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Looking for the best things to do in Cagliari? Look no further!
After multiple trips to Cagliari, we’ve discovered the best ways to explore this sun-soaked Sardinian city. From gliding through its historic streets on an e-bike to sailing along the stunning Gulf of Angels, every visit has given us a new reason to love this place.
We’ve put together this guide to help you experience the best of Cagliari. Whether you’re sailing along the coast, exploring underground crypts, or making traditional culurgiones, these experiences will take your trip to the next level. Let’s dive into the best things to do in Cagliari!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Cagliari was this sailing tour! We cruised along the coast, stopped at stunning locations to swim and snorkel (like Grotta dei Colombi!), and had an amazing guide who filled us in on history and local legends.
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Cagliari, Italy
- 1. Explore Cagliari on an electric bike
- 2. Enjoy the stunning coast on a sailing and snorkeling tour
- 3. Learn how to cook Culurgiones (Sardinia’s famous dumplings!)
- 4. Discover Cagliari’s history in a vintage Fiat city tour
- 5. Explore the Su Nuraxi archeological complex with a guide
- 6. Taste your way around the city
- 7. Explore Cagliari’s underground history
- Where to Stay in Cagliari, Italy
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Renting a Car in Italy
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Cagliari, Italy
1. Explore Cagliari on an electric bike
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 9 am – 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Explore Cagliari on a guided e-bike tour, ride through Castello’s historic landmarks, marvel at its cathedral, Pisan towers, and bastions, admire Villanova’s flower-filled streets, discover Stampace’s hidden sanctuaries
- Inclusions: Tour guide, use of bicycle, bottled water, coffee and/or tea, small group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Cagliari on this e-bike tour was the perfect way to take in the city’s history—without wearing out our feet! The small group of us made it easy to weave through historic streets, stopping at iconic landmarks while enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Our guide, Valentina, was full of energy and made the ride even more fun! She knew all the hidden corners and stories that brought Cagliari’s history to life.
As we biked through Centro Storico, Stampace was our first deep dive into old Cagliari. We passed shrines tucked into small alcoves, some glowing with candlelight, others with flowers and handwritten prayers. It felt like stepping into another time!
Just ahead, Torre dello Sperone stood tall as one of the last remnants of the medieval walls. We could almost picture the fortified city it once was. In Quartiere Castello, we stopped at Porta Cristina, a grand entrance to the city and home to some of the best panoramic views in Cagliari!
We ended in Villanova, whose quiet streets and colorful buildings were a peaceful escape from the busy city. It was the kind of place we wanted to linger just a little while longer!
This e-bike tour was hands-down the best way to cover a lot of ground while still soaking in the city’s history and beauty. It’s a must when you’re in Cagliari!
Effortlessly explore Cagliari and book this e-bike tour here!
2. Enjoy the stunning coast on a sailing and snorkeling tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am, 2 pm, 3 pm, 5:30 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Sail along the coast toward Poetto, snorkel in the clear waters of the gulf, relax on board with a knowledgeable skipper and hostess, hear legends and ancient history
- Inclusions: Use of snorkeling equipment, floating tubes, and tablets, small group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sailing along the coastline was easily one of the best ways to experience Cagliari! On this small-group boat tour, you’ll pass rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters, stopping to swim and snorkel in some of the most stunning spots in the Mediterranean Sea.
We set off from the port of Cagliari, and before long, we reached our first spot—the Grotta dei Colombi. Our hostess, Alma, shared stories that made this secluded limestone cave feel even more mysterious than it looked!
Slipping into the water, we floated near the cave’s entrance and listened to the eerie tale of an exiled count who supposedly met his fate inside. It was the perfect mix of adventure and local legend!
From there, we continued toward the Devil’s Saddle, an iconic rocky outcrop that looms over the bay. The boat dropped anchor at the Gasole pools and the shallow, emerald-green waters here were perfect for snorkeling or just soaking in the views.
Slipping in for a snorkel felt like swimming through a postcard, with fish darting around beneath us! Eventually, we had to pull ourselves away and head back to port, but not without one last look at the Devil’s Saddle, standing watch over the bay.
We loved this as a break from the busy city tours! Between the scenery, legends, and laid-back vibe, this trip is the perfect way to explore Cagliari’s coastline.
Secure your spot on this cruise here and see Cagliari from a new perspective!
3. Learn how to cook Culurgiones (Sardinia’s famous dumplings!)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am (not available Tuesday)
- Highlights: Learn how to make culurgiones (one of Sardinia’s traditional dishes), get a unique perspective on the island’s culture through its cuisine
- Inclusions: Hands-on culurgiones cooking class, lunch, bread, appetizer, culurgiones to take away, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, small group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Nothing brings people together like food, and this Sardinian cooking class proved that firsthand! We arrived as a small group of strangers, but after kneading dough, folding pasta, and sharing stories over wine, we left as new friends.
