Cagliari – A Guide

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is the perfect place to begin exploring the island. Washed by a gentle breeze from the southern gulf, this vibrant city blends echoes of the past with a lively contemporary atmosphere.

At its heart lies Castello, the historic district perched high above the city. Here, a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets winds its way through medieval buildings, eventually leading to Sardinia’s most treasured museum, home to remarkable Bronze Age bronzetti figurines. From the imposing Bastione, built by the Pisans, you can take in sweeping views before heading down to the city’s beloved Poetto Beach.

Beyond the capital, southern Sardinia unfolds in a patchwork of landscapes rich in colour and contrast. Prickly pears, wheat fields, and oleander blooms dot the countryside, each region offering something unique. To the east, the rugged peaks of the Sette Fratelli park guard the remote Gerrei region, an area known for its traditional cheese-making. The nearby Sarrabus, famed for its fragrant citrus groves, endures the island’s hottest summers—thankfully, the dazzling waters of Costa Rei are never far away.

North of Cagliari, the vast Campidano plain holds some of Sardinia’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, including the towering nuraghi of Su Nuraxi and Arrubiu. These ancient stone structures make the ninth-century BC Phoenician ruins of Nora, further south, seem almost modern by comparison. To the west, the island of Sant’Antioco still bears traces of its Punic heritage, while nearby San Pietro remains a proud outpost of Ligurian culture, best experienced through its Genoese-influenced cuisine and the island’s dramatic annual tuna festival. Further inland, the town of Iglesias, with its Spanish legacy, offers a gateway to the hauntingly beautiful abandoned mines and ghost villages of the Iglesiente region—a final, striking reminder of Sardinia’s layered past.

TOP 10 DINGE ZU TUN IN CAGLIARI

Was gibt es in Cagliari auf Sardinien zu sehen? Welche Sehenswürdigkeiten gibt es zu besichtigen? Was ist besonders sehenswert? Hier sind die 10 Dinge, die man in und um Cagliari sehen sollte und die man auf keinen Fall verpassen sollte!

Die Bastion von Saint Remy

The most striking way to enter the Castello district is through the impressive Bastione di Saint Remy, which overlooks Piazza Costituzione. Made of white limestone, this part of the defensive walls was redesigned to its current look between 1899 and 1902. Climbing the grand double staircase to the large terrace above, Terrazza Umberto I, is worthwhile as it provides stunning views of the port, lagoons, and mountains in the distance. Sunset offers some of the best sights, but it’s a great spot to relax at any time, with shady benches perfect for picnics or naps, along with a few nice bars. A flea market, il mercatino del Bastione, takes place here most Sunday mornings.

From the bastion, you can explore in any direction and dive into the winding alleys and steps of Castello. Heading northwest, Via Università winds around the lower edge of the walls, passing the main university building and the historic Seminario Tridentino, both from the eighteenth century.

Torri dell'Elefante und San Pancrazio

Built quickly by Pisa as a key part of Cágliari’s defences against the Aragonese, the Torre dell’Elefante was tested during the city’s siege twelve years later. This tower, similar to Torre San Pancrazio located higher up the hill, is seen as a remarkable example of military design by the well-known local architect Giovanni Capula. ‘

Constructed in 1307, a bit later than its sister tower, the Elephant Tower features tall, smooth walls made of large blocks of light-coloured granite. Like other towers from Pisa, it has one side completely open, giving it an unfinished appearance.

If you plan to climb just one tower in Cágliari, this is the best option since it offers access to the top terrace. At the base, you can see the remaining gate mechanism and the sharp gate looming over the entrance.

Museo del Duomo

The Museo del Duomo, located behind the cathedral, is mainly worth a visit for two significant religious artworks.

The first is the Tríttico di Clemente VII, created in the fifteenth century, likely by multiple Flemish artists over time, and possibly a copy of a lost piece by Rogier van der Weyden. This triptych depicts the lifeless figure of Christ with the Madonna in the center, surrounded by Sts Anne and Margaret, the latter holding a dragon.

This artwork was once part of valuable items taken from Pope Clement VII’s private rooms during the sack of Rome in 1527.

Catalan sailors, who faced a severe storm while crossing from the mainland, confessed their wrongdoing and brought the treasure to Cágliari.

