Cagliari is a city to be discovered. The more you visit it, the more you will find places never seen. Beautiful almost hidden corners that inspire history and legends and impressive views and scents of the Mediterranean make the city worth exploring. But, if for reasons of time you are forced to limit your visit in one day, you can follow this simple timeline from morning to evening.
At the end of the day and after having had a fairly complete experience in this beautiful city, you will be a little tired but satisfied. And, of course, you will realize that it is worth going back to get to know it better.
9.30 am: Breakfast time
Let us get up and go out for a good breakfast while kissed by the sun rays. In the city, many coffee houses are offering fresh pastries and sweets — one of those, is the "Caffè Svizzero," with its antique, chic, and refined furniture. The "Bar Pasticceria Equador," produces sweet delicacies starting from the early morning. The last one is particularly famous for its fried fillings with cream or the Russian cake. Last but not least, the "Caffè delle Arti," in the Castello district, offers a breathtaking city view.
Caffè Svizzero, Cagliari
Largo Carlo Felice, 7, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italia
Bar Pasticceria Equador, Cagliari
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 387, 09123 Cagliari CA, Italia
Caffè delle Arti, Cagliari
Via del Fossario, 1, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italia10 am: A morning stroll in Castello District
The Castello district is "walled", and ideal for a morning stroll. The presence of several viewpoints offers a magnificent view over the “Golfo degli Angeli.” Walking among the palms, one arrives at the French garden of the Municipal Gallery of Art, which can be found between sculptures and water. After Porta Cristina spreads the Cittadella dei Musei: do not miss the National Archaeological Museum, with the history of the nuraghi, and a visit to the Cathedral.
Municipal Art Gallery, Cagliari
Viale S. Vincenzo, 2, 09127 Cagliari CA, Italia
National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari
Piazza Arsenale, 1, 09123 Cagliari CA, Italia12 pm: Poetto Beach
An over 6 kilometers coastline - from the headland of the Sella del Diavolo to Quartu S. Elena - can be found just 15 minutes away from the city center. The Sardinian Copacabana is waiting for us to explore its wind, fine sand, and crystal clear waters. From May to late October, you bathe in very transparent waters with a shallow and sandy bottom. While there, you can have lunch, a quick snack, or a full menu in one of the many restaurants on the Poetto coast. I would recommend the Twist Bar, but more or less all of them offer excellent options.
Poetto Beach, Cagliari
Poetto, Cagliari CA, Italia
Twist Beach Club, Cagliari
Viale Lungo Mare Poetto, 09126 Cagliari CA, Italia4 pm: Colle San Michele, the highest point of the city
Go up through the San Michele hill to the highest point of the city: the Pisan castle of San Michele, standing still since the 14th century. Well preserved as it is, it hosts exhibitions and workshops. Those who do not want to leave the center can take Corso Vittorio Emanuele street from Piazza Yenne to the deviation for Viale Sant’Ignazio and find the Ancient Botanical Garden. It houses giant plants from around the world and more than 150 species of medicinal plants.
Castello San Michele, Cagliari
Via Giovanni Cinquini, 09121 Cagliari CA, Italia
Botanical Garden, Cagliari
Via Sant'Ignazio da Laconi, 11, 09123 Cagliari CA, Italia6 pm: La Marina District, the heart of Cagliari
The Marina district is the real social heart of Cagliari. During the day, you can visit some of its typical shops: one of them is the Suq, which sells all kinds of spices. In addition, Loredana Mandas offers exquisite gold filigree jewelry. For an evening aperitif, you can stop at Caffè Barcellona or ManaManà.
Il Suq, Cagliari
Via Napoli, 19, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italia
Loredana Mandas Jewelry, Cagliari
Via Sicilia, 31, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italia
Manàmanà, Cagliari
Via Savoia, 3, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italia10.30 pm: Dinner and drinks in the city center
In Cagliari, especially in summer, you can have dinner at 10 pm and go out at midnight, in the Center-Castello district. Perfect for an evening drink is the Caffè degli Spiriti on Bastione St. Remy, with sofas on the terrace and excellent cocktails. The Librarium Nostrum, with a splendid garden, is more intellectual and preferred by artists and writers. However, the artists do not "betray" the Antico Caffè, which has opened in 1838. Grazia Deledda, Gabriele D’Annunzio and Salvatore Quasimodo had drinks there.
Caffè degli Spiriti, Cagliari
Piazza Costituzione, 09100 Cagliari CA, Italia
Librarium Nostrum, Cagliari
Via Santa Croce, 33, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italia
Antico Caffè, Cagliari
Piazza Costituzione, 10, 09124 Cagliari CA, ItaliaEnjoy a day full of immersion activities while in Cagliari! Hopefully, the above itinerary will make you feel like a local!
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Mara Noveni
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