Photo: Eduard Marmet · CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cagliari
A walled hilltop old town, a city beach and pink flamingos.
Sardinia's capital: a hilltop old quarter of limestone walls and bastions above the port, Sardinia's ancient bronze figures, a long city beach and pink flamingos on the lagoons at the edge of town. Relaxed, warm and good value. Reached by overnight ferry or a short flight.
Places to see
- Bastion of Saint RemyViewpoint · A grand stone terrace and staircase on the old city walls, with a view over the rooftops,…Free
National Archaeological MuseumMuseum · Sardinia's best collection of its ancient past: the little bronze warriors, archers and…≈ A$16
Cagliari CathedralChurch · The cathedral at the top of the Castello quarter, with a Pisan-style striped front and a…Free
When to go
- Jan14° / 7°Some rainQuiet
- Feb15° / 7°Some rainQuiet
- Mar17° / 8°Some rainQuiet
- Apr19° / 10°Some rainBusy
- May23° / 14°Mostly dryBusy
- Jun28° / 18°Mostly dryBusy
- Jul31° / 21°Mostly dryVery busy
- Aug31° / 22°Mostly dryVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Castello. The walled hilltop quarter with the cathedral and museums.
Marina. The old port quarter below, full of trattorie; the easy base.
Poetto. The long city beach and its headland.
Flying in
Cagliari Elmas (CAG): Train to Cagliari station, about 10 min, ≈ A$3.
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Cagliari; check times and fares before you fly.
By ferry
Cagliari is reached by ferry from Civitavecchia port. Overnight ferries from Civitavecchia (near Rome) and Naples to Cagliari, about 13–15 h; flying into Sardinia is often quicker and as cheap (check)
Getting around
Mostly on foot. A single ticket is ≈ A$2. The centre is walkable but hilly; lifts climb to the Castello quarter. CTM buses cost about €1.30 (check), including to the Poetto.
Tourist tax
Cagliari's tourist tax: usually about €1–2.5 a person a night, for the first nights; under-14s don't pay. Paid at check-in (check).
