Glimpses of historic districts with sea views, shopping streets, and panoramic terraces—including the inimitable Saint Cross Bastion, where you can spend romantic evenings after fiery sunsets.

Cagliari is the main and most populous city on the island, at the heart of a metropolitan area of 430,000 inhabitants (over 150,000 in the capital alone). It serves as the gateway to Sardinia and a major Mediterranean cruise hub. Within its four historic districts, it preserves millennia of history ranging from prehistory to the Savoy government.

The Historic Districts

Castello: Perched on the highest hill, it is characterized by ancient bastions—now lively terraces for nightlife—and picturesque narrow streets lined with noble residences like Royal Palace and Palace of the City, as well as the Cathedral of Saint Mary. The medieval entrance towers, the Elephant Tower and Saint Pancras Tower, are particularly fascinating.

Villanova: Connected to Castello by the steps of the Saint Remy Bastion. Every year during Holy Week, the neighborhood is filled with passionate devotion; throughout the rest of the year, it welcomes you with elegant boutiques and treasures like the Cloister of Saint Dominic, the Church of Saint Saturninus, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria, the premier Christian temple of Sardinia.

Marina: Located at the foot of Castello, this area is famous for its splendid buildings and the porticoes of Rome Street, including the Civic Palace. Originally built for fishermen and merchants, it is now a symbol of a multi-ethnic city. Here you will find the Church of Saint Eulalia, which houses precious Roman ruins.

Stampace: This district comes alive every May 1st for the Feast of Saint Ephisius, an event awaited by the entire island. Among its narrow streets sits the Baroque Church of Saint Anne.

Culture and Nature

Just steps from the historic center, don't miss the Amphitheatre—one of the greatest Roman remains in Sardinia—and the Botanical Garden, a green oasis in the city center. Outside the city core, you can admire Saint Michael’s Castleand Tuvixeddu, the largest Phoenician-Punic necropolis in the Mediterranean (6th–3rd century BC).

For nature lovers, there are endless attractions:

Cagliari Lagoon and Molentargius-Saline Park: Perfect for mountain biking while watching pink flamingos fly by.

Poetto Beach: The city’s eight-kilometer stretch of soft sand, featuring a pedestrian path and bike lane. It is equally stunning at night when its glamorous side emerges.

Calamosca and the Devil’s Saddle: Ideal spots for excursions starting from Poetto.

Local Flavors

Finally, indulge in the local delicacies:

Spaghetti with bottarga (cured fish roe) and artichokes

Burrida: A dish made with small-spotted catshark and walnuts.

Fregula with clams: Small semola pearls served with shellfish.