Explore Sardinia
Viewing CAGLIARI, Sardinia’s capital, from the sea at the start of his Sardinian sojourn in 1921, D.H. Lawrence compared it to Jerusalem: “strange and rather wonderful, not a bit like Italy”, and the city still makes a striking impression today. Crowned by its historic nucleus squeezed within a protective ring of Pisan fortifications, its setting is enhanced by the calm lagoons (stagni) west of the city and along the airport road, a habitat for cranes, cormorants and flamingos. In the centre, the evening promenades along Via Manno are the smartest you’ll see in Sardinia, dropping down to the noisier Piazza Yenne and Largo Carlo Felice, around which most of the shops, restaurants, banks and hotels are located. At the bottom of the town, the porticos of portside Via Roma shelter more shops and bars.
Cagliari’s main attractions are the archeological museum with its captivating collection of nuraghic statuettes, the city walls with their two Pisan towers looking down over the port, and the cathedral – all within easy distance of each other. There is also a sprinkling of Roman remains, including an impressive amphitheatre, while nearby excursions include Nora, the most complete ancient site on Sardinia, and the islands of Sant’Antioco and San Pietro.
Read More-
Bastione San Remy
Bastione San Remy
Almost all the sightseeing you will want to do in Cagliari is encompassed within the old Castello quarter, on the hill overlooking the port. The most evocative entry to this is from the monumental Bastione San Remy on Piazza Costituzione, whose nineteenth-century imperialist tone is tempered by the graffiti and weeds sprouting out of its walls. It’s worth the haul up the grandiose flight of steps inside for Cagliari’s best views over the port and the lagoons beyond. Sunset is a good time to be here, and there are some chic bars at the top for whiling away an evening.
-
The beaches at Poetto
The beaches at Poetto
Cagliari may not be a beach-lover’s paradise, but a break on the beach and a swim are never far away. From the marina at the western end of Poetto, a 15min bus ride (#PF and #PQ) from Piazza Matteotti, the fine sandy beach extends for some 6km, dotted with bars and public showers. Some sections are lidos charging a standard daily rate for entry, with deckchairs and parasols available for rent, along with pedalos and windsurfing equipment.
