In Cagliari, discoveries from very different eras sit side by side. The grounds at Parco di Tuvixeddu cover about three and a half hectares; finds attest to human settlements in this area since the Neolithic period. The Punic-Phoenician necropolis of Tuvixeddu dates from between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC and is considered the largest in the entire Mediterranean region. The history of the site therefore stretches far beyond the Roman era.
Archaeological traces and architectural history
Cagliari’s Roman amphitheatre probably dates from the late 2nd century AD. A 95-metre-long corridor is still accessible and leads to a large underground cistern in the Orto dei Cappuccini. The amphitheatre can be visited without a prior reservation. Historical layers can also be discovered in tangible structures elsewhere: the Cittadella dei Musei is considered the city’s most important cultural centre.
The Bastione di Saint Remy was built on the old defensive walls marking the medieval city boundary. The monumental complex includes the Umberto I panoramic terrace and the Passeggiata Coperta gallery below it. Giuseppe Costa and Fulgenzio Setti designed it in 1896; it was inaugurated in 1902. Another glimpse beneath the modern city awaits on the archaeological route at Sant'Eulalia: the site includes 13 metres of paved road, probably connected with port activities at the time.
Stampace also tells the story of earlier urban structures. The district took shape in the 13th century at the foot of the imposing walls of Castello. It was once home to numerous workshops belonging to artists and craftspeople. At the Orto Botanico, meanwhile, plant diversity meets Roman remains: it contains around 2,000 plant species, mostly from the Mediterranean region, alongside succulents and tropical plants. It also contains Roman cisterns and wells.
Wetlands, flamingos and coastal trails
Another side of Cagliari can be found in the Molentargius-Saline Regional Park. Covering around 1,600 hectares, the park lies between Cagliari and Quartu Sant'Elena along the Poetto seafront; the wetland was included in the Ramsar Convention in 1977. As you cross the park, you can observe hundreds of pink flamingos and other wild birds in the shallow water. Visitors can enjoy nature trails, cycling paths and walking routes, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and jogging. Entry is free; guided tours can be booked for groups. Check access and visitor information before your trip.
The coastline offers a different perspective: Poetto Beach stretches for about seven kilometres along the Gulf of Angels, from Sella del Diavolo to the coastal area of Quartu. Sella can be reached via a green trail that passes through areas of archaeological, ecological, environmental and scenic interest. Like Sella, the Sant'Elia promontory is made up of Miocene sedimentary rocks. Small caves formed in these rocks and have been inhabited by people since the 6th millennium BC. From the promontory, the view extends over Viale Poetto to Capo Carbonara and the open sea.
City life and getting around
For a glimpse of local daily life, Cagliari’s markets offer a tour through the city’s life, traditions and neighbourhood stories, along with an insight into the flavours of the old town. Characteristic foods and drinks include pasta with sea urchins, a fish soup made with simple varieties of fish, suckling pig with myrtle and fregola with clams. Vermentino, Cannonau and myrtle liqueur round out the selection. This offers a way to explore the city’s culinary side alongside its archaeological and scenic discoveries.
An official guide is the “Cagliari in a Day” route. Designed for cruise passengers, it connects historic districts, Nuragic finds, viewpoints, a beach visit and flamingo watching. For arrivals by train, there is a specific journey time: from Elmas Aeroporto station, you can reach Cagliari city-centre station in about six minutes. Timetables and fares may change, so check this information before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Domus De Maria, Muravera, Cagliari, Capitana, Chia, Flumini, Is Arenas, Pula, Quartu Sant'elena, Tratalias, Villasimius, Villaputzu, Santa Margherita Di Pula, Teulada, Sinnai, Capoterra, San Priamo, Selargius, Orroli, Assemini, Maracalagonis, Sestu, Villa San Pietro, Uta, Soleminis, Quartucciu, Sarroch, Mandas, Porto Tramatzu, Sadali, La Maddalena, Monserrato, Monastir, Campulongu, Camisa, Escolca, Escalaplano, Gergei, Vallermosa, Villasalto, Siliqua, Sitò, Serdiana, Dolianova, Costa Rei, Seulo, Villasor, Ballao, Torre Delle Stelle, Donori, Armungia, Perd'e Sali, San Sperate, San Nicolò Gerrei, Sant'Isidoro, Notteri, Isili, Villaspeciosa, San Vito, Nuragus, Decimoputzu, Olia Speciosa, Nurallao, L'annunziata, Decimomannu, Senorbì, San Basilio and Nurri.
For the broader travel overview: Sardinia.
