Cagliari (province) Travel Guide

Explore the historical, cultural, and natural treasures of Cagliari (Province) in Sardinia, Italy, with this comprehensive travel guide, including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Cagliari (Province), Sardinia

Cagliari is the capital city of the autonomous island region of Sardinia in Italy. It is also the largest city on the island. The Cagliari province, which is also known as the Metropolitan City of Cagliari, is located in the southern part of Sardinia and covers an area of 4,470 km².

List of Places to Visit in Cagliari (Province)

With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes, Cagliari province offers a range of attractions for travelers to explore. Here are some of the top places to visit in Cagliari province:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari
  • Cagliari Cathedral
  • Bastione Saint Remy
  • San Benedetto Market
  • Sardinia International Fair
  • The Roman Amphitheatre
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral

Natural Attractions of Cagliari (Province): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Poetto Beach
  • Molentargius-Saline Regional Park
  • Santa Gilla Lagoon
  • Nora Beach and Archaeological Site
  • Calamosca Beach
  • Monte Urpinu Park
  • Grotte Is Zuddas

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cagliari (Province)

Cagliari province offers excellent and diverse terrain suitable for walking, hiking, and biking. Here are some popular routes:

  • The Salt Pans Way
  • The Red Rocks Trail
  • The Sette Fratelli Trail
  • The Nature Park of Monte Urpinu

Best Things to Do in Cagliari (Province): Activities and Tours

Here are some exciting activities and tours to consider during your visit to Cagliari Province:

  • Sailing to explore the coast
  • Kayaking through the sea and lagoons
  • Join a jeep tour and visit off-road locations
  • Horse riding in the country
  • Visit Carloforte Island
  • Go on a wine tasting tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Cagliari (Province)

Here is an itinerary for a week-long stay in Cagliari Province:

Day Activity
1 Arrival, settling in and walking around Cagliari City
2 Explore the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari and Cagliari Cathedral
3 Visit Molentargius-Saline Regional Park and Santa Gilla Lagoon and go bird watching.
4 Beach Day and Geremeas Beach barbecue
5 Explore the Bastione Saint Remy and San Benedetto Market and try the local street food
6 Join the Red Rocks Trail and have a picnic overlooking the wonderful Sardinian landscape.
7 Participate in a wine tasting tour and visit some of the hidden gems of Cagliari’s mountains.

Food and Drink Scene of Cagliari (Province)

Sardinia is renowned for its centuries-old culinary traditions, such as seafood, roast suckling pig, pecorino cheese, and aromatic herbs. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Cagliari Province.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fregula ai frutti di mare (Seafood with pasta)
  • Sardinian Suckling Pig
  • Malloreddus alla Campidanese (a local pasta dish)
  • Pani frattau (a traditional poor man’s dish made of bread and tomato sauce)

Local Beverages

  • Cannonau wine
  • Mirto, which is made by steeping myrtle berries
  • Filu ‘e Ferru, which is one of the most famous Sardinian brandies

Where to Stay in Cagliari (Province): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cagliari Province offers a variety of accommodation options for every budget. Here are some popular choices:

  • Luxury: Hotel Due Colonne or Regina Margherita Hotel
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Flora or Hotel Miramare
  • Budget: Hostel Marina or B&B Cagliari D’Amare

What to Buy in Cagliari (Province): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Be sure to take home memories from your visit to Cagliari Province by buying some souvenirs or local products. Here are some popular options:

  • Bottarga, which is a mullet roe
  • Sardinian honey
  • Local Art and Craftwork, such as jewelry, pottery, and textiles.
  • Sardinian knives and Ceramics

Local Culture and Customs of Cagliari (Province)

Sardinia’s people have a strong regional identity and are proud of their history and culture. Sardinia has its unique language and customs, and you can expect to see vibrant festivals being celebrated throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Cagliari (Province)

The best time to visit Cagliari Province is spring (April to June), and autumn (September to November). During these months, the temperatures are mild, and there is less crowd.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cagliari (Province)

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you navigate the customs and etiquette in Cagliari Province:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Carry cash as not all places accept credit cards

Don’t:

  • Wear beachwear on the streets
  • Ignore the non-smoking areas
  • Take pictures of local people without permission

Safety and Health

Here some tips for staying safe and healthy during your stay in Cagliari Province.

Safety in Cagliari (Province)

Cagliari is a safe city, but it’s still important to take necessary precautions to stay safe. Here are some tips:

  • Carry your belongings safely and avoid walking alone in isolated areas
  • Watch your drink, and never leave it unattended in bars or clubs
  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded places

Health in Cagliari (Province)

Sardinia is in a malaria-free zone, and there are no health risks to worry about as long as you take the standard precautions. Always carry health insurance when traveling.

Getting to Cagliari (Province): Transportation Options and Logistics

Cagliari is well-connected, and there are various transportation options available to reach the province:

Airports Near Cagliari (Province)

Cagliari has an International Airport known as Cagliari Elmas Airport. You can easily find flights to Cagliari from major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Cagliari (Province)

The bus network is extensive throughout Sardinia, and you can easily find buses from central Cagliari to other parts of the island.

Other Options

You can also reach Cagliari by ferry from other Italian cities such as Genoa, Livorno, Naples, and Palermo.

How to Get Around in Cagliari (Province)

Cagliari is an excellent walking city, and walking is one of the best ways to explore the city center. For exploring further areas, you can rent a car and drive or take a bus.

Where to Go Next from Cagliari (Province): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some exciting nearby destinations and excursions from Cagliari Province:

  • Visit the medieval town of Castello
  • Explore the scenic town of Pula
  • Visit the beach at Chia
  • Spend some time in Villasimius and visit the beaches of Costa Rei.
  • Explore San Sperate, the colorful village known as “the village of the murals.”

Conclusion

Cagliari Province is a destination that will delight you with its rich history, fascinating culture, and stunning landscapes. It’s a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurous travelers exploring Italy. With this comprehensive travel guide, you have all the information you need to plan and enjoy your visit to this remarkable destination.



    Cagliari