Castello - the heart of the old town
The historic centre of Cagliari, the Castello district, is perched on top of a hill and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the harbour. the narrow streets lined with old stone houses give you a medieval atmosphere, shaded by thethe imposing towers of Torre dell'Elefante and Torre di San Pancrazio are a reminder of the times when the city had to face invaders. The 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria dominates the district, housing a richly decorated interior and royal tombs.
Bastione di Saint Remy - terrace with a view
One of the most iconic sites in the city is the Bastione di Saint Remy, a magnificent terraced structure with a grand staircase and arcades. From its viewing platform, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole of Cagliari, its neighbourhoods and the azure sea. An evening stroll on this terrace is an unforgettable experience.
Roman heritage and a museum full of treasures
Cagliari also has a rich ancient heritage. Near the centre is a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre carved into the rock where gladiatorial matches were once held. History lovers should not miss the National Archaeological Museum, which displays artefacts of the Nuragic civilisation - a mysterious ancient people who inhabited Sardinia thousands of years ago.
Beaches at your fingertips
When you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, just head to one of the nearby beaches. The most famous is Poetto, an eight-kilometre-long sandy beach with clear waters and a promenade full of restaurants and bars. Those looking for quieter spots can head to the Cala Mosca area or the cliffs of Sella del Diavolo, where the sea views are spectacular.
Gastronomy - Tastes of Sardinia
Cagliari is a foodie's paradise. The local cuisine offers fresh seafood, traditional Sardinian fregola paste or delicious lamb and porceddo suckling pig. At markets such as the Mercato di San Benedetto, you can enjoy fresh pecorino cheese, dried bottarga or sweet seadas stuffed with cheese and drizzled with honey.