The archbishop of Cágliari received the items, and the painting was later given to the cathedral by Pope Clement. The museum’s other notable piece is the striking Retablo della Crocefissione, a six-panel polyptych likely created by Michele Cavaro (1517–84) or his workshop.

Parco Molentargius - Saline

The view from the top of Monte Urpino offers a full 360-degree panorama, showcasing the grey stretch of the Stagno di Molentargius. This saltwater lagoon lies between the large city of Quartu Sant’Elena and the salt flats and beaches of Poetto. Recognized as a national park due to its vital wetland ecosystem, it often attracts many elegant flamingos, particularly from April to July when they gather in large numbers to breed. You can also find various wading birds, along with rare amphibians, reptiles, and endangered plant species.

The park provides wildlife-watching tours, both on land and by boat. Alternatively, you can explore the wetlands on foot or rent a bike.

Der Strand des Dichters

Cágliari’s Poetto suburb is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the beach. It features a 6km stretch of beautiful sandy beach (Spiaggia di Quartu) with bars, activities, and shower facilities nearby.

The most vibrant part of Poetto is at the western end, where Marina Píccola offers a place for boats and a popular walking area in the summer. Other areas along the beach can get quite lively during the summer months.

PQ buses run the entire length of the beach, while PF and Poetto Express buses cover most sections, giving you options for different sandy spots, though they are quite similar. Private beach clubs charge about €5 for entry and access to showers and toilets, plus around €20 for two sunbeds and a parasol for the day. You can also rent pedal boats, canoes, and surf bikes, and windsurfing lessons are available.

Wallfahrtskirche Nostra Signora di Bonaria

Built by the Aragonese in 1325, the Santuario di Bonaria is recognized as the first example of Gothic-Catalan architecture in Sardinia. The church is best known for housing the legendary image of Our Lady of Bonaria.

In 1370, a Spanish trading ship caught in a storm off the coast of Italy threw everything overboard to survive, including a chest that miraculously floated and calmed the waters. This chest eventually washed ashore, marked by a column, and contained a statue of the Madonna with the infant Jesus and a lit candle.

The church quickly became a pilgrimage site, especially for sailors who have long sought the protection of the Madonna di Bonaria; many viceroys, bishops, and popes have visited to pay their respects.

At the high altar in the Gothic apse, the crowned statue of the Madonna and Child is carved from a single piece of locust wood, beautifully detailed and painted. The first chapel on the right features an even older and highly revered statue, the Madonna del Mirácolo, which has been here since the church was built. The original Aragonese belltower can be seen from the park behind the church.

Bürgerlicher Palazzo

The grand Palazzo Civico in Cagliari, built from white limestone and facing the well-known port of Sardinia’s capital, showcases a blend of various architectural styles that work harmoniously. Inside, it contains the city offices, the Council Chamber, and rooms for official events. Outside, the building is notable for its two tall octagonal towers.

Kathedrale von Santa Maria

The buildings around Piazza Palazzo are mainly from the eighteenth century, but the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Castello has a much older background. It was first constructed in the thirteenth century and, as D.H. Lawrence described, it underwent many changes over time, resulting in a Baroque style. However, the current front of the cathedral does not show this history; in 1933, it was remodeled into a neat version of a typical Pisan Romanesque facade.

Inside the cathedral, you can see a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, with a beautifully painted ceiling that leads up to a neat dome.

The nave features shallow side chapels, and the third one on the right has a striking sculpture of St. Michael casting devils into hell. On either side of the main entrance, there are large stone pulpits decorated with reliefs depicting scenes like the Adoration of the Magi, the Baptism, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Last Supper.

These were made around 1160 by Guglielmo da Innsbruck (or Guglielmo da Pisa) as a single piece, which was part of Pisa’s cathedral for 150 years before being moved to Cágliari, where it was split in the seventeenth century. Four lions by the same artist are found on the steps leading to the altar.

Among the many tombs in the cathedral, the most significant is the intricate fifteenth-century tomb of Martin II of Aragon located in the left transept, along with the tombs of the Savoyard royal family in the richly decorated crypt beneath the altar. This low, vaulted chamber, carved directly from rock, is almost entirely covered in decorations, including carvings by Sicilian artists of Sardinian saints whose remains were reportedly discovered under the basilica of San Saturnino in 1617.

