Photo of Cagliari from Sardinian Beaches Website

Beaches rank as one of the top destinations for travellers to visit during summer for its idyllic laid-back vibes and endless watering holes to keep you hydrated and buzzed throughout your holiday. For the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, though Alghero remains as one of the most popular beaches on the island, it’s capital Cagliari remains a strong contender for the best place to visit in Sardinia during summer!

Here’s why we love Cagliari:

Photo of Poetto Beach from Sardinian beaches website

1. 1. 1. Poetto Beach

What is summer without a trip to the beach! Poetto beach is the longest beach in Sardinia and is easily where you will find most Sardinian youth hanging out at during the warm summer days. There’s an endless supply of restaurants, bars and pizzerias dotting the beach that will keep you well fed and hydrated throughout the day. Set up a picnic along the shoreline and enjoy gorgeous views of the deep blue waters surrounding the Golfo di Quartu. Make a point to head down to either the Stagno di Molentargius and Stagno di Quartu ponds on either side of the beach to get a glimpse of some wild pink flamingos too.

Photo of Nostra Signora di Bonaria from Sardegna turismo website

1. 1. 2. Gothic-Styled Churches

Sardinia’s most famous Catholic sanctuary; Nostra Signora di Bonaria, is located atop a hill and is famous for housing the statue of a Madonna with a child in her arms. Legend has it that in 1370, the ship that was carrying the Madonna was caught in a large storm. The storm calmed after the case containing the Madonna was thrown overboard. The case floated all the way to Bonaria hill miraculously unharmed! Because of its surprising survival in a bad storm, the statue was revered and put on display within the Nostra Signora di Bonaria, where it is visited and worshipped by Catholics today.

Photo of Cathedral di Santa Maria in Cagliari from Voyage Trips website

Another interesting Gothic-styled church is the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Castello. It would be difficult to miss the tall cupola that emerges from the rest of the low levelled buildings in the heart of central Cagliari. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries, the church was built and revamped multiple times until it’s final revision in 1931.

Photo of the Roman Amphitheatre from Sardinia Magic Experience website

3. Roman Ruins

Cagliari has a long and interesting past, including being ruled by the Phoenician-Punics and Roman empires respectively in the early 1st century. Their influences on Cagliari’s architecture and culture is best seen in the Roman Amphitheatre located in the northern region of the town. The amphitheatre used to house gladiator battles

Photo of San Bernedetto Market from Palermo Today website

4. Markets

Local markets are one place every traveller should visit for an insider’s perspective on local food and culture. The San Benedetto market is the largest market in Cagliari and is perfect for making friends with the locals. Being a seaside town, Cagliari is naturally known for its seafood, but you can also browse the rows of stalls that hawk everything from spices and vegetables to poultry as well. Drop by the market during lunchtime for some freshly grilled fish and baked loaves of bread too.

Photo of Castello from My Food & Happiness blog

5. Medieval Neighbourhood

Castello in Italian translates to castle or “Casteddu” in Sardinian. This hilltop citadel is small but holds a bounty of castles, towers and other historical buildings. The Castello is bordered with a wall built in the medieval times, and has gates that in the old days were opened to workers and traders in the mornings and closed in the evenings for residents only.  Today, visitors are allowed into the citadel daily to explore the steep and winding roads that line this iconic neighbourhood. As the roads and walkways are pretty steep, it is advised that you wear comfortable walking shoes when exploring this part of town.

Photo of Mirto from Culture Trip website

6. Food!

Last and certainly not least, what is a holiday without tasting the amazing food the destination has to offer! Some traditional Sardinian food you can try are Malloreddus; Sardinia’s signature pasta, Su Porcheddu; roast suckling pig and Seadas; pastries filled with cheese and honey. One interesting restaurant we’ve heard about is Convento San Giuseppe. Located on the grounds of an old convent turned event space. Though the venue is touted as an event space for conferences, weddings and other events, you can still make a booking at their restaurant for a taste of traditional Sardinian food. Another unique restaurant to dine at is Antica Cagliari, which is housed in a vaulted stone building. Seafood is the star of the show, but the ancient walls and decor surrounding the restaurant is a bonus too.

Cagliari has it all – food, culture, history, sights and sounds and of course great beaches too. So, you know where we’ll be this summer, maybe enjoying a limoncello or a Mirto or two while enjoying the sand beneath our feet and endless views of the Mediterranean Sea all around.

 

Written by Claire T.