15 Best Things to See in Cagliari (Italy)

Cagliari, one of the major cities on the Italian island of Sardinia, is a key port and a gateway to the continent of Africa’s northern coast. Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, has a population of 154,000 people and is the island’s most significant economic area. It is a major tourist destination and home to numerous enterprises and industries. This area of Sardinia has had a settlement at some point in history, and Cagliari has always been significant in the Mediterranean Sea. Neolithic artifacts have been discovered, and Titus Manlius’ reign over Cagliari under the Roman Empire resulted in Cagliari becoming a significant military outpost. This city underwent significant residential and commercial expansion during the unification of Italy. Recommendation: Schedule some excursions and activities in advance. The top excursions in Cagliari The Duomo and Bastione San Remy are just a couple of the amazing historical structures that make Cagliari a popular tourist destination. Other attractions include lovely gardens, stunning stretches of coastline, and a well-maintained marina. Let’s examine the top activities in Cagliari:

Piazza del Carmine

The Piazza del Carmine, which is situated on the well-known Viale Trieste, is an excellent area to people-watch, get a coffee, or have a bite to eat. This enormous public space, which is around 1 hectare in size, was constructed in the 19th century. A lovely statue honoring the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception stands in the middle of the square. There are several attractive buildings surrounding the area, and there are several eateries, cafes, pubs, and shops to choose from in the streets nearby.

Il Castello

Go to Cagliari’s Il Castello neighborhood if you want to experience life like a native. This lovely and alluring neighborhood is bustling with local activity and is comprised of tiny streets surrounded by vibrant buildings. It also features a ton of fascinating buildings, like the Santa Maria Cathedral, the Palazzo Archivescovile, and the Palazzo Reggio. Explore the streets, take in the stunning architecture, and perhaps stop at one of the cafes on the Piazza Carlo Alberto for some delectable Italian gelato.

Parco di Monte Urpinu

Since Cagliari is situated in a valley and is bordered by mountains and hills, many public parks have been built that make use of the natural setting. The large Parco di Monte Urpinu parkland borders the Urpinu mountain range and is well-known for its abundance of wildlife and strenuous hiking trails. You are given panoramic views of Cagliari from the park’s highest point, and on a clear day, you can see for kilometers out to sea. Foxes and various bird species are notable animal species in the park.

Calamosca Beach

At the southern end of Cagliari, past the main port area, there is the small commune of Calamosca—here you can find a small but beautiful and quiet beach that is the perfect place to escape and relax. The crystal clear waters lap the shore and the warm seas offer the perfect opportunity to swim or simply lie on a lido and sunbathe. A spectacular coastline with numerous rocky cliff faces to explore, as well as the stunning Torre di Calamosca and the Torre del Poetto, surrounds the beach. After a long day of sightseeing in Cagliari, this is a lovely and quiet location to unwind.

Museo Archeologico Nazionale

This amazing complex is Cagliari’s main source of archaeological discoveries and will keep visitors entertained and informed for hours. This museum is located in the northwest section of the old town, near the Roman Amphitheatre, which makes it possible to see both places on the same trip. This museum houses a spectacular collection of Punic, Greek, and Roman artifacts, as well as a vast wealth of artifacts gathered from the many Sardinian districts. Collections of coins, jewelry, ceramics, statues, and other antique artifacts are on display.

Cittadella dei Musei

The museum district in Cagliari is a densely populated region full of intriguing buildings that hold a wide variety of diverse exhibits and displays. This charming location is located on the Via Ubaldo in the ancient town center’s northern section. The Cagliari National Gallery, the Archaeological Museum, the Anatomical Waxes Collection, and the Oriental Art Museum are among the museums housed inside the complex. A full day might be spent here touring all the businesses.

