Tour
4,5 km
1h50
17 audios
Text version
As you step onto this rugged Mediterranean island, chances are you’re picturing sun-drenched beaches, delicious local food, or scenic hiking trails with jaw-dropping views. But beyond the holiday vibes, Sardinia’s also rich in culture and history, and nowhere shows that better than Cagliari. Perched high on the hills, with sweeping views of the sea, this ancient walled city is more than just another stop in Italy. With its prime location at the crossroads of Europe’s trade routes, Cagliari has always caught the eye of powerful empires. Each one left its mark, leaving behind a turbulent and fascinating past. Let’s wander through its picturesque streets, admire its medieval gates, take in the views from its stunning panoramic terraces, and stroll along the lively harbour, where the city’s spirit really comes alive. This 5 kilometre tour takes you through three of Cagliari’s most iconic neighbourhoods, the colourful Marina, the lively Villanova district, and the historic hilltop quarter of Castello. It’s a journey full of stories, sights, and irresistible Mediterranean magic.
The beautiful Palazzo Bacaredda on the corner is Cagliari’s new City Hall. The municipal offices were located in a palace on Piazza Palazzo until the late 19th century. In 1896, the decision was made to build a new seat of government facing the port. Read more
Via Roma, with its elegant Liberty-style arcades lined with cafés and shops, runs along Cagliari’s marina. It’s one of the city’s main arteries, and a favourite spot among locals, especially in the early evening. This is where people come for the passeggiata, the traditional Italian stroll, when everyone, stylishly dressed, heads out to walk and unwind at the end of the day. Read more
You’ve arrived on Via Garibaldi, a lively street in the Villanova district. As the name suggests, you're now in the “new town,” and the architecture around you is a far cry from the medieval heart of Castello. Read more
You’re now standing in Piazza San Giacomo, facing the church of the same name. To its right are the Oratories of the Souls and the Oratory of the Santissimo Crocifisso. The latter is home to the Archconfraternity of the Holy Crucifix, which plays a central role in many of the religious rites that take place in Cagliari during Holy Week. Read more
This grand staircase, topped by a triumphal arch, is one of Cagliari’s most iconic and striking landmarks. It’s called the Bastion of Saint Remy, named after the Baron of San Remy, who served twice as Piedmontese Viceroy of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Read more
Once you reach the top of the bastion, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. You can see Regina Margherita Avenue winding down towards the port, as well as the rooftops of the Villanova district, with the salt ponds and Mount Urpinu in the background Read more
See that little elephant carved into the façade in front of you? It gives its name to the medieval tower it decorates, the Torre dell’Elefante. It was built in 1307, when Sardinia was under the rule of the Republic of Pisa, and the elephant was one of Pisa’s symbols. Read more
The old city walls, built by the Pisans in the 13th century, once enclosed what was the administrative heart of Cagliari. Today, those same ramparts offer beautiful terraces and stunning views over the surrounding areas. Read more
As you arrive at Independence Square, you’ll see the Torre di San Pancrazio to the right of the gate. It’s the tallest tower in Cagliari and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Read more
The beautiful gate in front of you is called Porta Cristina. It was built in 1825 by Carlo Boyl, who drew inspiration from Porta Angelica in Rome. The gate was named in honour of Queen Maria Cristina of Bourbon, wife of King Charles Felix of Savoy, who was King of Sardinia at the time. Read more
If there’s one thing Cagliari has in abundance, it’s breathtaking viewpoints. That’s the magic of a city built on a hill. From here, at Piazza Palazzo, you have a clear view over Villanova, one of the city’s four historic districts, dating back to the 12th century. Read more
The cathedral of Cagliari is quite the beauty. Its unique style comes from the many transformations it went through over the centuries. Read more
You’re now in front of the Royal Palace, also known as the Palazzo Regio. This building dates back to the 14th century, when Cagliari was under the control of the Crown of Aragon. Read more
On the right-hand side of the square, you’ll notice a small, square-shaped building with a pink façade. This is the former Palazzo di Città, Cagliari’s original town hall. It served as the seat of the city’s government from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Read more
Just a quick word about the Municipal Auditorium. Yes, it really is a church… or at least, it used to be. This was once the Church of Santa Teresa, built in the 17th century by the Jesuits. In 1848, the church and the adjoining college became state property. Read more
The beautiful church in front of you is the Collegiate Church of Santa Anna. It’s the main parish church in the Stampace district, and a fine example of Piedmontese Baroque style, with its twin bell towers and the grand staircase leading up to it. Read more
The pink building to your left is Cagliari’s Teatro Civico, or Civic Theatre. Built to replace an earlier wooden theatre, it was commissioned by the Marquis Zapata de las Plassas, who wanted to add a theatre to his palace. Read more
Discover Cagliari with app
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The National Archaeological Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the mysterious Nuragic civilisation, unique to Sardinia. It’s a true paradise for history lovers and the main attraction among the four museums that make up the Cittadella dei Musei.