The class started by preparing fresh, locally sourced ingredients like durum wheat flour, potatoes, mint, and cheese. While the potatoes softened and the sauce simmered, we got to work on the dough. Rolling it out was easy, but sealing the culurgiones into their signature ear-of-wheat shape? Now, that took some practice!
Thankfully, our instructor, Damiano, was patient with us, and after a few attempts, we finally got it right. The more we made, the more we got to eat—so we kept rolling! There was something special about making pasta the old-fashioned way, just like Sardinian families have for generations.
Once the pasta was ready, we sat down to a well-earned feast. Our culurgiones were served with appetizers, a glass of local wine, and, because no Sardinian meal is complete without it—a taste of traditional myrtle liqueur!
The atmosphere felt less like a cooking class and more like a family gathering, with laughter, conversation, and a shared love for food.
Experiencing Cagliari’s food culture doesn’t get more personal than this! Joining this small-group class is the perfect way to learn, eat, and connect with Sardinian tradition while making unforgettable memories.
Check availability and book this hands-on cooking class here!
4. Discover Cagliari’s history in a vintage Fiat city tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 9 am – 7:30 pm
- Highlights: See the city through the windows of a beautiful 1964 Fiat 1100D, travel the narrowest and steepest medieval streets of the historic districts
- Inclusions: Professional tour guide, private transportation, driver, pick up for hotels in the center of Cagliari, early booking
- Rating: 5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Rolling through Cagliari in a 1964 Fiat 1100D feels like cruising into a vintage era! But the charm of this private driving tour isn’t just about the car—it’s the freedom to explore the city’s oldest landmarks without worrying about the narrow streets and steep climbs.
We loved sitting back and soaking in the sights while driving through historic districts like Stampace, Castello, and Villanova.
One of the best stops is the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari, an ancient arena carved directly into the hillside, where gladiators once fought for their lives. From there, the ride winds through medieval gates like Porta Cristina, leading into Castello, the city’s fortified old town.
Even tucked-away gems like the Torre dell’Elefante and the flower-filled streets of Villanova felt effortless to explore in this vintage car, turning the ride into a scenic and stress-free adventure.
The beauty of this tour is its exclusivity—we weren’t crammed into a bus or rushing to keep up with a large group. Instead, we explored Cagliari at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the city’s rich history.
For a stylish and effortless way to see Cagliari’s best sights, this private Fiat tour is hard to beat. But don’t just take our word for it, read 5-star reviews here!
Secure your spot on this vintage experience in advance!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Explore the Su Nuraxi archeological complex with a guide
- Duration: 3 – 6 hours
- Time: 7:30 am, 8 am, 8:30 am, 9:30 am
- Highlights: Guided visit to the UNESCO–listed site of Su Nuraxi, discover 3,500 years of human history in Sardinia, optional upgrades to visit surrounding sites of interest like the Giara plateau, Giants’ Tomb, and medieval palace
- Inclusions: Driver guide, live commentary, transport by private air-conditioned 9 seater van, hotel/port pickup and drop-off from Cagliari, small group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Su Nuraxi isn’t just an archaeological site—it’s a gateway to a civilization that thrived 3,500 years ago. This small-group tour takes you through one of Sardinia’s most fascinating landmarks, where ancient stone dwellings and fortifications reveal the island’s prehistoric past.
Our journey began with a scenic drive through the Sardinian countryside as our guide, Alessandro, shared insights into the island’s landscapes and history. His incredible knowledge of the Nuraghi brought Sardinia’s ancient past to life before we even arrived!
Stepping into the site felt like traveling back in time as we wandered through the village ruins. Each crumbling wall and narrow passageway told a story of how life evolved here from the Nuragic to the Punic-Roman period.
Next was our favorite part! It was time to enter the main nuraghe, a prehistoric fortress still dominating the landscape. Climbing through its tight entrance and standing inside its central tower made us appreciate just how advanced this civilization was—and how small we felt in its presence!
This tour was one of the most memorable parts of our time in Cagliari! Experiencing Su Nuraxi firsthand was like stepping into the pages of history, but there’s even more to discover! Various tour options allow you to continue the adventure with visits to the Giara plateau, Giants’ Tomb, or a medieval palace.
Book this trip here to uncover Sardinia’s deep-rooted history firsthand!
6. Taste your way around the city
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 10:30 am and 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Discover authentic Sardinian specialties on this walking food and wine tour, explore Cagliari’s historic fishing district and stop to snap photos, enjoy several savory and sweet tastings
- Inclusions: Guide for insights into Sardinia’s unique culture and cuisine, alcoholic beverages, a selection of local raw milk cheese and artisan cold cuts, two glasses of natural wine, sweets and ice cream, no veggie or seafood alternatives, small group tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 190+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Eating our way through Cagliari’s historic fishing district was the perfect way to dive into the city’s culture! This small-group food and wine tour mixes history and cuisine, offering a taste of Sardinia’s best specialties while exploring the old quarter’s charming streets.
Led by our fantastic guide, Emmanuel, we began at Giardino Sotto le Mura. As we walked past ancient olive trees and wild caper bushes, Emmanuel’s stories painted a clear picture of Cagliari’s past.
