Be a Tourist in Your Hometown: Useful Tips for Cagliari, Sardinia in Italy

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Welcome once again to Be a Tourist in Your Hometown where different travel bloggers and local experts share their hometown pride with us! This series is dedicated to people who want to explore more of their hometown, and also for those who are planning to visit at some point. Today, we are going to discover the hidden gems of Cagliari, Sardinia (Italy) from the perspective of a native. We interviewed Claudia from My Adventures Across The World and she gave us some useful tips for Cagliari.

Useful tips for Cagliari

Useful Tips for Cagliari, Sardinia in Italy

What’s your hometown best known for?

Cagliari is known for being the access point to some of the best beaches in Sardinia. But more than that, it is a beautiful city, on the hills and by the sea, with a rich history and culture.

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Cagliari Sardinia Italy best beaches

What’s the best time of the year/season to visit?

Any time is a good time to visit Cagliari. In the spring time, the city bursts with colors and life. Summer is the best season to enjoy both the city and the beaches.

What is your biggest annual holiday or tradition?

On 1stof May, we celebrate Saint Efisio – the saint protector of Sardinia. That’s when a huge parade, with people wearing traditional costumes and representing a number of villages around the island, walk all the way from the city center to the small church of S. Efisio, in Pula – 50 km away.

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What is the currency in your country?

We use Euro.

What’s the best form of travel to get around your hometown?

We have a really good public transportation system, but to get out of town it is better to get a car.

Read this: 3 days in Amsterdam Itinerary by a local

Any recommendations for packing essentials?

In the summer, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit! And get a scarf in the winter – it can get cold.

Food: What to eat in Cagliari?

Any hidden gems and/or foodie spots?

  • Pizza is as good as it gets at Framento, in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
  • Ristorante Italia and Oyster, right next door (both in Via Sardegna), offer the best seafood and fish dishes in town.
  • Taverna dei Matti, in the Marina area, has great inventive dishes.

Mention top three main or traditional dishes/drinks that people must try

Absolute must try when in Cagliari are:

  • Pasta coi ricci (see urchins)
  • Spaghetti con le arselle (clams) – even better if they also have grated bottarga (dried fish roe) on them
  • Fregola con le arselle – a traditional pasta, looking more like a thick cous cous, cooked with tomatoes, parsley and clams.
italian pasta cagliari

Activities: Best things to do in Cagliari

List the top 5 things to do in Cagliari, Sardinia.

  1. Walk around the area of Castello to take in the narrow alleys and the panoramic views of the city. There are several view points, facing various sides of the city. When in Castello, don’t skip the beautiful cathedral.
  2. Visit the Roman theater. It’s a gorgeous archeological site right in the city. Not far from it, there’s also a beautiful botanical garden.
  3. Go to see the pink flamingos in Parco Naturale di Molentargius. Sardinia is one of the very few places in the Mediterranean where pink flamingoes live and nest.
  4. Go to Calamosca and hike all the way to Sella del Diavolo to enjoy a fabulous view of Poetto beach.
  5. Enjoy a fantastic sunset from the terrace of Libarium.

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Any outdoor or nature related activities?

Cagliari is a great starting point to enjoy some incredible beaches and hikes. I wholeheartedly recommend the hike that starts from Cala Cipolla (at about 1 hour drive from Cagliari) and goes all the way to Tuerredda. The coastal view from there are spectacular.

Where can someone best have an authentic local experience?

Serdiana, a village at about 20 minutes drive from Cagliari, is a fabulous place to learn more about the wine culture of Sardinia. Visit Cantine Argiolas to learn more about how wine is made.

Mention family-friendly vs. adults-only activities.

Cagliari is super family friendly, actually!

Describe the nightlife and best places to go. Best Dance clubs to kicking up your heels!

The best areas for nightlife are Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the area of Castello. During the summer time, enjoy a drink at one of the many bars on the Bastione and look out for festivals and open air concerts.

Best shopping spots and places to get souvenirs

The entire city center, from Via Roma to Via Manno, via Garibaldi, via Sulis and Via Alghero, are great for shopping. Souvenirs are found in La Marina quarters (right behind via Roma)

Any tips for solo travelers?

Cagliari is a safe city and the locals are generally friendly – if only a bit shy. Don’t be afraid to ask for information. People may not speak English, but they will always be ready to help.

Another Favorite: 5 of the best European cities for solo female travelers

Thanks to: Claudia from My Adventures Across The World for sharing her hometown pride with us! Are you planning to visit Cagliari? Or have you been there already? Share your experience with us – Leave a comment below!

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Be a Tourist in Your Hometown: Useful Tips for Cagliari, Sardinia in Italy

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