One of Cagliari’s most iconic sights is its incredible Roman amphitheatre, the city’s best-preserved Roman relic. Though modest in size, it once boasted an impressive height with over twenty rows of seating. Today, it hosts open-air performances throughout the summer, so if you’re curious, check the schedule and catch a show under the stars. Just nearby is the Capuchin convent church, which houses the mummified remains of Saint Ignatius of Laconi.
If you’re after a moment of calm in the city, Cagliari’s Botanical Gardens are among the most renowned in Italy. With over 2,000 plant species, they’re a paradise for amateur botanists.
If you’re after even more nature, head to Monte Urpinu Park. Just 20 minutes from the city centre, this peaceful, secluded spot offers breathtaking panoramic views over Cagliari and the distant sea.
When exploring a city, nothing beats discovering its gastronomy. Food speaks volumes about a population’s lifestyle, customs, and traditions. In Italy, you’re always in for a treat, and Cagliari has plenty of mouth-watering specialities! The best place to start is the
If you’ve come all the way to Sardinia, chances are you’re planning a beach visit. The main beach is Poetto Beach, stretching an impressive 7 kilometres. It’s lively, family-friendly, and full of beach bars, loungers, vendors, and water sports. If you’re craving peace and quiet, keep walking along the beach until you find a calmer patch. If you walk all the way to the end, towards the Sella del Diavolo headland, you’ll reach a rocky cape offering stunning views of the bay. For more secluded beaches, head towards Villasimius and Capo Carbonara, about an hour from Cagliari. Villasimius is known for some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, like Spiaggia Simius and Spiaggia di Porto Giunco. If you’re into hiking and discovering hidden coves, Capo Carbonara is your best bet.
Between Poetto Beach and Monte Urpinu lies the Molentargius–Saline Regional Park, a protected 1,600-hectare oasis of lagoons, salt marshes, and pink flamingos. With over 230 bird species, it’s one of the most beautiful and unique nature parks in Sardinia. You can even get there by bike, by taking one of the numerous cycle paths starting from Cagliari.
An hour’s drive from Cagliari takes you to Sardinia’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, called Su Nuraxi. The nuraghi are cone-shaped stone towers typical of Sardinia, and Su Nuraxi is the best-preserved and most impressive of them all. Discovered in 1950, the site includes a small Nuragic village of about 50 houses built around a tower. If you head towards Villanovafranca, about 50 kilometres north of Cagliari, you’ll come across Su Mulinu, another fascinating site. Archaeologists there discovered a treasure trove of gold and silver jewellery, amber, rock crystal, and over a hundred terracotta oil lamps, believed to be offerings to the light. The artefacts are now preserved in the local museum, which is well worth a visit
Experience the adventure in Cagliari: quad biking in Chia, exploring the Conti Vecchio salt flats by train, and a boat tour with unforgettable swimming stops
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It’s impossible to leave Sardinia without experiencing a water activity. During this adventure, you’ll have the chance to explore the bays of the Devil’s Saddle. Hop on a rigid inflatable boat with a group of 11 and discover the vibrant marine life in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Location: Localita La Spiaggiola Sant’Elia 3, 09126 Cagliari
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We recommend exploring the city on foot to fully enjoy its historic district and narrow streets, as well as the city center with its shopping streets and bustling port.
Public buses are also a convenient option, as the city is well connected and fares are very affordable. You can also rent a car or a bike, though the city center can be challenging to navigate during busy periods, with traffic often heavy.
