What to see in Cagliari: the 13 best attractions and things to do

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia, a dream destination in the summer months but often underestimated in other periods . With its nightlife, its monuments, its natural attractions, this destination is undoubtedly one of the cities in Italy that is worth rediscovering and is an excellent starting point to discover the whole southern part of Sardinia!
So let’s find out what to see in Cagliari , what are the best attractions and things to do, even the most unusual and particular ones!
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1 – Bastion of Saint Remy
Built to honor the first Piedmontese Viceroy, the Baron of Saint Remy, the homonymous Bastion is one of the most popular attractions . It represents not only a monument of high historical value, but also one of the most beautiful points from which to admire the entire city and from which to discover it far and wide!
This lookout is in a classic style, built in granite and limestone. Climb to the top via two flights of stairs that lead to a single “landing”. Once here, you can walk the covered walk with wonderful views of the city . Today this area is also used as an exhibition space and is a real meeting point!
In the historic center, in Piazza Costituzione. Easily reachable on foot from the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (550 m, 6 min). Bus stops of reference Mazzini (line 7) and Regina Elena (lines 6, 7 and 10) – Get directions

Enjoy a coffee with a view : to start your day enjoy a good breakfast at the Antico Caffe, one of the historic places in the city, from which you can really see the Bastion!

2 – Towers of the Elephant and San Pancrazio
Photo by Roburq. The twin towers of the Elephant and of San Pancrazio overlook the area of ​​the Old Town of Cagliari . They were built in the first decade of 1300 by the Pisans to counter a potential attack by the Aragonese. Both made of white Bonaria limestone,they are characterized by their imposing heights . The twin towers
are also nicknamed and delimit the area of ​​the ancient Castello district . The tower of San Pancrazio, 36 m high, protected the north side of the Castle, while that of the Elephant, 30 m high, covered the south-western side. Unfortunately , the towers are currently undergoing restoration work, and therefore closed to the public since 2017. But we still recommend that you admire them from the outside and take a souvenir photo! Look for the elephant : the Tower of the Elephant is so called for a very specific reason, namely for the presence of a small statue of an elephant on one side of the tower itself. So sharpen your eyes and look for it to take a picture.

Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: Torre dell’Elefante in Via Santa Croce, easily reachable on foot from the Bastion of Saint Remy (450 m, 6 min) – Get directions / Torre San Pancrazio in Piazza dell ‘Indipendenza, reachable on foot from the National Archaeological Museum (95 m, 1 min) – Get directions
• Hours: temporarily closed for restoration work since 2017
• Ticket price: each full € 3.00, reduced € 2.00

3 – Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Source: wikipedia. The Cathedral of Cagliari, full name Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Cecilia, dates back to the thirteenth century and is dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption and to Santa Cecilia Martire. It became a Cathedral in 1258. The religious building of Pisan Gothic style and over time has undergone several expansion works, being subsequently remodeled following the canons of Baroque architecture. In the twentieth century, further works on the Cathedral brought out two very important chapels dating back to medieval times : the Pisan chapel and the Aragonese chapel of the SS. Sacramento, dedicated to the Holy Thorn.
The interior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria houses numerous artistic treasures, such as the wooden sculpture depicting the Madonna and Child of the Venetian school (dating back to the second half of the fourteenth century) and the four column-bearing lions of the twelfth century, placed at the foot of the steps of the presbytery. Inside the Cathedral there is also a crypt-sanctuary , built to celebrate and bury the Sardinian martyrs on the orders of Archbishop Desquivel.

