Capoluogo sardo, Cagliari is one of the most beautiful cities in Sardinia, thanks to its wonderful colors: the crystal-clear blue of the sea perfectly contrasts with the white that dominates the houses, creating a suggestive and charming picture.
Where is Cagliari located? Situated in the southern part of Sardinia, Cagliari represents an important gateway to the northern coast of Africa. There are many things to see in Cagliari, but even if you have little time available, it is possible to visit the most important ones to fully savor the true essence of this city. This guide will show you what to see in Cagliari in one day and help you not to miss the main points of interest.
What to do in Cagliari: walking itinerary
Visiting Cagliari will be a unique experience. Wonderful alleys, breathtaking views, architecturally interesting buildings, excellent food, and Sardinian craftsmanship of excellent quality. For hikers, a (beginner level) ascent to the Sella del Diavolo is recommended, from where you can admire a breathtaking view. What we primarily recommend is to visit the city on foot: only in this way will you truly discover every corner and admire the most important buildings. Here are some of the places of interest that must absolutely be visited.
1 Elephant Tower
Among the many historic buildings in Cagliari, the Elephant Tower is definitely one of the most important. Located just a few steps from the Bastion Saint Remy, the tower rises above the surrounding structures and is easily identifiable. Built in the Middle Ages, it served as a watchtower within the city’s defensive network. Coats of arms and small elephant statues are carved on it. Climbing to its top, you will have the opportunity to observe the city from a unique perspective. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
2 Bastion of Saint Remy
Il Bastion of Saint Remy is a huge, finely decorated structure located in the historic center of Cagliari and is one of the city’s most famous icons. Originally used as a defensive structure to fortify Cagliari, the Bastion today represents an extraordinary viewpoint offering splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s port areas. Visiting this bastion is one of the first things to put on the “Cagliari: what to see” list.
3 Poetto Beach
The Poetto Beach is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in Cagliari. Characterized by fine white sand and crystal-clear blue sea, it retains its charm throughout the year. Ideal for a moment of relaxation and to experience firsthand the true allure that Sardinia offers its visitors.
4 Bonaria Sanctuary
The Bonaria Sanctuary is a beautiful Basilica dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary dating back to the 14th century. The front facade of this structure features a trio of decorated arches leading into a large open atrium. In front of the building is a stone courtyard beautifully decorated with mosaic tiles. Although the original frescoes inside the basilica were destroyed during World War II, they have been faithfully restored and stand today in all their glory. Adjacent to the Sanctuary is the Museum of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria.
5 National Archaeological Museum
6 Historic Districts of Cagliari
Castello, Villanova, Stampace and Marina, are the historic districts of the city. The historic districts of Cagliari stretch from the upper part down to the sea.
7 Villa Binaghi
The villa, designed by engineer Roberto Binaghi, was built during the 1920-1930 decade. It consists of two different buildings. The first, facing Viale Trento, is characterized by a neoclassical style with monumental elements: the walls in faux rustication are decorated with columns and inscriptions and are marked by large openings.
The second building, constructed as an extension of a small pre-existing structure facing Via Battisti, is distinguished by a taller central body, adorned with two sets of columns and a shield, and by lateral bodies that feature a similar motif of column bundles in the openings. Since 1984, the building has housed the Superintendency for architectural heritage, landscape, historical, artistic, and ethno-anthropological heritage for the provinces of Cagliari and Oristano.
The offices are visitable upon request.
8 Cloister of San Domenico
The Cloister of San Domenico, located in the historic Villanova district, is situated alongside the old church of the same name, severely damaged during the last world war and represents the most illustrious monument of Gothic-Catalan art (first half of the 15th century) present in the city of Cagliari. It has a quadrangular plan with a perimeter of about 25 m per side, open towards the garden with semicircular arches resting on pillars. The west wing consists of seven 15th-century chapels, with ribbed vaults; the bays are divided by molded sub-arches resting on richly carved corbels. In the south wing, two orders of arcades also belong to the same building phase of the Gothic Catalan style. The east and north wings derive from the reconstruction commissioned by Philip II of Spain in 1598.
From the cloister, one can access the central hall of the ancient church, where the Chapel of the Rosary, dated around 1580, opens.
Cagliari in a nutshell: how to get there, where to eat
9 How to get to Cagliari
The city is reachable by ferry or more quickly by plane. The Cagliari airport is located about 7 km from the city center, which you can reach using shuttle services arranged for transfers or by using the Cagliari airport taxi service. If instead you want to move completely autonomously, you can take a vehicle using the Cagliari airport car rental service.
10 Where to Eat in Cagliari
Sardinia is famous for its particularly tasty cuisine. There are many restaurants in Cagliari where you can taste traditional Sardinian dishes, including spaghetti with sea urchins, culurgiones, clams and mussels in a pan and Burrida a sa casteddaia.