The best way is to follow the walking tour suggested in our Navaway app. This will give you a complete overview of the city and its main monuments and points of interest. The route is complemented by audio guides that provide rich historical, cultural, and fun insights. It’s the perfect way to discover this beautiful city while being guided, without wasting time figuring out what’s unmissable—we’ve taken care of everything for you!
Start your stroll in the Marina and Villanova districts. These central neighborhoods are home to Cagliari’s must-see sights, such as the Santa Rosalia Church, the Palazzo Civico housing the city hall, and the Palazzata. Here, you’ll find shops, bars, and restaurants, giving you a vibrant taste of Sardinia’s capital, both by day and night.
If you have some time and enjoy walking, head to the Castello district, perched on a hill with stunning views of the sea and surrounding areas. The medieval Castello neighborhood is a must-visit, surrounded by impressive walls. Highlights include the Santa Maria Cathedral, the Bastion of Saint Remy, and the towers of San Pancrazio and Dell’Elefante. Here you’ll explore the historic heart of the city, offering a different side of Cagliari beyond its lively, touristy image.
Beyond its historic and lively neighborhoods, we recommend strolling along the beach to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sardinian coastline. Poetto Beach is easily accessible from the Marina via public buses.
You can also explore Cagliari’s underground passages for a unique experience uncovering a mysterious world. Here, you’ll discover tunnels, crypts, and historic remains—hidden treasures of the city not to be missed if you have the time during your urban adventure!
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is located in the south of the island. It’s known for its sunny weather and pleasant climate year-round, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The city boasts a remarkable historical heritage, featuring remnants from multiple civilizations, making it a delight for history enthusiasts. Others will be drawn to its lively atmosphere and beautiful beaches.
A few days in Cagliari allow you to combine cultural discoveries, Italian gastronomy, relaxation or water activities at the beach, strolls through shopping districts, vibrant nightlife, and even nature hikes just outside the city for the more active. The natural beauty of Cagliari and its surroundings offers a refreshing escape that has become easily accessible thanks to European low-cost airlines serving Cagliari Airport.
Evenings are the perfect time to discover Sardinian cuisine at one of the city’s many restaurants. The Marina district is particularly popular for leisurely late afternoons, where you can stroll around before enjoying a delicious meal.
If you enjoy lively nightlife, stay in the Marina area to explore music bars serving tasty cocktails. You’ll also find bustling bars and restaurants in the historic Castello district. Poetto Beach is worth a visit too, with its seaside bars offering a relaxed coastal vibe.
For those seeking a quieter evening, Cagliari’s theater regularly hosts concerts and operas, providing a more cultural night out. And for the same crowd, a peaceful evening on the beach, listening to the sounds of nature, is a wonderful way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
If you don’t mind a bit of climbing, we highly recommend finding some height to admire a sunset in Cagliari! The city walls of the Castello district offer stunning views over the rooftops, the port, and the sea, with the setting sun as a perfect backdrop. You can also head to the terrace on Via Santa Croce, accessible through the charming narrow streets from the Basilica of Santa Croce.
Cagliari, built on seven hills, offers plenty of vantage points, so you can enjoy a different sunset view each evening. It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories and capture beautiful photos!
As mentioned earlier, we recommend exploring Cagliari on foot to fully appreciate its historic streets and to climb up for the best cultural sights. But if you prefer not to walk too much, public buses are a convenient option, especially if you want to relax at the beach.
We don’t recommend driving, as parking can be limited and traffic is often heavy, particularly during the summer months.
The most famous and popular beach in Cagliari is Poetto Beach, stretching for several kilometers with its white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s accessible by bus from Cagliari and is one of the longest beaches on the island—perfect for swimming, relaxing, and water sports if that’s what you’re looking for. Being close to the Sardinian capital, it can get quite busy. For a quieter spot, head outside the city to Calamosca Beach, where you can enjoy snorkeling and admire the underwater scenery.
You can also take a boat trip in the Gulf of Angels or venture out to the eastern beaches near Villasimius, or western beaches like Santa Margherita di Pula or Chia. Sardinia’s beaches are stunning, so be sure to explore a few during your stay in Cagliari!
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