Enjoy the view from the bell tower : after visiting the Cathedral, climb to the top of its bell tower, to admire a wonderful view over the whole of Cagliari and the sea! Attention: it is open only in the morning (Mon-Sat 9: 00-13: 00, single entry € 3.00).
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Piazza Palazzo 4 / A, in the Castello district, next to the Palazzo Regio. Easily accessible on foot from the Bastion of Saint Remy (550m, 9 min). Reference bus stop Lamarmora (line 7) – Get directions
• Hours: weekdays 9: 00-14: 00 and 16: 00-20: 00, holidays 8: 30-13: 00 and 16: 30-20: 00
• Ticket cost: free

4 – Cittadella dei Musei
Photo by Sailko. Culture lovers cannot miss a visit to the Citadel of Museums in Cagliari , a real area with numerous museums, for a full immersion between history and art, in the various museum souls of the city! You can decide to visit one or more museums, according to your interests!
Absolutely not to be missed is the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, a museum dedicated to the history of Ancient Sardinia , with various historical artifacts from all over the region! Art lovers, on the other hand, can stroll through the galleries full of paintings of the “Stefano Cardu” Siamese Art Museum, which houses the largest collection of Siamese art in Europe., born thanks to the Cagliari collector Stefano Cardu, to whom the entire museum is dedicated.

Admire the view between visits : you will be surprised by how many wonderful viewpoints there are scattered throughout the city! And, since the Citadel is located at one of the highest points, you certainly can’t miss the view from the Citadel Lookout, after the Siamese Art Museum!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: Cittadella in Piazza Arsenale, in the Castello district. Easily reachable on foot from the Cathedral (400 m, 6 min). Reference bus stop Regina Elena-Giardini Pubblici (lines 6 and 10) – Get directions
• Hours: National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari Tue-Sun 9: 00-20: 00, closed Mon / Siamese Art Museum “Stefano Cardu” from October to May Tue-Sun 10: 00-18: 00, from June to September Tue -Sun 10: 00-18: 00
• Ticket price: National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari full € 7.00, reduced € 3.50 / Museum of Siamese Art “Stefano Cardu” full € 3.00, reduced € 1.50

5 – Anfiteatro Romano
Photo of Roburq. A piece of Ancient Rome right in the center of Cagliari : we are talking about the Roman Amphitheater, located a few steps from the Citadel of Museums. This complex of ruins dates back to between the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century AD and is the most important monument among the remains of Roman Sardinia .
Its setting is already very fascinating and absolutely worth a visit: it is in fact located in a small natural “basin” inside the Colle di Buoncammino and nature is slowly recovering its space. It is estimated that at the time it could hold up to 10,000 spectators and, even up to a few years ago, it was used for some concerts and events. Various renovations have been underway since 2017, allowing you to visit the site only partially.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Via Sant’Ignazio da Laconi, in the historic center. Easily reachable on foot from the Citadel of Museums (550 m, 6 min). Bus stop reference Buoncammino-Anfiteatro Romano (lines 8 and 20) – Get directions
• Hours: from October to May Tue-Sun 10: 00-17: 00, from June to September every day 10: 00-14: 00 and 15: 00-19: 00
• Ticket price: full € 3.00, reduced € 2.00

6 – Palazzo Civico
Photo by Francesco Canu. Located in the Marina district, along via Roma, one of the most beautiful streets in Cagliari, the Palazzo Civico is a riot of different architectural styles , but well mixed together! Made of white limestone, it overlooks the famous port of the Sardinian capital.
Inside, the building houses the municipal offices , with the Council Chamber and the reception rooms; on the outside, however, the eye is immediately attracted by the two high octagonal towers, 38 m high. But be careful when you visit the interiors: in some rooms important works are exhibited, such as some paintings by Filippo Figari and Giovanni Marghinotti, a seventeenth-century tapestry from the Flemish school and a sixteenth-century altarpiece by Pietro Cavaro.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: Via Roma 145, in the Marina district. Easily reachable on foot from the port of Cagliari (400 m, 5 min) and from the Central Station (270 m, 3 min). Reference bus stop Carlo Felice-Rinascente (lines 1, 7 and 8) – Get directions
• Hours: visits organized on Saturday and Sunday
• Ticket cost: free

7 – Poetto beach
Although some building renovations have altered the composition of its white sand, the Poetto beach still remains one of the most beautiful beaches on the Cagliari coast . An unmissable destination in the summer months, the beach retains its charm all year round.

