Cagliari is a relatively small Italian city. It is located in the middle of a cozy and picturesque valley on the south coast of Sardinia. For all its compactness, it is Cagliari that is the administrative center of the island of Sardinia. The complicated and very colorful history of the city, rooted in antiquity, has left us a rich cultural heritage. Thanks to Cagliari, Italy received another powerful point of attraction for tourists from all over the world.
How to get to the capital of Sardinia Cagliari
If you intend to visit Cagliari, you first need to get to the island itself. The fastest and shortest route is through the air. So you can immediately find yourself almost in the suburbs of Cagliari - Elmas International Airport is only 7 km from the city center.
Elmas serves flights from dozens of low cost airlines. True, there are no direct scheduled flights from Russia and Ukraine to Cagliari Airport. You will have to make one change, for example, at the Rome Fiumicino airport.
You can select the most suitable flight options in time and price in the form below.
In addition to the Elmas airport near Cagliari, there are other airports on the island of Sardinia. So you can fly to Olbia or Alghero, and then get to Cagliari by land - by train or bus. The main railway and bus station of Cagliari are located on Piazza Giacomo Matteotti. All public traffic from all directions of the island flows here.
The cost of tickets can be very different and not depend only on mileage. So, for example, a three-hour trip to Iglesias will cost 2-3 euros, while a half-way by bus to Oristano will cost 6-9 euros.
Elmas Airport is 7 km from Cagliari
Developed in Sardinia and rail. You can find out the flight schedule and ticket prices, as well as book tickets for the desired flight on the Omio.ru website.
Another way to get to Cagliari is by ferry. Night liners from Civitavecchia, Naples, as well as from the neighboring island of Sicily, ply the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the southern coast of Sardinia. The message is irregular. The schedule and cost of tickets are best found on the official website of the carrier
And finally, if you are traveling with your own or rented car, you can get to Cagliari in Sardinia via the SS131 Carlo Felice motorway via Sassari and Oristano or by the SS130 highway via Iglesias.
Where to stay in Cagliari
Accommodation options in Cagliari - a lot. From inexpensive guesthouses to luxury apartments and hotels of varying degrees of stardom. Prices for rooms in guesthouses start from 35 euros per night (2018). The minimum prices for rooms in 3-star hotels are on average twice as high - from 65 euros per night. In the "budget" price segment, the advantages of hotels over guest houses are quite blurred, and often a good guesthouse can give odds on the comfort and options of a more expensive hotel.
In any case, there is plenty to choose from. A flexible filter system and guest reviews will help you create your own view and make an informed choice. To find the best accommodation in Cagliari, just follow the link below.
Sightseeing in Cagliari
Like many other cities and towns of Italy, Cagliari is literally awash with ancient monuments. Starting from the times of Ancient Rome, almost every era left something in the city. And now, traveling around the country, you can enjoy all these priceless artifacts.
Cathedral
Cathedral of St. Mary is a real decoration of the capital of Sardinia Cagliari. This is a kind of architectural center that sets the mood for the rest of the ensemble of buildings and structures, and a very serious pilgrimage center. It is here that the priceless Christian relic is located - thorns from the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ.
Cathedral of St. Mary to Cagliari
It all started with the old fortress and the small church of St. Mary on its territory. Since then, the citadel has expanded and rebuilt many times, and a small church, received in the XIII century. The status of the cathedral has grown into that magnificent structure, which now rises above the historical center of the city.
Roman amphitheater
Despite the venerable age (about 2 thousand years), the distinctive “seal” of the great Roman Empire — the amphitheater — has been well preserved in Cagliari to this day. Its area is very impressive - about 6 thousand square meters. meters.
In the time of Ancient Rome, all the spectacular events typical of those times were held here - sports, gladiatorial fights, public executions. Nowadays, the Cagliari amphitheater is also quite successfully fulfilling its direct function, though without bloodshed - in the summer season concerts, theater and other cultural events are held here.
Spectacular performances take place on the stage of the Roman Amphitheater to this day.
