Cagliari might not always make the top five in most European city break lists—but we believe that needs to change! This hidden gem of southern Sardinia offers everything you love about Italy: amazing food, sunshine and a laid-back atmosphere. And the best part? Some of the most stunning beaches in the world are just a stone’s throw away.

If you don’t want to hire a car, Cagliari is incredibly accessible by public transport—just 25 minutes by train from the airport to the city centre. Fancy a beach day? The iconic 8km-long Poetto Beach is just a short bus ride away. Download the local CTM BusFinder app for easy, fuss-free travel around the city.

For more tips, check out our post: A Local’s Guide to Sardinia. But for now, dive into some of our favourite highlights of this beautifully underrated city.

La Marinella 

Every perfect day in Cagliari starts with sun, sea and coffee. Our favourite spot is La Marinella, cozily laid out on the golden stretch of Poetto, the city’s main beach.

In the off-season (November to May), parking is typically free, making it easy to drop by if you’re driving. Prefer public transport? Just hop on the PF bus line from Piazza Matteotti—you’ll be there in around 30 minutes.

Step inside La Marinella and your eyes will immediately be drawn to the counter, lined with mouthwatering sweet and savory pastries. Yes, they taste just as good as they look. Grab a spot in one of the fun chestnut huts or settle at a table with uninterrupted views of the sea.

Whether you opt for a frothy cappuccino, an intensely delicious espresso, or a glass of fresh juice, table service is the go-to here. To perfectly complement your drink of choice, try the local favorite: the “pizzetta”. This savory puff pastry is filled with a delicate tomato sauce and baked to perfection—a simple yet irresistible Sardinian treat that pairs beautifully with your morning brew.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on the water while you sip—dolphins are often spotted just off the coast.

Poetto Beach 

Stretching for 8 glorious kilometers, Poetto Beach is where white sand meets clear blue waters, making it the beating heart of Cagliari’s seaside culture. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, it’s the perfect place to unwind, stay active, or simply soak in the Sardinian sunshine.

The wide pedestrian promenade is a hive of activity—ideal for a leisurely stroll, a morning jog, or even a glide on roller skates. As the day progresses, the beach comes alive with families, groups of friends, and sunseekers of all ages enjoying the relaxed Mediterranean vibe.

Each stretch of Poetto is thoughtfully dotted with bars, restaurants, and ice cream shops to satisfy your every culinary dream! Don’t miss a stop at Bobocono Beach, where you’ll find a fantastic selection of authentic Italian gelato.

Saline di Molentargius

Head over to these stunning salt lakes, just a short walk from Poetto Beach, and meet their most regal residents: flamingos! These wild birds have made the lakes their home and can often be seen flying overhead or posing for the cameras. Parking at Molentargius Park is free year-round, but always double-check the signs. From the main car park, meander through quiet lanes and peer through the reeds into these fascinating natural salt reserves and their inhabitants!

 

Cagliari City Centre via Food

Cagliari is a vibrant port city where yachts, boats, and cruise ships create a stunning backdrop. There are plenty of parking options, including the train station, the port itself, or—if you don’t mind a short walk—you can park for free at the IPER PAN shopping centre. Start your stroll from the port and head into the city centre through the small, bustling lanes.

Make your first stop at Seulo Is Food for a traditional snack or light lunch. Try a panino con maialetto (roast pork belly sandwich) or a plate of culurgiones—Sardinia’s take on stuffed ravioli, typically filled with potatoes, pecorino cheese, and mint.

For a more typical dining experience, head over to Panefratteria, a short walk from the lively Piazza Yenne. Here, you can enjoy one of the island’s most iconic dishes: Pane Frattau. The name means “shredded bread” in Sardinian, referring to the main ingredient—fragments of pane carasau, the island’s beloved crispbread, layered with tomato sauce, poached egg, and grated cheese.

In need of a caffeine fix? Head to Antico Cafe, strategically localted beneath the stunning Bastione di San Remy. Right in the heart of the city, Antico Cafè delivers everything you’d expect from a traditional Italian bar—bustling, loud, and full of life. Grab a seat, order a cappuccino and a pastry, and soak up the local atmosphere.

Once you’re fuelled up, climb the 170 steps to the top of the Bastione for panoramic views over the city rooftops and the shimmering Marina. From here, wander the winding lanes of the old town, where every corner reveals another scenic vista or historic landmark waiting to be admired.

When aperitivo hour calls, make your way toward Via Giovanni Antonio Piccioni—a reowned street where all the residents display their array of plants and flowers on their doorsteps, making this one of the prettiest roads in Cagliari.

Eventually, you’ll arrive at Piazza San Domenico, where you’ll find Bar Florio—a quiet, off-the-beaten-track restaurant in the centre of a residential square. Take a seat outdoors, sip a refreshing San Bitter with complimentary snacks, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. In this unassuming little moment, you might find yourself thinking:
“I could live here.”

Pasticceria Pirani

You simply can’t leave Cagliari without a visit to the legendary Pasticceria Pirani on Via Pacinotti—a true paradise for your taste buds. With roots dating back to 1955, Pirani is a real class act. The elegant italian interiors marry extremely well with the vibrant colours and delicious smell coming from the pastry counter. The abundance of freshly baked goods will leave you almost overwhelmed especially when paired with the perfectly made cappuccinos. If you only have space in your belly for one thing, make it the luxurious pistachio cream-filled doughnut, a velvety bomb of goodness. You can thank us later!

There’s so much more to discover—and to fall in love with—in this beautiful city. For now, we hope we’ve whetted your appetite and sparked your curiosity to make Cagliari your next unforgettable city break.