Is Cagliari Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons To Go

Is Cagliari Worth a Visit?

 

Yes absolutely, Cagliari is worth visiting.

I’ve spent more than a decade travelling to the charming island of Sardinia. Like many tourists, my early trips focused on the jaw-dropping beaches (which often meant skipping Cagliari entirely). But spending more time in the capital, I’ve realised this city is a destination itself.

Recent stats highlight Cagliari’s popularity: in 2024 a record 600,000 tourists landed at Cagliari airport, with more tourists staying in the city and South Sardinia than ever before. So, before you skip the city in favour of a holiday solely reclining on the beach – here’s 9 reasons why spending a few days in Cagliari might be one of the best holiday decisions you make.

If you’re looking for a place to stay here, check out our ultimate guide to the best bed & breakfasts in Cagliari.

1.  The Cultural Landmarks

Cagliari is packed with old-world charm and interesting cultural sites to visit. There are dozens of sites to see, but some must-see landmarks are:

• Roman Amphitheatre: Once home to an impressive 10,000 spectators watching live gladiator games in Cagliari. The amphitheatre has been in and out of renovation but will open fully in 2025 with a brand-new events schedule.
• Castello District: The oldest part of the city, ideal for wandering and exploring the cobbled streets. Must-see attractions include the Elephant Tower and San Pancrazio Tower.
• National Archaeological Museum: Over 4000 artefacts on display, spanning thousands of years. Information is provided in English as well as Italian, and thankfully air-conditioned (providing a welcome relief in the middle of summer!).
• Bastione di Saint Remy: The perfect sunset-selfie spot, with beautiful sweeping views over Cagliari.
• Cagliari Cathedral of Santa Maria: A striking cathedral from the 13th century featuring Baroque & Gothic architecture.
• Tuvixeddu Necropolis: Meaning “little cavity” in Sardinia, this fascinating (but slightly creepy…) ancient burial ground is believed to date back to the Neolithic period, with tombs carved into limestone rock.
• Royal Palace: Once the home of Spanish and Aragonese rulers, the palace offers a glimpse into Sardinia’s past.

Planning your visit but not sure which neighborhood to stay in? Find out what is the best part of Cagliari to stay in for all travellers.

2. The Incredible Beaches

Sometimes a holiday doesn’t feel complete without a visit to the seaside. Luckily, there are several beaches in and around Cagliari to help you scratch this itch. If you happen to be visiting in winter these beaches are wonderful for a sunny and restoring winter stroll. Poetto Beach – “The City Beach” Cagliari’s most well-known and closest beach is Poetto. This giant beach is just 5 km from the city centre, making it super-easy to reach during a stay here. Although it probably won’t make the ‘most stunning beaches in Sardinia list’ (a very tough list to make!), Poetto is still a treat for both relaxation and adventure. By day, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming or strolling the lively promenade packed with resorts, bars, hotels, and easy parking. By night, it transforms into a buzzing hub with bars like Il Lido, and Frontemare bringing the aperitivo action.

Poetto is known as Spiaggia dei Centomila (Beach of a Hundred Thousand) for its massive capacity. It’s also one of the longest city beaches in Europe, with only a handful of challengers from Spain and Greece taking the top spot.

If one beach isn’t enough, there are a further two nearby that are worth the trip. Nearby Alternative Beaches:

• Calamosca Beach: Just 4 km from Cagliari, this beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Cala Fighera: A secluded cove about 6 km southeast of Cagliari, perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

3. Delicious Sardinian Food & Drink

Cagliari’s food scene is a feast for the senses, from Fregola Con Arselle (round semolina pasta with clams) to Porceddu (roasted suckling piglet), there are plenty of traditional dishes to try. Of course, all are best paired with local Cannonau or Vermentino wine. For authentic Sardinian food, try Sa Domu Sarda for its cosy charm and local meat dishes, Antica Cagliari for fresh seafood, or Sa Piola for traditional pasta in a colourful setting. For drinking, don’t miss the Marina District’s wine bars like Osteria Paradiso and Sa Binuteca.

One of our favourite restaurants is Framento, an award-winning pizzeria in the heart of the city, known for Sardinian sourdough pizzas with unique toppings like Casizolu cheese.

4. The Lively Nightlife

Sardinia is usually described as slow-paced, relaxed and low-key – but this stereotype doesn’t run true with Cagliari. When sunset falls the evening buzz brings the city to life. Lively areas include beachfront parties at Poetto beach, or the Castello area where rooftop bars such as Libarium and Caffè degli Spiriti provide panoramic sunset views over the city, all the magic ingredients to make your Aperol spritz taste even better. Piazza Yenne and Corso Vittorio Emanuele also offer lively aperitivo spots and late-night gatherings. Music enthusiasts flock to BFlat Jazz Club and Jazzino for live jazz, while Fluid Club and G-Rock cater to fans of electronic music.

