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Planning a quick 2-day trip to Cagliari? Let us be your guide!
This stunning city on Sardinia’s southern coast is packed with history, natural beauty, amazing food, and hidden gems. After visiting a few times for ourselves, we’ve picked out the best sights and activities that you can’t miss during your visit.
From pedaling through the streets on an e-bike to sailing along the coast and learning how to make traditional culurgiones, you’ll experience the best of Cagliari with this itinerary. It’s easy to follow and blends city sights with outdoor exploration, giving you a perfectly balanced experience. Let’s dive into the ultimate Cagliari adventure!
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.
Itinerary Overview
Whether Cagliari is your first or last stop while exploring Sardinia, two days will show you the best of the best! You won’t need a rental car to get around the city, as most sights are walkable in the center, and tours can help you see even more. Here’s what you can expect on this two-day itinerary:
Day 1: Spend some time exploring Cagliari’s historic center on your own, and join a hands-on culurgiones cooking class for lunch. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, then ride an e-bike through Castello, Villanova, and Stampace before dinner.
Day 2: Start your day with a private vintage Fiat tour through Cagliari’s medieval streets. Next, browse San Benedetto Market, then sail and snorkel along the coast before finishing with an aperitivo, dinner, and a final stroll through La Marina.
Day 1
Breakfast – Caffetteria Tiffany
Start your first full day in Cagliari with a quick yet delicious stop at Caffetteria Tiffany, a favorite for fresh coffee, flaky croissants, and sweet pastries. You might spot locals enjoying cream-filled brioche or fruit tarts, perfect with a strong Italian espresso or cappuccino. It’s the ideal spot to fuel up for the day ahead, giving you a burst of energy before a relaxed morning of exploring Cagliari’s historic heart.
Morning – Walk the historic center
With your 11 am cooking class on the horizon, spend the morning wandering Cagliari’s charming historic center. Begin near the Roman Amphitheatre, before winding your way up into Castello’s cobblestone streets. Here you’ll find elegant cathedrals, panoramic bastions like Saint Remy and Santa Croce, and colorful façades that capture the city’s historic charm.
Don’t worry if you can’t see everything this morning—you can always return to these spots later if you find extra downtime. This relaxed walk is the perfect warm-up before diving into the city’s food and culture.
Here are a few of the must-see sights in the center:
- Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari – This remarkable amphitheater was carved directly into the limestone hillside during the 2nd century AD. It once hosted gladiator games and public events, accommodating up to 10,000 spectators. Today, it’s a peaceful historic site where you can imagine the roar of the crowds as you explore its ancient steps.
- Bastione di Saint Remy – One of Cagliari’s most iconic landmarks, this massive terrace offers panoramic views over the city, harbor, and sea. It’s especially beautiful in the morning light or at sunset, when the soft glow highlights the city’s colors. The grand staircases and arcades also make it a favorite spot for photos and a scenic pause during your walk. Although you stopped here briefly on yesterday’s food tour, this is your chance to slow down and take it in at your own pace.
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Cecilia – This centuries-old cathedral is a stunning mix of Romanesque, Baroque, and Neo-Romanesque architecture, reflecting its long history of renovations. Step inside to admire the ornate chapels, marble details, and the intricate crypt beneath the altar. It’s a peaceful place to slow down and soak in the city’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
- Bastione di Santa Croce – Tucked into the historic district, this lesser-known bastion offers quiet viewpoints and charming cobbled surroundings. It’s a perfect spot to pause for photos or enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafés. From here, you can see the rooftops of Cagliari unfold in a more intimate, relaxed setting than the busier Saint Remy terrace.
Mid-day – Learn how to cook Culurgiones in a cooking class
From 11 am to 2 pm, immerse yourself in Sardinia’s culinary traditions with this hands-on cooking class that’s as much about connection as it is about food. The meeting point is about a 10-minute drive or a 25-minute bus ride from Cagliari’s historic center, so give yourself a little buffer time to arrive relaxed and ready.
Our small group arrived as strangers, but the moment we started kneading dough and shaping fresh pasta, the atmosphere shifted to that of a cheerful family kitchen. Using locally sourced ingredients like durum wheat flour, potatoes, mint, and cheese, we learned to make culurgiones, Sardinia’s signature stuffed pasta. Rolling the dough was simple enough, but mastering the ear-of-wheat fold took a few tries—and plenty of laughs!
Under the patient guidance of our instructor, Damiano, we practiced until our dumplings looked just right. As we worked, the room filled with the comforting scent of simmering sauces and the sound of shared stories. By the time we sat down to eat, our handmade culurgiones were served alongside appetizers and local flavors, a well-earned feast after our morning of cooking.