Then came the food! Our first stop was a family-run grocery store, where we sampled raw milk cheeses with bold, nutty flavors and rich, black pork cold cuts. Emmanuel explained how each was made, sharing long-standing techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Next, we sat in a cozy café, where we sipped glasses of natural wine, each carefully chosen to complement the meats and cheeses. Every bite made us appreciate Sardinian food even more! The food ended at a beloved gelato shop, where we indulged in creamy, handmade flavors before heading to Bastione di Saint Remy.
Standing on the panoramic terrace, watching the sun cast a golden glow over the city, it was clear this experience wasn’t just about the food—it was about discovering Cagliari through its flavors, history, and hidden corners. Read all the rave reviews here and see why this tour is a must-do!
Read 5-star reviews and reserve this delicious tour here!
Related Read: To make sure you don’t miss out on the best of Cagliari, have a look at our expert itinerary here!
7. Explore Cagliari’s underground history
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am and 4 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Experience Cagliari’s history far from the crowds by heading underground, visit the crypts of Santa Restituta and Sant’Eulalia and the Salesian School Tunnel, discover the significance of each cave, crypt, and tunnel, and enjoy unique photo ops
- Inclusions: Local guide, entry fees for the 3 underground sites, private tour (if option selected), old Cagliari walking tour (if option selected), Sardinian snack with food and a wine sample (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Most visitors walk the streets of Cagliari without realizing there’s an entire world beneath their feet. This underground tour took us deep into the city’s past through candlelit tunnels, ancient crypts, and hidden passageways that have witnessed centuries of history.
We met our guide, Francesca, near the botanical gardens and set off for our first stop at an old Salesian School tunnel used as a bomb shelter during World War II. Francesca’s stories of students taking cover here made the narrow passage even more claustrophobic. With only candles lighting the way, the flickering shadows offered just a glimpse of what it must have felt like back then.
The temperature dropped as we descended into the crypt of Santa Restituta. Once a place of worship and later a prison, this cavern held a stillness that made the past feel incredibly close. It was impossible not to wonder about the people who had passed through.
The final stop, the crypt of Sant’Eulalia, revealed layers of history. Beneath a modern church, we found the remnants of an ancient Roman road, with uneven stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. It was a surreal reminder that history isn’t just something you read about here—you can actually stand in it!
We left this tour feeling like we had uncovered a secret side of Cagliari hidden just beneath the surface. If you’re up for an offbeat adventure, this is one worth taking!
Explore the city’s hidden depths and book this underground tour here!
Where to Stay in Cagliari, Italy
Now that you’ve planned your trip to Cagliari, it’s time to find your accommodation! With so many options, picking the perfect place can seem overwhelming. So to help you out, I’ve rounded up the best central options for every budget and type of traveler.
Luxury – $$$
Palazzo Doglio is a 5-star hotel offering a luxurious stay in the heart of Cagliari. Rooms are elegantly designed with modern amenities, and guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. With multiple dining options, a serene courtyard, and a spa, it’s perfect for a relaxing escape. Plus, its prime location near San Saturnino Basilica and the waterfront makes it a great base for exploring the city!
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually range between €160 – €300 per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Hotel Italia is a solid mid-range option in the heart of Cagliari, just a short walk from the train station and the city’s main attractions. The comfortable rooms come with air conditioning, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant stay. Guests can also enjoy included breakfast – the perfect way to fuel up before a day of exploring!
Prices are usually around €100- €150 per night, and you can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Arcobaleno Rooms is a great budget-friendly stay in Cagliari, offering clean and comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Some rooms also feature a balcony, adding an extra touch of charm. With a central location near public transport and within walking distance of shops and restaurants, it’s a convenient and affordable choice!
Rooms can start as low as €50 per night. You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Cagliari here!
Renting a Car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!
We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Italy
- Drive on the right: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Right turns on red are illegal, and you must often yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections.
- Stay alert and confident: Italian driving can feel aggressive in cities—expect assertive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and liberal horn use (often just a form of communication). Stay calm and practice defensive driving.
- Insurance is a must: We highly recommend adding full coverage insurance when booking. Minor damage like scratches and dents is common, especially in cities, and Discover Cars’ full protection gives you peace of mind at a low cost!
- Mind the ZTL zones: Many city centers have restricted traffic zones called ZTLs. Entering without a permit can result in a fine. Check with your hotel and use GPS with ZTL alerts.
- Choose the right vehicle: Roads in Italy can be narrow and parking tight, so a compact car is usually best. Most rentals are manual, but if you need an automatic, you can easily filter for one when booking with Discover Cars.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- You must be at least 18 years old, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
We loved our time in Cagliari and think you will too! Hopefully, this list has helped you fill up your Cagliari itinerary for an unforgettable trip to this Italian city. We can’t wait to return again someday!
If this is only one stop on your European travels (lucky you!), have a look at our Europe blogs here or check out a few popular ones I picked out below!
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