Archaeological Museum
Museum lovers will not be indifferent to a trip to the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari. This museum, located on Arsenalnaya Square, is considered the largest historical museum in Sardinia. The most interesting thing in the exposition is a collection of bronzetti - unique for the island figures of the Nurag era, which tell about the life and life of the ancient peoples of Sardinia.
Torre del Elephante Tower
Like other cities of the Middle Ages in Italy, Cagliari acquired its fortified city walls with towers.
Of particular interest in the fortress is the tower of Torre del Elephante ("Elephant Tower"), which you certainly need to climb. The tower got its name thanks to the sculpture of an elephant, located on one of the walls at a height of 10 meters.
The tower got its name thanks to the inconspicuous figure of an elephant on the facade
This tower, as well as two others - Torre di San Pankrazio and Torre del Aquila - was built by architect Giovanni Capula as part of the defensive complex of the city. In those days, Cagliari was part of the Leaning Republic of Pisa and he was very annoyed by the Genoese and Saracen pirates.
Bastion of San Remy
Another unusually striking architectural landmark of Cagliari in Italy is the Bastion of San Remy. It would seem that special? Any significant historical events are practically not connected with this building - it was not the center of historical battles, it did not store any relics, local legends were not connected with it.
The observation deck is located on the bastion of San Remy
It attracts the bastion thanks to the observation deck, which offers magnificent views of the lower city, garden and coast. In the warmer months, a cozy café with excellent cuisine and live music is right on the terrace.
Molentargus Park
Not only Italian Cagliari is famous for its history. Amazing nature - this is another value of the area in which the city is located. And the place of the densest concentration of natural beauties is the Molentargius Regional Nature Park.
In the Molentargus park there are bodies of water with both salt and fresh water
There are lakes with both salt and fresh water, which makes the park’s ecosystem extremely dynamic. You can come to the park at any time of the year and find something new and beautiful every time.
Botanical Garden
Continuing the theme of wildlife, one cannot but mention the Botanical Garden at the University. This green oasis was opened in 1866 thanks to the efforts of university students and faculty. At the moment, over 2 thousand species of plants, including exotic ones, grow here. Also on the territory there is an unusual herbarium museum, which contains about 50 thousand of all kinds of dried samples that once grew on the territory of the Botanical Garden.
Embankment and Marina area
Cagliari would not have been a port city without a promenade equipped for walking. It is located in the historical district of Marina di Cagliari, where the houses of the local port workers have long been located.
Marina di Cagliari is considered the oldest in the city
Now the old houses are occupied by trendy shops, cozy cafes and restaurants where you can not only have a good time, but also enjoy the stunning sunset.
Cuisine and restaurants
From sights we will return to daily affairs. Visiting Cagliari and not tasting real Sardinian cuisine is a crime. Moreover, you can find it both in the center and on the promenade. Seafood is especially popular here. Local delicacies include shellfish (cocciula), which are traditionally served with couscous, spaghetti or stuffed with garlic and olive oil.
Other popular fish dishes are sa cassola - fish soup with tuna and mullet caviar, campidanese - lobster with sauce and scabbecciu - fried fish in a spicy sauce.
Seafood can always be found on the table in Cagliari and in Sardinia as a whole
In addition to seafood, in the local menu you can also find spaghetti, which is traditionally served with tomatoes and grated bread, malloreddus - Sardinian dumplings or impanadas - a dish of vegetables stuffed with minced meat.
Speaking of meat, it is not difficult to find it in Cagliari. In any local restaurant, meat-eaters will be offered to try lamb stew or the famous “porceddu” roast pig.
Well, for dessert, pardulas - sweetness with cheese, seadas - fried ravioli with honey and raisins or pabassinas - crispy cookies with raisins are suitable.
Drinking all this abundance is most appropriate with a glass of local good wine. Fortunately, there will be no problems with Cagliari.
Beach vacation
And finally, it is worth remembering that Cagliari in Italy, it is also a wonderful seaside resort. Poetto beach is considered the most favorite among vacationers.
Sandy beach Il Poetto - a popular holiday destination in Cagliari
Other nearby beaches of the same level are Chia and Villasimius, but they will need to be reached already - they are several tens of kilometers from Cagliari south-west and east.
