4. Hotel Villa Fanny
The charming Villa Fanny, located in one of Cagliari's most historic districts, is a hidden gem. This elegant boutique hotel is surrounded by a beautiful garden with 18 stylish rooms, offering a unique experience in this sought-after district of the city.
- With a blend of Art Nouveau style and contemporary design, the exterior of this villa reflects its rich history and exciting present. It is a tribute to a woman of times gone by, the matriarch of a prominent Sardinian family, an inspiration for future generations.
- This charming accommodation is set within walking distance to a variety of local attractions including the Massimo Theatre, the Botanical Gardens and Monte Urpinu. It offers a number of amenities, including free parking, WiFi and a daily breakfast.