5.   Traditional Sardinian Festivals

If you’re lucky and book your visit accordingly then you can witness a whole host of traditional Sardinian festivals, the main ones being:

• Festa di Sant’Efisio (May 1–4): Sardinia’s largest and most well-known procession honours Saint Efisio with women and men from all over Sardinia wearing traditional costumes, with “launeddas” music (a type of Sardinian flute) to accompany them. The route spans 80 km from Cagliari to Nora, commemorating the saint’s role in ending a 17th-century plague.
• Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate (January): Bonfires light up the beaches as locals burn old wood for purification and enjoy traditional bread and wine.
• Carnival of Cagliari (February): Floats, masquerades, and a symbolic bonfire of a puppet mark this colourful, lively pre-Lent celebration.
• Festa di San Gregorio Magno (March): Religious ceremonies honour Pope Gregory I at his dedicated church.

6.  Panoramic Views

Caution: Cagliari is steep. The city was built on top of seven hills, which makes for a rewarding (or “challenging”) hike. Apart from the exercise benefits, trekkers will be rewarded with incredible panoramic views over the city. Castello is the obvious choice for views – make your way to the Saint Mary Cathedral Bell Tower and Bastione di Saint Remy for panoramic city and sea views down below. Less obvious are the Castello di San Michele, a 12th-century gem, or hike the Sella del Diavolo, a huge limestone hill overlooking Poetto beach, for stunning coastal views and flamingo sightings. For more sunset magic, head to Colle di Bonaria or the towering San Pancrazio. Even spots like the Roman Amphitheatre and Giardini Pubblici pair ancient history with striking skylines.

7.  Seaside Adventures & Water Sports

If you’re chasing a holiday adrenaline rush, you can try your hand at kite surfing – a popular activity at Poetto Beach, as well as scuba diving, waterskiing and wakeboarding. If you prefer to take things a little bit gentler – kayaking, snorkelling as well as private boat tours for dolphin watching are all available.

8.  Wildlife Spotting

Molentargius Park, a recognised Ramsar site (internationally protected wetland) and a regional park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This 1600 hectare nature reserve was once a salt production hub, but today is home to over 230 species of birds. The most famous celeb is the iconic pink flamingo, but you can also expect to see herons, black-winged stilts and many more.

9.   Day Trips to Nearby Gems

• Nora: Just 20 minutes from Cagliari, this ancient city features Roman ruins, including an amphitheatre, mosaics, and temples.
• Villasimius & Costa Rei: An hour’s drive away, these two areas offer beach paradise with some of the best beaches you can find in the South.
• Su Nuraxi di Barumini: A UNESCO World Heritage site, about an hour from Cagliari, showcasing a prehistoric nuraghe and the nearby Giara Plateau, home to unique wildlife like the Giara horses.

FAQS

When is the Best Time to Visit Cagliari?

The summer months offer reliably hot & sunny weather which is great for beach excursions – but also the busiest moment. We’d recommend avoiding Cagliari in July & August as the heat can be too stifling in the city. Spring and Autumn are excellent times to visit as the prices are more affordable, temperatures are warm but not too hot and there are fewer tourists. There are also good chances to witness one of the local festivals.

Where To Stay in Cagliari?

Discover our favourite B&Bs in Cagliari for an expert guide to the best bed and breakfasts for all travellers.

How Long Should You Spend in Cagliari?

2-3 days is a good amount to see everything as the city is relatively small. It’s also a great destination for a weekend trip.

Is Cagliari Safe?

Cagliari is generally considered to be a safe city. However, as with all cities, there are elements of petty crime such as pickpocketing to be aware of. Exercise caution with your personal belongings and stay in well-lit areas, especially after dark.

Is Cagliari Expensive?

Cagliari is less expensive compared to other major European cities (Rome, Madrid, Barcelona). It is also less expensive than other areas of Sardinia such as Olbia, where luxury accommodation is more commonly found. Cagliari offers range of accommodation from budget bed and breakfasts, to mid and luxury hotels are available, and eating out can range from 15 to 50 euros for two. Thank you for reading, we hope this article has inspired you to visit Sardinia and why Cagliari is worth visiting. For more guides, travel inspirations and how to make the most of your trip to Sardinia be sure to join our mailing list below.