Sardinia, Italy’s second-largest island, is a land shaped by ancient traditions, unique culture, and strong community ties. Parts of Sardinia are also among the world’s five Blue Zones, regions known for having the highest concentration of centenarians.
Sardinia may share Italy’s food traditions and language roots, but its remote location and history of failed colonization attempts have contributed to its strong sense of independence. It also happens to boast some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Its capital, Cagliari, may not yet land in the top city-break destinations, but it’s my dream for that to change. This Mediterranean treasure is my hometown, and I am excited to show you its vibrant food scene, year-round sunshine, and the wonderfully laid-back spirit that defines life here.
Let’s dive into some of our favourite highlights of this beautiful, yet underrated city.
La Marinella
Every perfect day in Cagliari starts with sun, sea, and coffee. Our favourite spot is La Marinella, cosily 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 and you’ll be there in around 30 minutes.
Whenever I step inside La Marinella, my eyes are always immediately drawn to the counter, lined with mouth-watering 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 my local favourite: the “pizzetta”. This savory puff pastry is filled with a delicate tomato sauce and baked to perfection. It’s a simple yet irresistible Sardinian treat that pairs beautifully with your morning brew. When ordering, throw in the word “scaldata” if you would like it warmed up.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the water while you sip. I once spotted dolphins just off the coast.
Poetto Beach
Stretching for eight glorious kilometres, 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. It’s 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
Just a short walk from Poetto Beach, these stunning salt lakes are inhabited by the 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 all year-round, and it is easily accessible by bus. From the main car park, meander through the quiet pathways and peer through the reeds into these fascinating salt reserves and their inhabitants.
Cagliari City Centre
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 in the Marina District 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. The dish consists of fragments of pane carasau, the island’s beloved crispbread, layered with tomato sauce, poached egg, and grated cheese.
After a big lunch, you might, like me, be in need of a caffeine fix. Antico Caffè, strategically located beneath the stunning Bastione di San Remy, is right in the heart of the city.
Antico Caffè 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.
Old Town and Aperitivos
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 the aperitivo hour calls, make your way toward Via Giovanni Antonio Piccioni. This renowned street, where all the residents display their array of plants and flowers on their doorsteps, is 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.”
This Cagliari Food and Wine Walking Tour is a good excuse to linger longer, covering the historic fishing district with a local guide and stops for cheese, wine, and gelato along the way.
Pasticceria Pirani
You simply can’t leave Cagliari without a visit to a favourite of mine: the legendary Pasticceria Pirani on Via Pacinotti. It’s 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 bomba al pistacchio, a pistachio cream-filled doughnut: a velvety bomb of goodness. You can thank me later.
There’s so much more to discover, and to fall in love with, in this beautiful city. For now, I hope I’ve whetted your appetite and sparked your curiosity to make Cagliari your next unforgettable city break.
Getting Around
The hilly streets and steps are most definitely part of Cagliari’s charm, but the city remains easily manageable on foot. Bus connections out to the surrounding areas are available from near the port. However, if you’re hoping to spend a day or two outside the city, we recommend hiring a car. Discover Cars searches hundreds of providers at once to find you the best rate, making it the easiest way to get behind the wheel and hit that coastal road.
The coastal road between Cagliari and Villasimius is breathtaking and offers around ten different beach options. To give you an idea of the scale of Sardinia, driving from the southern tip of the island to the northern end takes about 3.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit
Sardinia’s high season runs from June to mid-September. During these summer months, temperatures rise significantly, starting around 30°C in June and climbing above 40°C by August.
Prices and crowds tend to increase along with the heat, so if you’re looking to keep costs down, it’s best to avoid this peak period.
September is often considered the ideal time to visit. The temperatures begin to cool slightly, the sea remains warm from the summer sun, and prices become much more reasonable. Plus, the beaches are far less crowded.
Read More: A Visit to the Island of Cyprus: Sandy Beaches, Crystal-Clear Waters and Vibrant Nightlife
Getting There
There are three airports on the island. One is in the south, Cagliari, and two are in the north: Alghero in the northwest and Olbia in the northeast. Flights to all three are readily available, including through low-cost European airlines such as easyJet or RyanAir.
Buses and trains are available between the cities, but to minimize stress, we recommend flying into Cagliari if you intend to spend some time in the capital.
Money
Sardinia is part of the European Union and therefore uses the euro (€). Card payments are widely accepted. However, it’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for local markets, beach kiosks, and smaller establishments that may not accept cards.
Local Dishes
Sardinia has a rich cultural and culinary heritage. Be sure to try some of these traditional local dishes:
- Octopus salad – A refreshing and flavorful seafood medley.
- Fregola sarda – A uniquely shaped pasta similar to couscous, often served with clams or other shellfish.
- Pane frattau – Traditional flatbread layered with tomato sauce and topped with a poached egg.
- Sebadas – A fried pastry filled with soft cheese and drizzled with honey—perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
- Porchetto sardo – Sardinia’s version of a hog roast: slow-roasted suckling pig with crispy skin and tender meat.
Language
Italian is the official language, yet many locals still speak Sardinian—an ancient language that traces its roots straight back to Latin. If you want to impress the locals, why not learn these two commonly used Sardinian words:
- Eya – Yes
- Ajo – Let’s go!
Pro Tips
In the southeast, you’ll find some of the island’s best beaches. The coast of Villasimius is known for its scenic roads, beautiful coves, wide sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. Boat trips from Villasimius are also a must.
The southern coast feels calm and natural and is especially loved by locals. Most beaches offer free parking, particularly in the off-season (October to May).
The north is renowned for the Costa Smeralda, which literally translates to “emerald coast.” The beaches here are stunning but also very popular, often requiring an online booking and entrance fee on the Spiagge.it website.
This part of the island offers a livelier nightlife and is more touristy than the south. That said, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re planning a boat trip to the idyllic islands of La Maddalena.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- Sardinia Revealed: Ancient Ruins, Desert Dunes, and the Mediterranean’s Most Dramatic Coastline
- Get Off the Beaten Track With This Guide of Things to Do in Sardinia, Italy
Author Bio: I’m a lover of travel, books, films, and good coffee. I was born on the beautiful sunny island of Sardinia and later moved to the equally beautiful, though not always sunny, Great Britain in my early twenties. My passion for writing began at school, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally decided to follow my vocation and create my own blog. I hope you enjoyed reading one of my stories, and I’d be honoured if you explored more of my work at onabreak.co.uk.
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