Stadt der Museen

A strong arched entrance at the top of Piazza dell’Arsenale leads to the Cittadella dei Musei, a museum and research center built on the old royal arsenal site. The new concrete building, blended with plants, includes sections of the original structure. The archaeological museum is the main attraction, but the other diverse exhibits are also interesting to see.

Sella del Diavolo

The Sella del Diavolo, known as Sedd’e on Diaulu in Sardinian, is a rocky point in southern Cagliari. It divides Poetto beach from Calamosca beach. This spot offers a fresh perspective of the Sardinian capital, along with interesting historical sites like the ruins of a World War II fort and the Tower of Sant’Elia.

Das Schloss von San Michele

You shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the park and the nearby Castle of San Michele when in Cagliari. This stunning building, from the 10th century Byzantine era, is a true architectural gem. Inside, you can find various exhibitions, some of which require a fee. The castle features three towers and is surrounded by a moat. Its most significant time was from 1350 to 1511, when the noble Carroz Family, a Spanish lineage, lived there.

At A Glance: Where to Eat in Cagliari

Dal Corsaro

Viale Regina Margherita 28, Marina. Phone: 070 664318 – Open Mon-Sat from 1 PM to 3 PM and 8 PM to 11 PM. This is where you can enjoy the finest and priciest meal in Cagliari, with top-notch service and a celebrity atmosphere. This elegant family-run restaurant features over 400 wine varieties and delicious surf-and-turf dishes, famously chosen by the Pope for a meal in 2008.

Antica Hostaria

Via Cavour 60, Marina. Phone: 070 665870 – Open Mon-Sat from 12:45 PM to 3:15 PM and 8 PM to 11:15 PM. Established in 1852, this is one of the oldest spots in Marina. It boasts a great selection of Sardinian wines, but the fresh seafood delivered daily is what makes it a must-visit. Don’t miss the sea bass cooked with spumante and a hint of saffron.

Trattoria Lillicu

Via Sardegna 78, Marina. Phone: 070 652970 – Open daily from 1 PM to 3 PM and 8:30 PM to 11 PM. Locals love this seafood-only trattoria, where daily specials are served without a menu. If you linger, you might hear the owner, Giampaolo, playing guitar. Be sure to try the burrida (seafood stew with garlic and walnuts) and stoccafisso (dried cod).

Sa Domu Sarda

Via Sassari 51, Stampace. Phone: 070 653400 – Open Tue-Fri from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM and 8:30 PM to 11 PM, and Sat from 8:30 PM to 11 PM. With its rustic decor and generous portions of traditional Sardinian dishes, this cozy restaurant feels like a countryside retreat in Cagliari. Try the culurgiones (dumplings with olive oil and crushed walnuts) and fregola pasta with porcini mushrooms.

Chez Victor

Via Ospedale 42. Phone: 070-856 3513. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30 PM to 12:00 AM, and Sunday from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM. This is Cagliari’s top spot for non-Sardinian cuisine and offers great prices. Chef Michele Pili brings a taste of Barbagie to the city, creating the best crêpes in Cagliari with gorgonzola, porcini mushrooms, and fresh rocket. Don’t miss the ‘Cristiano’ crêpe. Trust Michele’s creativity and let him make your dessert crêpe. Website: https://www.facebook.com/chezvictorcagliari/

Wann ist die beste Zeit für einen Besuch in Cagliari? Klima-Informationen

Entdecken Sie die beste Zeit für einen Besuch in der Stadt, den günstigsten Zeitraum und Tipps zu Veranstaltungen und Aktivitäten für jede Jahreszeit.

Klima, Durchschnittstemperaturen und Niederschlag

Cagliari has a Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild and fairly rainy, with average temperatures around 10 °C. Summers are hot and sunny, reaching about 25 °C. Spring is nice, with temperatures around 20 °C, and autumn is also pleasant, though it gets a bit chilly in November. September and October still have warm days, with highs around 25 °C.

Rainfall is not heavy, as storms move quickly due to the mistral wind from France. The wettest months, with about 8 rainy days, are from November to February.

The sea is warm enough for swimming from July to September, with temperatures around 24-25 °C, but it can be cold in June and October. Cagliari can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn are the best times, as the weather is comfortable.

Wann ist es am günstigsten, Cagliari zu besuchen?

The best time to visit Cagliari for low prices is February. July and August are the priciest months. Still, you can find good deals in early spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October). Prices during these times are usually lower than in summer when many tourists visit and costs go up.