The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari is a city that proudly celebrates its maritime heritage and unique traditions. Renowned for its breath-taking bays and surrounding mountains, this city sits amidst some of the most mesmerising landscapes to be found anywhere in Sardinia or across the Italian mainland. Sardinia boasts balmy temperatures throughout the year, so there's always a reason to visit! Regional trains connect the city to other major destinations across the island, with the train to Cagliari from Sassari in the south taking around 2h50mins. This train service to Cagliari is operated daily by Trenitalia.
Visiting Cagliari
After catching the train to Cagliari, visitors can hop off at Cagliari railway station to start exploring. Right after leaving the main station, travellers will be treated to the majestic sight of the town hall, which is the governmental seat of the Sardinian capital, standing out against the urban landscape with its white limestone bricks. Another must-visit landmark nearby (a 14-minute walk away) is the Bastione di Saint Remy, a historic fortress dating back to the 19th century. After a further 10 minutes, the Carlo Felice di Savoia monument can be seen, located between Largo Carlo Felice and Piazza Yenne. This is where visitors will find some of the best vantage points for stunning panoramic views across the city. Just a short 7-minute stroll from here is another popular tourist attraction, the Torre dell’Elefante (Elephant Tower). This beautiful tower is a symbol of Cagliari, and it stands proudly alongside a twin monument, the Torre di San Pancrazio. Both towers total a height of more than 30 metres and are open to visitors throughout the year. The Cattedrale di Santa Maria, the main religious site in the city, can also be found in this part of town, and it boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Visitors might catch their breath here before heading to Poetto — Cagliari’s main beach and a sprawling stretch of coastline that runs for over 8 km from Sella del Diavolo to Quartu Sant’Elena.
Once tourists have had their share of exploring for the day, they can indulge in some local delicacies. Being so close to the coast, it's no surprise that seafood takes pride of place on many of the menus here. There are also lots of wines to savour. Why not try a glass of Cannonau or Nasco to really unwind?