The etymology of its name has rather contrasting origins : for some, “poetto” derives from “poeht” (well, referring to the cistern near the S. Elia tower), but the most accredited origin would be that to be associated with the “Su Puertu “, the port, in reference to the port of Marina Piccola. But whatever its origin, it is certainly synonymous with guarantee: crystal clear sea and white beach, with numerous services, making it also suitable for families with younger children, and many clubs on the seafront and nearby. If you visit Cagliari in the summer you must dedicate at least one day to relax on the beach!
It is located south of the historic center, in the Poetto district. From the seafront via Roma, in the Marina district in the historic center, it can be reached by direct bus line PF or PQ (several stops in via Lungo Saline, on average 15 min) – Get directions

Stay here in summer: if you are looking for relaxation during the day and nightlife in the evening, then in summer we recommend that you stay in this area! There are many accommodations, from small B & Bs just a few steps from the beach to beautiful and luxurious hotels with sea views. The area is not recommended to stay in winter, as many activities are closed and the nightlife moves all in the historic center.

8 – Sella del Diavolo
Photo by cristianocani. A moment of leisure and sport, in contact with nature and with a complete view of the beauties of Cagliari . This is what it means to allow yourself an afternoon of exploration in the beautiful area of ​​the Sella del Diavolo. Name perhaps not of the most reassuring, but trust that the show you will admire is breathtaking!
The Sella del Diavolo is in fact the flagship of Cagliari’s nature : equipped with essential goods (comfortable shoes, backpack and water, especially in summer), you will discover a new way of observing the Sardinian capital and you will come across small archaeological masterpieces , such as the remains of a fort from World War II and the Torre di Sant’Elia. From every point you will enjoy a truly unique panorama!
In the southernmost part of Cagliari, in Capo San’Elia. The area can be explored completely on foot, you can reach it from the historic center with the direct bus line PF or PQ (Poetto stop-in front of via dei Tritoni, 10 min) and then continuing on foot – Get directions

Prepare your backpack well: the essential thing is water, especially if you visit the area in summer. We recommend that you also prepare a packed lunch. Don’t forget a towel and a bathing suit, the area is full of wonderful coves and, after so much effort, you can, for example, relax at Cala Fighera Beach. An alternative is the kayak tour to the Devil’s Saddle.

9 – Molentargius Park – Saline
Photo by cristianocani. It seems to be on a mysterious but fascinating island when you set foot, for the first time, in the very famous Molentargius – Saline Park, a humid area of ​​very high environmental importance that extends for 1,600 hectares , many of which consist of d ‘basins. fresh water and others with different degrees of salinity.
Here it isa very delicate but efficient ecosystem , within which there are various protected plant and animal species, among which the famous “flamingos”, or pink flamingos, certainly the most photographed subjects of the entire park.

Find out about the activities : to fully enjoy the experience inside the park, we recommend that you rent a bike or take a guided tour. If, on the other hand, you want to reconnect with nature, you can participate in Forest Therapy, or an immersion in nature, following the Japanese method Shinrin-Yoku, which literally means “forest bath”.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Via la Palma, near the Poetto beach. From the seafront via Roma, in the Marina district in the historic center, it can be reached by direct bus line PF or PQ (Poetto stop-in front of G.Rossi, 10 min) – Get directions
• Hours: every day 9: 00-18: 00
• Ticket price: Eco Safari Tour € 15.00 / 1 hour bike rental from € 5.00 / Foresta Therapy € 15.00

10 – Monte Urpinu Park
Photo by Cristiano Cani. If you are traveling with children or simply want to enjoy a few hours of relaxation in nature, then you should definitely go to the Monte Urpinu Park, the most important park in Cagliari ! Here you can have a picnic, stroll along the paths and enjoy wonderful views of the city and the sea.
But not only that, you can come across its small inhabitants: here you can find swans, turtles and even peacocks , which run completely free. In the center of the park there is also a wonderful pond. And if you are traveling with your 4-legged friends, I will let you know that here there is a Dog Area where you can let them run and socialize. In short, the park represents a real meeting point, for both locals and tourists!