This class felt less like a formal lesson and more like a warm Sardinian gathering, complete with laughter, new friendships, and a taste of tradition. The five-star reviews here say it all—this experience is a highlight for anyone wanting to truly connect with Sardinia’s culture.
Book this cooking class here and bring the flavors of Sardinia to life!
Afternoon – Check out the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari
After your cooking class, make your way back to Cagliari’s historic center to visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari, one of the city’s top-rated attractions. This fascinating museum showcases thousands of years of Sardinian history, from the mysterious Nuragic civilization to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Expect to see bronze figurines, intricate jewelry, ceramics, and massive stone statues that tell the story of the island’s unique past.
Plan to spend about two hours exploring the exhibits at a relaxed pace. Entry is €10, and since the museum is conveniently located in the historic center, you’ll return the same way you traveled to the cooking class. Visiting here offers the perfect balance to your hands-on morning—you’ll leave with both a taste and a deeper understanding of Sardinia’s rich culture.
Evening – See more of Cagliari on a bicycle tour
After soaking up history at the museum, switch gears—literally—with this small-group e-bike tour through Cagliari’s most iconic neighborhoods. We recommend the 5:30–7:30 pm option, which lets you glide through the city in the golden evening light. The meeting point is an easy 30-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride from the museum, giving you plenty of time to transition from artifacts to adventure.
This two-hour ride is perfect for all fitness levels thanks to pedal-assist e-bikes, which make climbing Cagliari’s hills almost effortless. With our fantastic guide, Valeria, leading the way, we wove through Castello’s medieval streets, passing the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Elephant Tower, and scenic bastions that overlook the city and harbor.
We’d glimpsed these streets on foot earlier, but gliding through them by e-bike as the golden light hit the rooftops was pure magic. Plus, Valeria’s stories made the historic districts come alive, weaving together legends, architecture, and funny local tidbits, like how the little elephant on the tower became the city’s quirkiest good-luck charm, so the whole tour felt lively and engaging.
The ride also took us into Villanova, known for its flower-lined balconies and quiet lanes, and Stampace, with its hidden shrines and charming narrow streets. Along the way, we took another pause at Bastione di Saint Remy and Bastione di Santa Croce, where the panoramic views were nothing short of breathtaking.
This tour is a fun and effortless way to cover a lot of ground while experiencing the city from a unique perspective. The combination of history, scenery, and the ease of e-biking made it absolutely unforgettable!
Read the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Dinner – La Taverna di Castello
After your e-bike adventure, wind down with a cozy dinner at La Taverna di Castello, just an eight-minute walk from the tour’s endpoint. Tucked into the historic Castello district, this charming spot feels like a hidden gem, with stone walls, warm lighting, and an intimate atmosphere that invites you to linger after a full day of exploring.
The menu highlights classic Sardinian dishes, from fresh seafood and handmade pasta to flavorful meats and seasonal specialties. It’s the kind of place where every plate feels homemade, and the setting makes the meal even more memorable. Pair your dinner with a local side or dessert for the perfect finish to your first full day in Cagliari.
Day 2
Morning – See Cagliari in a vintage Fiat
Kick off your last day in style with this private vintage car tour through Cagliari’s historic streets. We recommend the 9 to 11 am option, which offers hotel pick-up, making it a super convenient and stress-free start to the morning.
From the moment the 1964 Fiat 1100D rolled up, we felt like we had stepped into a classic Italian film. The car turned heads everywhere, drawing smiles and waves from locals who clearly loved seeing this beautifully maintained treasure on the road.
Our guide, Valentina, was the heart of the experience. Her passion for Cagliari was contagious as she effortlessly navigated the narrow streets of Stampace, Castello, and Villanova, sharing hidden stories and local insights along the way. We even passed through Porta Cristina, a medieval gateway that felt like stepping back in time.
Along the way, we got one last, sweeping look at the Bastione di Saint Remy before continuing to the Roman Amphitheatre. We’d passed it briefly during our history walk, but standing there as Valentina described the roar of gladiator battles made the site feel completely different. The flower-lined lanes of Villanova and the Torre dell’Elefante added extra charm to the drive.
Between Valentina’s storytelling and the charm of the car, this was more than just a city tour—it was a little time machine through Cagliari’s history. Seeing familiar spots like Castello and Villanova from the Fiat felt like the perfect farewell—one last, memorable perspective on a city we’d come to know so well!
Check out the five-star reviews and book this vintage city tour here!
Late morning – Visit the local markets
No visit to Cagliari is complete without a stroll through the bustling Mercato Civico di San Benedetto, the city’s largest and most famous market. Even at its temporary location, just 200 meters down the road, while the original building is under renovation, it’s as lively as ever. Vendors proudly display colorful stacks of fresh produce, glistening seafood, local meats, and rows of Sardinian cheeses, filling the air with the aromas of the island.
