Discover the Best Things to Do in Cagliari Italy

Looking for the best things to do in Cagliari? This sun-soaked Sardinian capital blends historic charm, sea views, and unbeatable food into one laid-back city. Perched on the island’s southern coast, Cagliari is where you can wander Roman ruins, sip espresso in golden piazzas, and dive into fresh seafood by the port, all in a single afternoon. But there’s more: just outside the city, you’ll find some of the top wine tasting and wineries in Sardinia, making it a must for wine lovers exploring the region. From flamingo-filled salt flats to hilltop castles and local vineyards, Cagliari offers a slice of everything that makes Sardinia unforgettable.

What are the best things to do in Cagliari?

Wander through the historic Castello District

Castello is where Cagliari’s layered past comes into full view, literally. Sitting high above the city, this historic district is wrapped in pale limestone walls and crisscrossed with tight alleys and archways. It’s the kind of place where you walk past crumbling bastions, stop for a photo over the rooftops, and then duck into a quiet piazza for a glass of local Cannonau. From noble palazzos to Gothic churches and art museums, Castello hits that perfect balance of grit and elegance.

Visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria

Right in the heart of Cagliari’s old town, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria catches your eye with its bold Pisan-Romanesque front and surprises you inside with full-on Baroque drama. Built in the 13th century and reshaped over time, it’s a place where Sardinian history and Catholic tradition collide in style. Don’t miss the Sanctuary of the Martyrs, packed with relics, or the underground crypt that feels part sacred, part cinematic.

Hike to the Sella del Diavolo

For one of the best views in southern Sardinia, lace up your shoes and hike up to the Sella del Diavolo, the “Devil’s Saddle.” Just above Poetto Beach, this rocky headland offers sweeping views over the Gulf of Cagliari and a trail lined with Mediterranean scrub, wildflowers, and old military outposts. It’s an easy climb with a big payoff, perfect for a morning adventure or sunset stroll.

Relax on the white sands of Poetto Beach

Poetto Beach is where Cagliari comes to play. Stretching for 8 sun-drenched kilometers, this local favorite delivers soft white sand, clear blue water, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat. You’re up for a swim, a kitesurfing session, or just lounging with an aperitivo in hand, Poetto hits the sweet spot.

Discover the Roman Amphitheatre

Carved straight into the hillside, Cagliari’s Roman Amphitheatre dates back to the 2nd century AD and still oozes drama. Imagine the roar of the crowd as gladiators clashed where you now stand. A guided tour is a smart move if you want to dive deeper into the stories behind this stone-built stage of Ancient Rome, because there’s more to it than just ruins and rocks.

Explore the Torre dell’Elefante

The Torre dell’Elefante isn’t just a tower, it’s a time machine with a view. Built in 1307 from local limestone, this medieval giant still watches over Cagliari with pride. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the city and sea, and don’t miss the tiny stone elephant clinging to its side (that’s where the name comes from). Around it, narrow alleys and aged facades create the perfect backdrop for your next best photo.

Admire Bastione Saint Remy

The Bastione Saint Remy is a neoclassical structure built in the late 19th century, connecting the Castello district to the lower parts of the city. Its limestone arches and wide terraces overlook Cagliari and the sea, making it a key urban landmark. The Santa Caterina promenade just below often hosts exhibitions and cultural events, adding a contemporary layer to this historical setting.

Savor and taste at San Benedetto Market

San Benedetto Market is where Cagliari’s food scene wakes up. Packed into two buzzing levels, it’s the largest indoor market in Italy, and a local favorite for everything from freshly caught octopus to wheels of pecorino and jars of spicy bottarga. It’s loud, colorful, delicious, and the best way to dive into Sardinian flavors. Go early, by lunchtime, the shutters are down and the good stuff is long gone.

Walk around the Botanical Garden

Cagliari’s botanical garden is a surprisingly peaceful spot where over 2,000 plant species, from Mediterranean herbs to towering cacti, create a green escape from the city buzz. Themed zones take you through Sardinia’s native flora and faraway landscapes, all in one shady, fragrant stroll. It’s one of the more unexpected things to do in Cagliari, especially if you’re looking to slow down between sightseeing or sneak in some quiet time in nature.

Step into Our Lady of Bonaria

Sitting high on Bonaria Hill, the Basilica di Nostra Signora di Bonaria is one of Cagliari’s most legendary spots. According to local lore, a mysterious crate washed ashore in the 1300s carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary, which now rests inside the church. Step inside to admire centuries-old religious artifacts, panoramic views over the port, and a serene atmosphere that blends faith, history, and Sardinian tradition.

See the sunset from Via Roma

Via Roma is Cagliari’s elegant waterfront strip, lined with palm trees, stately arcades, and stylish cafés. Facing the port and stretching alongside the harbor, it’s the go-to place for a lazy stroll, an afternoon spritz, or a scoop of gelato with a sea breeze in your hair. If you’re planning your trip and wondering about the things to do in Cagliari, this iconic promenade is a must, perfect for soaking up the city’s laid-back charm and snapping postcard-worthy views of the marina.

What are the best things to do around Cagliari?

Visit the Ruins of Nora

Set on Sardinia’s southwest coast, just an hour from Cagliari, the ancient city of Nora is where history meets the sea. Originally founded by the Phoenicians and later expanded by the Romans, this open-air museum features mosaics, Roman baths, and an amphitheater with ocean views that seem straight out of a movie set. As you wander the ruins, it’s easy to imagine life here centuries ago, with waves crashing in the background. And once you’ve soaked up enough history, you’re just minutes away from some of the island’s dreamiest beaches. Culture and beach day? Nora has you covered.

Walk to Sant’Antioco’s historic streets and salt flats

Roughly 1.5 hours from Cagliari, the island of Sant’Antioco blends ancient history with coastal charm. Once a Carthaginian stronghold and later a Roman hub, the village today is dotted with archaeological sites, early Christian basilicas, and a fascinating necropolis carved into volcanic rock. Wander the Museo Archeologico to dive into its layered past, then head to the wetlands where flamingos gather near salt flats. Add in quiet lagoons, pastel-colored houses, and a laid-back harbor vibe, and you’ve got one of Sardinia’s most authentic escapes, part history lesson, part nature retreat.

Plan the ultimate Sardinia itinerary

Crafting the perfect Sardinia itinerary means balancing sun-drenched beaches, ancient history, and unforgettable food and wine. Start in Cagliari, the island’s lively capital, where you can explore Roman ruins, medieval towers, and enjoy wine tasting and wineries in Sardinia’s scenic south. Head west to the archaeological wonder of Nora, or make your way to the dreamy coastline of Chia. Then go north, stop in Oristano for local traditions, then Alghero for Catalan vibes and cliffside sunsets. Cap it off in the northeast with the glam of Costa Smeralda or the wild beauty of La Maddalena. This itinerary lets you dive into the best things to do, from exploring ancient nuraghe to sipping Vermentino by the sea.

Good to know before visiting Cagliari