More than a panoramic point : continue the discovery of the panoramic points of Cagliari, and here there are two of them! The first is the panoramic point of Monte Urpinu, with a wonderful view of the salt pans, while the second is the panoramic point of Viale Europa, easily reachable by car!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: along Viale Europa, south of the historic center. Reachable on foot from the Bastion of Saint Remy (1.9 km, 26 min) or more comfortably by bus line 6 to the Conversi stop-piazza Padre Pio (10 min), then 9 min on foot – Get directions
• Hours: every day 7: 00-21: 00
• Ticket cost: free

11 – Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria
Photo by Gianni Careddu.
Photo by Angelo. Built in the Gothic-Catalan style at the behest of Alfonso of Aragon, the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Bonaria is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Sardinia and is located south of the historic center, in the district of the same name, a few steps from the port of Cagliari.
Her charm and her notoriety are linked above all to a story about her name Di lei. On March 25, 1370, near the beach of Bonaria, a crate previously thrown into the sea by a Spanish sailing ship arrived, inside which, after only the friars of Mercede managed to open it, the presence of a statue of the Madonna was discovered. with the Child, who held a lighted candle in his right hand. Starting from 1704, work was carried out to extend the Sanctuary; in 1926, the location obtained the consecration as a Minor Basilica.

Enjoy a romantic walk : after visiting the Sanctuary, reach the shore, where the Molo Ichnusa-Su Siccu promenade is located, one of the most romantic walks in the city! It goes without saying that one of the best moments to travel along it is the sunset.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Piazza Bonaria 2, in the Bonaria district, south of the historic center. From the Bastion of Saint Remy on foot through the streets of the city (1.4 km, 18 min) or by bus line 6 (from the Regina Elena stop to the Cimitero di Bonaria stop, 5 min) – Get directions
• Hours: Sanctuary and Basilica every day 6: 00-12: 00 and 16: 00-19: 00. For the times of the Holy Masses consult the official website
• Ticket cost: free

12 – Castello di San Michele
Photo by Chris. You cannot say that you have visited the beauties of Cagliari without having included in your itinerary a long stop at the park and, above all, at the nearby Castle of San Michele, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the Byzantine era (10th century). Located north of the historic center, it is one of the most important and visited monuments in the whole city!

Today it is used as a museum and inside the manor numerous exhibitions are hosted (some of which for a fee), thus becoming a real center of art and culture ! After your visit, take some time to stroll around its wonderful park, full of paths, jogging paths and even play areas for children!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Via Giovanni Cinquini, north of the historic center. Easily accessible by car via Viale Regina Elena (4 km, 7 min). The nearest bus stop is a 30 min walk away – Get directions
• Hours: Tue-Sun 10: 00-18: 00, closed Mon
• Ticket price: Fortress full € 3.00, reduced € 2.00 / Park free

13 – Costa Rei
Photo by Alex10. As a last attraction not to be missed, we recommend a little out of town from Cagliari: it is a visit to Costa Rei, a wonderful 8 km coastline with dream beaches . The area extends from Capo Ferrato to Cala Sinzias and is characterized by different landscapes, including turquoise water and fine white sand, but also the lush Mediterranean scrub, which alternates with sand dunes and high cliffs.
Due to its beauty, this has become one of the most touristic areas of Sardinia , but we advise you not to miss it absolutely! One of the most beautiful beaches is certainly Costa Rei, the main beach. If you are looking for a beach with unspoiled nature, more external to tourist traffic, then focus on Cala Sinzias, while at Piscina Rei you can dive into real natural pools! In short, there is something for everyone!
The coast is located on the east coast of Sardinia, 59 km from Cagliari.

Reachable by car via SS125var (55 min) or by direct bus Line 101 (2 h 10 min, each way € 4.90 ) they are very frequent and in summer the buses can be full. The best solution is to rent a car, also to then move freely between the various coves of the coast, looking for even the most hidden ones.

