Before you go

Your trip to Cagliari.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Cagliari – Sardenha Destination Sardenha Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto di Cagliari-Elmas Mario Mameli (CAG) Elmas · 7 km
Cagliari 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. From Rome or Milan there are domestic flights to Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG), about 7 km from the center, linked by train to the central station. There is also a ferry from Civitavecchia to the port of Cagliari, a long trip, usually overnight.

How many days

Two days for the Castello, the museum, Bonaria and an afternoon at the Poetto. With three or four days you can include day trips to Nora and Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

When to go

From May to October to enjoy the Poetto. July and August are the hottest months. On May 1st the procession of Sant'Efisio fills the city with groups in traditional dress and decorated ox carts. Winter is mild and good for museums and walks.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not needed for the city: the center is explored on foot, with urban buses to the Poetto and public lifts that go up to the Castello. The Castello has a ZTL, closed to outside cars. For Su Nuraxi and Nora, a car makes things much easier.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Cagliari

Morning
Castello and cathedral
Climb up to the Castello via the Bastione di Saint Remy. Enter the Cattedrale di Santa Maria on the Piazza Palazzo, and follow the narrow streets to the Torre dell'Elefante and the viewpoints over the city.
Afternoon
Archaeological museum
After lunch, around 12:30–14:30, visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in the Cittadella dei Musei, with Nuragic bronzes and the statues of Mont'e Prama.
Late afternoon
Poetto
Take the bus to the Poetto, walk along the promenade with the Sella del Diavolo in the background and, on the way, watch the flamingos in the Molentargius lagoons.
Evening
Dinner in the Marina
Return to the Marina district by the port to dine from about 19:30–20:00. Fish, seafood and Sardinian pastas like culurgiones appear on many menus.

2 days in Cagliari

Day 1

Morning
Castello and cathedral
Start at the Bastione di Saint Remy and climb up to the Castello. Visit the Cattedrale di Santa Maria and walk along the Pisan walls to the Torre dell'Elefante.
Afternoon
Museo Archeologico Nazionale
Have lunch in the Castello or in Stampace and spend the afternoon in the archaeological museum, which tells the island's history from the nuraghes to the Romans.
Late afternoon
Bastion terrace
Return to the terrace of the Bastione di Saint Remy for the late-afternoon light over the port, the Marina and the lagoons.
Evening
Marina and Via Roma
Dine in the Marina and stroll under the arcades of Via Roma, facing the port.

Day 2

Morning
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
Leave early by car for Barumini, about 1 hour to the north. The visit to Su Nuraxi is guided and has scheduled times.
Afternoon
Bonaria
Back in Cagliari, go up to the hill of Bonaria and visit the Gothic-Catalan sanctuary and the basilica, with views over the port.
Late afternoon
Poetto and Molentargius
Head to the Poetto. On the way, the edge of the Molentargius lagoons usually has flamingos year-round.
Evening
Night at the Poetto
In summer, the kiosks on the Poetto promenade stay open late. Outside the season, return to the center for dinner.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Cagliari airport to the center?

By train in a few minutes to the central station at Piazza Matteotti, next to the port and Via Roma. There are also taxis and buses. If the train ticket is paper, validate it before boarding.

Where to stay in Cagliari?

In the Marina or in Stampace, near the station, the port and restaurants. The Castello offers views and quiet, but it's up high and has a ZTL. Those seeking the beach can stay near the Poetto and go to the center by bus.

Can you get to Su Nuraxi without a car?

It is possible with regional buses and connections, but the journey is long and services are limited. By car it's about 60 km and 1 hour. There are also organized tours departing from Cagliari.

What is the feast of Sant'Efisio?

It is Cagliari's big procession, every May 1st, in honor of the patron saint. Groups from across the island parade in traditional dress, with horsemen and decorated ox carts, and the procession continues to Nora. Accommodation usually sells out on that date.

Does Cagliari have a beach in the city?

Yes. The Poetto, east of the center, has about 8 km of sand and is reached by urban bus. There are sections with facilities and free stretches.

Back to Cagliari