The Marina

Cagliari is located on the south coast of Sardinia and is an important port location—due to this fact; it has a fantastic marina area that is full of shops, restaurants, and rolling promenades. Follow the open Largo Carlo Felice street to the Via Roma, a magnificent promenade shaded by trees with stunning views of the harbor and ports. Alternatively, if you head onto the Calata Sant’Agostino, you can walk into the port area and see the huge cruise ships docking and unloading their tourists, or watch the immense container ships offloading their cargo.

Roman Amphitheatre

Cagliari features a number of Roman ruins as a result of its long history, but the Roman Amphitheatre is unquestionably the best preserved. This ancient building, which may be seen in the historic old town’s northern section, was partially carved into a hillside rock face during the second century AD. Here, gladiatorial contests, dramatic performances, and even public executions took place. Today, you may schedule guided tours of the monument, and it frequently holds different acts and concerts.

Bastione San Remy

One of Cagliari’s most recognizable landmarks, this enormous and elaborate building is located in the heart of the city’s ancient old town. The Bastion, which was once utilized as a defensive structure to defend Cagliari, is today a great viewing point with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s port regions. The 19th-century bastion is made up of an expansive open terrace, an elaborate front façade, and an opulent covered promenade. One of the first things you should do in Cagliari is go to this bastion to observe the city spread out below you and to experience a bit of its history.

Mercato di San Benedetto

Local markets often offer the chance to score some excellent deals and gain insight into how city dwellers go about their daily lives. The San Benedetto market is without a doubt the biggest and busiest in Cagliari, and it’s the ideal spot to socialize with the locals. The market, which is indoors and completely covered and is situated on Via Tiziano, has an overwhelming number of stalls and shops within that offer just about anything. Fresh seafood, sheep’s cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables are just a few of the market’s specialties.

Palazzo Regio

The Palazzo Regio, another magnificent building located in the il Castello complex in the center of the old town, functioned as the formal royal residence for Sardinia’s ruling monarchs for hundreds of years. The front façade, which dates to the 14th century, was really restored in the 19th century to bring its style in line with current architectural tendencies. The Metropolitan Council Room, which features spectacular 19th-century frescoes and ornate plasterwork on its ceiling, is one of the gorgeously designed rooms that can be seen inside during tours of this amazing structure.

Cagliari Cathedral

The gigantic Duomo of Cagliari, which is situated in the center of the Il Castello neighborhood, is a structure with a stunning front façade and a richly ornamented interior. This church, which dates back to the 13th century but has undergone extensive restoration and modification throughout the years, combines Romanesque and Baroque design elements. The front façade has a number of stone arches and decorative religious elements, which are evocative of the Duomo in Pisa. Inside, there are numerous stunning altars, tiny chapels, and frescoed ceilings, continuing the level of intricate craftsmanship.

Santuario di Bonaria

This stunning shrine and basilica, which honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, were first built in the fourteenth century. This building’s front façade has three elaborate arches that open into a big, open foyer. A gorgeously constructed stone patio with mosaic-patterned tiles is in front of the structure. The original frescos in the basilica were damaged during World War II, but they were meticulously restored and still exist today in all their splendor.

The University Botanical Gardens

Cagliari University’s botanical garden is a beautiful facility that is maintained by university employees and students and is utilized for research and educational purposes. The gardens, which cover more than 5 hectares, have more than 2000 different species, including a wide assortment of Mediterranean plants, trees, and flowers. You can look at greenhouse plants, various types of plant life, and a sizable orchard, which are all divided into three main categories. This botanical garden in the center of Cagliari is a terrific attraction for everyone who loves the outdoors.

Torre dell’Elefante

The Elephant Tower is one of the most spectacular and well-known historical structures in Cagliari. The tower, which is not far from the Bastione San Remy, towers over the nearby buildings and is easy to spot. The tower was built in the Middle Ages in 1307 and operated as a watch tower within the city’s network of defensive fortifications. Even though it just has a square shape, it has several tiny features, including the carvings of elephant sculptures and coats of arms, that make it really intriguing. Additionally, the tower’s summit can be reached for unrivaled views of Cagliari.