CAGLIARI – JUST ONE DAY, TO BEGIN WITH
One day to be captivated by Cagliari, to stroll through its cobbled historic districts, admire its Nuraghic-age findings, taste local specialties, absorb splendid views, dip your toes in the surf, have a close encounter with stately flamingos and watch the sunset as you sip a drink at a café on the bastions. Treat it as a taster, it will tempt you to come back.
DISCOVER THE CITY IN 24 HOURS
AN ESSENTIAL PATH THROUGH HISTORY, CUISINE, NATURE AND CITY LIFE
Morning
Via Roma, largo Carlo Felice and piazza Yenne. The porticoes of Via Roma, Largo Carlo Felice and Piazza Yenne are home to the historic cafés, where you can sit at an outside table. Enjoy your perfectly prepared espresso or cappuccino, matched by sweet or salty pastries, a local rite.
Castello: the fortified disctrict and its views. Built on a hill this quarter in the Middle Ages was home to the city’s noblesse and rulers: the Pisans, the Aragonese and the Spanish. It is still overlooked by two Pisan towers. The portals are adorned by sculpted coats of arms. From its ramparts, the view spans the city and the sea beyond it.
Three historic attractions. Castello has a host of monuments. Following are three highlights: Castello molti luoghi meritano una visita. Ecco tre possibilità fra cui scegliere: The Archaeological Museum, located in the Cittadella dei Musei, has a unique collection of findings from the Nuraghic civilisation, and from the Carthaginian and Roman periods. The Cathedral of Santa Maria, built by the Pisans and then modified over the centuries, takes you through the history of Cagliari. It has precious Pisan sculptures, Aragonese chapels and the great Crypt of the Martyrs.
The Palazzo di Città across from the Cathedral was the seat of the City’s government from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century, and is now an exhibition and cultural centre.
Lunch on the beach or in town?
With the city buses in just a few minutes you can reach Poetto beach, which is lined with bars and eateries If you’d rather stay in town, head for the Marina quarter: it is a foodie paradise, with plenty of trattorias, restaurants and snack bars to choose from. Some of the city’s best chefs are based here.
Afternoon
The flamingos and the saltpans. To get a close view of the flamingos, herons and cormorants, hop on a bus to Poetto beach. Get off at the Ospedale Marino stop, and enter the Molentargius Regional Park. Don’t forget your camera: the hues and reflections of the salt ponds are a photographer’s dream.
Evening
Via Manno and Via Garibaldi: the shopping promenades. Sotto il Bastione di Saint Remy, due vie pedonali che riuniscono molti dei negozi più alla moda, perfette per passeggiare e per chi ama lo shopping.
Aperitif, dinner and after dinner
The bastions. Once fortified, now the Bastione di Saint Remy is a vast panoramic belvedere adorned by trees and palms and the Bastione di Santa Croce is a charming promenade lined with chic restaurants, wine bars and cafés offering a far-reaching view over the roofs. Two perfect places for a relaxed chat and drink, before or after dinner.
Dinner
Below Castello, Stampace has retained the city’s most authentic feel, while Marina is a vibrant multiethnic quarter. In their narrow, stone-paved streets both trendy restaurants and traditional trattorias offer outdoor dining. You’re spoiled for choice.
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Book one of the Scopri Cagliari-e-bike tours itineraries.
Are you planning a trip to Cagliari?
Book a room in the Bed & Breakfast A View on Cagliari.