Wandering between the stalls, you get a real feel for local life. From fishmongers expertly preparing the catch of the day to cheese sellers offering a taste of pecorino, it’s a sensory experience that gives you a deeper connection to Sardinia’s food culture. Take your time here, soaking in the sights and sounds—you may even spot ingredients you tried during your cooking class earlier in the trip.
Lunch – La Piccola Focacceria-San Benedetto
After exploring the market, treat yourself to a casual yet delicious lunch just a three-minute walk away at La Piccola Focacceria-San Benedetto. This cozy, family-run spot specializes in stuffed focaccia, baked fresh with fillings like salty prosciutto, creamy local cheeses, roasted vegetables, and even the occasional seasonal special. We ordered a few different varieties to share, and every bite was warm, flavorful, and packed with that fresh-from-the-oven aroma that makes you want to linger over your meal.
Afternoon – Relax on a sailing and snorkeling tour
After exploring the city on land, there’s nothing like seeing Cagliari from the water. This small-group sailing tour gives you a whole new perspective, gliding past rugged cliffs, secret coves, and shimmering turquoise waters with plenty of time to swim and snorkel along the way. I recommend the 2–5 pm option, but you can also choose a 3 pm or 5:30 pm departure if you prefer a later sail.
We set off from the port of Cagliari and were soon surrounded by the glittering Mediterranean. Our first stop was Grotta dei Colombi, a secluded limestone cave with an intriguing history. Our hostess, Alma, shared a local legend about an exiled count who met his fate there, which made floating near the cave’s entrance feel thrillingly mysterious.
Next, we cruised toward the Devil’s Saddle, an iconic rocky formation that dominates the bay. The boat anchored in the Gasole pools, where the shallow, emerald-green waters were perfect for a dip. We slipped in with our snorkels, swimming among darting fish and soaking in views that looked straight out of a postcard.
Eventually, it was time to head back to port, but the relaxed rhythm of the afternoon and the unforgettable scenery stayed with us. This sailing tour is the perfect balance of adventure and laid-back coastal bliss—and one of the most memorable ways to experience Cagliari.
Secure your spot here before this tour sells out!
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.
Aperitivo – Libarium Nostrum
After your sailing tour, take some time to head back to your hotel and freshen up before your final evening in Cagliari. Sunset arrives late here, which gives you the perfect window to enjoy an aperitivo at Libarium Nostrum. This rooftop terrace offers some of the best views in the city, stretching from the colorful rooftops of Castello to the glittering sea beyond. Order a spritz or a chilled local specialty, and savor the relaxed, golden-hour atmosphere as the city begins to glow.
Dinner – Ristorante Duanima
For your farewell dinner, indulge in a meal at Ristorante Duanima, a high-quality spot celebrated for its elegant take on traditional Sardinian cuisine. The seasonal menu showcases the island’s best ingredients, from fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean to handmade pastas and locally sourced meats. Starters may feature crudo or Sardinian cheeses, with mains like bottarga-topped spaghetti, citrusy seared fish, or tender herb-roasted lamb.
The warm, intimate atmosphere and attentive service make it a dining experience that feels both refined and personal. Plates are beautifully presented, and the staff are happy to share recommendations or guide you through the menu. Paired with a local specialty dessert—perhaps seadas drizzled with honey—this final dinner is the perfect way to toast your last night in Cagliari.
Evening – La Marina
If you’re not ready to call it a night, La Marina is the perfect place to wrap up your trip. This lively, multicultural neighborhood buzzes after dark, with eclectic bars, cozy cafés, and unique restaurants tucked into its narrow streets. Whether you’re after one last drink, some live music, or simply a stroll to soak in the city’s vibrant energy, La Marina offers a fun and unforgettable finale to your Sardinian adventure.
Related Read: If you need a few more activities to fill your itinerary, check out our top 10 things to do in Cagliari blog!
Where to Stay in Cagliari, Italy
Find the perfect place to stay in Cagliari! This city is full of charming neighborhoods, and it’s easy to get around, so you can enjoy all parts of the city and have a relaxing stay. If these hotels are still available, they are my top recommendations.
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 an 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!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
We hope that this two-day itinerary is helpful as you plan your Cagliari getaway! Whether Cagliari is the start or end of a greater Sardinia trip, it’s definitely worth a visit. We loved exploring the historic center, relaxing on a cruise, learning how to cook like a local, and so much more!
Before you go, check out our other Italy blogs! We have lots of resources to help you plan an epic trip, from where to stay guides to top things to do, and city itineraries. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your travels – cheers!
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How to Spend TWO DAYS in Cinque Terre, Italy: 2-Day Itinerary