Other attractions to visit

If you love art, we recommend a visit to the National Picture Gallery of Cagliari (€ 4.00 / combined ticket with the Archaeological Museum € 9.00), with a very suggestive collection of works! In the Castello district there is also the Palazzo Regio (palace only € 3.00 / palace + temporary exhibitions € 4.00), a former royal residence, today used for exhibitions and public events. Finally, nearby is the Antico Palazzo di Citta (€ 9.00), which today hosts several temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

In the Marina district, the Church of Sant’Eulalia (free) is worth a visit, with its Museum of the Treasure and the Archaeological Area of ​​Sant’Eulalia (€ 5.00), a museum that tells a piece of the history of Cagliari!
Finally, history loversthey can visit the Tuvixeddu Necropolis in the city (free), north of the historic center, an archaeological area that houses funerary chambers dating back to the Carthaginians and the Romans. To the east of Cagliari, on the other hand, there are the Nuraghe Cuccuru Gravellu and the Nuraghe Diana (both reachable by car, on average 30 minutes, free). The Nuraghi are prehistoric towers of which only a few remains remain today and represent one of the main attractions of all Sardinia!

8 things to do in Cagliari
Shopping at the San Benedetto market

Walk along the Ichnusa-Su Siccu pier

Spend the evening in Marina

Archaeological excursion in the nuragic area

Admiring the view from Colle Sant’Elia

Admiring the sunset from Colle San Michele

Strolling through the Botanical Garden

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1. Shopping at the San Benedetto market : open Mon-Sat 7:00 am-2:00pm, this is the largest covered food market in Italy. Here you can buy local products and you can taste different specialties, not to be missed
2. Take the Molo Ichnusa-Su Siccu walk : this stretch, which runs along the seafront from Molo Ichnusa to Su Siccu, is one of the most romantic walks in Cagliari, to be walked hand in hand with your sweet destination at sunset
3. Spend the evening in Marina : Marina is the nightlife district, thanks to the many clubs and its location directly on the pier! It is also one of the best places to eat excellent fish dishes
4. Archaeological excursion in the nuragic area : discover the Sardinian hinterland and the nuragic areas of Su Nuraxi and Barumini, with the Sardinian villages of the Bronze Age. Also ideal as an excursion for cruise passengers. Info and costs here
5. Admire the view from Colle Sant’Elia : one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Cagliari, from which you can admire the Poetto beach, the salt pans and the entire Golfo degli Angeli from above
6. Admiring the sunset from Colle San Michele : this is, instead, the best point from which to admire the sunset! You will enjoy a 360 ° view over the entire historic center of Cagliari
7. Strolling in the Botanical Garden : a real green oasis in the heart of the city, not far from the Amphitheater. Don’t forget to take a photo with the Monumental Ficus located in the center of the garden
8. Taste Sardinian wines : set off to discover the best wines of Sardinia with a wine tour from Cagliari, with a visit to a winery and tasting accompanied by typical local products. Info and costs here

Plan your stay in Cagliari: tips, flights and hotels
Cagliari is easily reachable from all over Italy by plane (compare the flights), but you can also opt for the ferry , even boarding your own car (from / to Salerno, Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo).
For a first approach to the city, I recommend taking a guided tour first. If you like the idea, the city is very suitable for cycling, we recommend a bike tour with a local guide who will help you familiarize yourself with the city and identify the landmarks.
For accommodation, the best solution is to stay in the center (compare the accommodations on booking), this will allow you to move mainly on footand to use public transport only to reach more distant attractions, such as the Poetto Beach or the Saline. If you are looking for nightlife , we recommend that you stay overnight in the Marina district, at the port, or along the Poetto beach!

If you are traveling with your family , even the youngest travelers will love Cagliari! In addition to the days at the beach, we advise you to take them to discover the salt flats, with flamingos, and to frequent the many green areas of the city, such as the wonderful Monte Urpinu Park, with an area totally dedicated to them.
Finally, Cagliari is not an expensive destination! You can eat tasty and abundant dishes at great prices, many attractions are free or with reduced prices and the spectacles of nature are completely free and accessible to all!