Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know
to visit Cagliari
The questions guests ask us most often before and during their stay. Practical, quick answers from people who live in Cagliari and have welcomed travellers since 2007.
Arrival and transport
Getting around Cagliari
How far is Cagliari airport from the centre?
Cagliari-Elmas airport is about 7 km from the historic centre. The fastest and cheapest way is the train: it leaves from the FS train station in Piazza Matteotti (at the end of the Corso), every 20-30 minutes or so, costs just a few euros, and takes 7 minutes. Alternatives: taxi (~€25), bus, or rental car directly at the airport.
How to get to Poetto beach?
CTM bus: lines PF and PQ go directly to Poetto, with central stops on Via Roma and Largo Carlo Felice. Travel time: 15-20 minutes. By car: 10-15 minutes without traffic, but in summer parking fills up by 9 a.m. By bike: there's a cycle path, pleasant in cooler hours.
Where to park in Cagliari?
The centre is largely limited-traffic and blue-line parking costs money. Most practical car parks: Stazione FS car park (paid, near the port), Via Caprera car park (attended), Largo Carlo Felice car park (underground, central). For long stays, properties offering parking on request solve the problem — we have one available.
Do I need a car to visit Cagliari?
No, in the centre it's a burden: pedestrian, limited-traffic, expensive parking. For the city your feet are enough (10 minutes from one side to the other) and a few buses. A car is only useful for trips out of town: Su Nuraxi, Villasimius, Costa Sud. You can rent for just the days you need it.
What to see and do
Visiting Cagliari
What to see in Cagliari in 1 day?
Classic itinerary: climb to the Bastione Saint Remy for the panorama, walk through the Castello quarter (Cathedral of Santa Maria, Elephant Tower, San Pancrazio Tower), descend to the Marina for lunch, stroll along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele in the afternoon, possibly the Roman Amphitheatre if you have time. Dinner in the Marina or on the Corso.
What to see in Cagliari in 3 days?
Day 1: historic centre (Castello, Bastione, Cathedral, Marina).
Day 2: Poetto beach and Sella del Diavolo (beach + panoramic hike).
Day 3: trip to Nora (Roman-Phoenician archaeological site) or
Villasimius (crystal-clear beaches) or Su Nuraxi di Barumini
(UNESCO site, Nuragic civilisation).
Where to eat well in Cagliari?
For quality seafood: restaurants in the Marina and Stampace (some historic, requiring booking). For typical Sardinian cuisine: family-run trattorias in the centre (fregula, malloreddus, porceddu). For aperitivo: historic bars on the Corso and Piazza Yenne. For quick but good food: the San Benedetto market in the morning. Annalisa at reception happily recommends the right spots, away from tourist traps.
What are the best beaches near Cagliari?
Poetto (15 min): Cagliari's urban beach, 8 km of white sand. Calamosca and Sella del Diavolo (20 min): wilder, walkable from town. Chia (50 min by car): postcard beaches, dunes, crystal water. Villasimius and Costa Rei (1 hr): among the most beautiful in South Sardinia. Tuerredda (1 hr): small and perfect, note daily limits in summer.
How much time to dedicate to Cagliari?
2-3 days are enough for the city centre and a beach. 4-5 days allow trips south (Chia, Villasimius, Nora). A week: add Barumini, Costa Rei, or trips to Ogliastra. Cagliari is also an excellent starting point to explore south-western Sardinia.
Practical info
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Cagliari?
May, June, September: ideal climate (20-28°C), swimmable beaches, lively city without being overcrowded. July-August: intense heat (35°C+), crowded, higher prices — but beaches are at their best. October-April: low season, mild (10-20°C), restaurants full of Sardinians, lower rates. March-April is particularly nice for those seeking culture and authentic city life.
Are dogs / pets allowed in Cagliari?
Generally yes: many restaurants accept dogs on terraces, free beaches and several equipped beaches accept leashed dogs. Poetto has specific "dog-friendly" areas. For accommodations, always check before booking as policies vary. Cagliari is overall a very pet-friendly city.
Is Cagliari accessible for people with disabilities?
The Corso pedestrian street and the Marina are flat and accessible. Castello has narrow lanes with historic paving and significant level changes — more difficult. Bastione Saint Remy is reachable by elevator from street level. Poetto has wheelchair-accessible bathing stations. For stays with specific needs, contact the property in advance.
Do people speak English in Cagliari?
In the centre and accommodations, generally yes. Waiters, baristas, receptionists: most manage in English. In the outskirts and with older people, less common. Learning a few Italian words (grazie, buongiorno, scusi) is greatly appreciated and completely changes the quality of interactions.
Is Cagliari expensive?
On average no, especially compared to the rest of Italy. Lunch in a trattoria €15-25, dinner with seafood €35-50, coffee €1.20, aperitivo with platter €8-15. Accommodations in the historic centre range from €60/night (low season) to €200+ (high season, luxury hotels). August prices go up everywhere.
Got more questions?
Message or call Annalisa
For doubts about Cagliari, tips on what to do, restaurant recommendations or information about your stay: contact us directly. We reply within the day.