Why travel to Cagliari?
Cagliari, Sardinia´s vibrant capital, stretches across seven hills, much like Rome. Its thousand-year history is carved into limestone walls and unfolds through Roman ruins, medieval towers, and elegant piazzas. Founded by the Phoenicians and later shaped by Romans, Pisans, Spanish, and Savoy rulers, the city is a fascinating blend of cultures where each period has left its mark. Walk through its narrow streets and you´ll encounter Gothic churches, Baroque façades, and traditional courtyards that tell the story of a city rich in heritage.
Exploring Cagliari´s Historic Neighbourhoods
For travellers who prefer the authentic and off-the-beaten-path, Cagliari´s historic quarters are a treasure trove. The Castello district, located at the top of a limestone hill, dominates the skyline with its medieval bulwarks and breathtaking sea views. The Marina, once a seafaring hub, is now filled with lively trattorias and artisan shops, while Villanova charms visitors with flower-filled streets and family-run bakeries. Each district reveals a different face of Cagliari, best discovered on foot at a slow pace.
Natural Escapes in Cagliari
Cagliari is not only about history; it is also a destination for eco-tourism and nature lovers. Just minutes from the city centre lies the Molentargius Lagoon, a habitat for pink flamingos and other birdlife. The city is surrounded by green parks, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints that encourage sustainable, low-impact exploration. Along the coast, the 8-kilometre Poetto Beach is the city´s main beach, perfect for a morning jog or a refreshing swim.
Slow Food and Traditional Markets in Cagliari
Cagliari is deeply rooted in the slow food ideals, where ingredients are local, seasonal, and treated with respect. The heart of this tradition is the San Benedetto Market, the largest indoor market in Italy. Here you´ll find stalls with freshly caught fish, cheeses, colourful fruit and vegetables, as well as Sardinia´s prized delicacy: mullet bottarga. Visiting the market is not only about shopping, it´s about immersing yourself in Cagliari´s everyday life.
What to Eat in Cagliari: Authentic Sardinian Flavours
Food in Cagliari reflects both land and sea, with recipes handed down through generations:
- Malloreddus: saffron-tinted semolina dumplings, usually served with sausage or tomato sauce.
- Fregola Sarda: pearl-shaped pasta, simmered in seafood broth or with artichokes and sausage.
- Burrida: a traditional stew of dogfish shark, vinegar, and walnuts, revealing Genoese influences.
These dishes embody the island´s authentic flavours, best enjoyed slowly in a family-run trattoria or during a long seaside lunch.
Cagliari´s Wines: Vermentino, Cannonau and Beyond
No exploration of Cagliari´s gastronomy is complete without tasting its wines. The crisp Vermentino di Sardegna is the perfect pairing for seafood, while the robust Cannonau pairs beautifully with hearty Sardinian dishes. Together, they reflect the island´s unique terroir and winemaking traditions.
Cagliari embraces the Mediterranean way of life, unhurried, welcoming, and deeply connected to tradition. Cagliari offers a unique experience where history, nature, and gastronomy come together in perfect harmony.
Population: 478,929 (2025) inhabitants
Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in Cagliari. You can check our full list of things to do in Cagliari: top food tours to Cagliari and top boutique hotels in the sections of the travel to Cagliari destination guide.