- Must visit
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari
Major civic museum with Nuragic bronzes, archaeology and the Giants of Mont'e Prama, essential for understanding Sardinia's past.
Flanked by the medieval citadel of Il Castellino, Cagliari is an exciting mix of heritage, architecture, and natural beauty. Wander the cobblestone streets of the old town to discover hidden churches and ancient towers, or head into the new town for great shopping opportunities and restaurants stocking seafood fresh from Cagliari's harbour. Learn about Sardinia's past at Nuraghe Barumini, a pre-historic tower dating back to the 2nd Millennium BC - this UNESCO Heritage site consists of a tiered circular tower with internal stone chambers you're free to explore. If you're after a more relaxing trip, Cagliari has some of Sardinia's best beaches on its doorstep. Start at the 6 km long white sands of Poetta Beach, where you can bathe in crystal clear waters or try your hand at windsurfing. Make sure you leave some time to discover Molentargius Natural Park, where Cagliari's famous pink flamingos elegantly pose in the shallows of the lagoon.
There’s much to see in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, from glittering blue seas to palm-lined boulevards. Travellers taking a plane to Cagliari will arrive at its one airport which is located just minutes away from the city’s hotels and attractions. Connection options from Cagliari include flights around Italy, trains to Sardinian hotpots and ferries to Naples, Palermo and more.
Catering to four million tourists each year, Cagliari Elmas (CAG) is the single airport which serves Cagliari and the surrounding region. This modern airport features eight restaurants and cafes as well as high-end shops selling souvenirs. There is a pay-per-use VIP lounge which passengers of all flight classes can access for a fee. Plus, WiFi is free and unlimited. Cagliari Elmas Airport is just a five-minute walk away from Elmas Aeroporto Station. From there, travellers can get to Cagliari city centre in just five to ten minutes.
Travellers can fly direct from the UK to Cagliari year-round via one of three airlines: Air Malta, easyJet or Ryanair. British Airways also offers direct flights but only during the summer season. All direct flights depart from London airports, but seasonal flights are available from Manchester via Ryanair. Other airlines with connecting flights include Alitalia and Lufthansa.
Plane is the best method of travel for those who want to reach Cagliari as quickly as possible; direct flights from the UK take as little as two hours. Since direct flights are available all year round, there’s no reason not to travel by plane. Plus, Cagliari Elmas Airport is ideally situated just minutes away from the railway station. That means plane passengers can get to the city centre in less than 10 minutes or quickly catch a train to Olbia, Alghero and other locations around Sardinia.
Cagliari is one of Sardinia’s most popular cities, and for good reason; it boasts beautiful beaches and stunning architecture. One other thing you can’t miss in this city is the delicious food. Unsurprisingly, Cagliari cuisine is heavily dominated by locally-caught seafood. Must-try meals include the famous orziadas (fried sea anemones) and a couscous-like clam dish called fregola con arselle. Most of Cagliari’s sites in the city centre can be visited on foot. There’s also a metro train which travels to the outskirts of the city and an efficient bus network.
With a flight time of less that three hours from the UK, it's incredibly easy to visit Cagliari. Direct flights to Cagliari depart London Stansted or Gatwick, and connecting flights are available from all UK airports services by Alitalia, Lufthansa, Meridiana and Germanwings. In summer, charter flights to Cagliari are also run by Flybe. Regular trains (every half hour) and buses (every fifteen minutes) connect the airport with downtown Cagliari in less than 10 minutes. A standard taxi journey into town will cost between EUR15-20.
Discover the best of Cagliari — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cagliari trip today.
Major civic museum with Nuragic bronzes, archaeology and the Giants of Mont'e Prama, essential for understanding Sardinia's past.
Municipal gallery in the Public Gardens with Sardinian and Italian art collections, ideal for a quieter cultural stop near Castello.
Museum space with nineteenth- and twentieth-century works from the Ingrao collection, housed in a refined historic building.
Historic hill district with medieval lanes, bastions and terraces; the best area for architecture, atmosphere and memorable viewpoints.
Monumental terrace above the lower town, popular for sunset views, photos and an easy pause during a walk through Castello.
Long city beach and promenade with sea views, sport facilities and a relaxed local atmosphere from morning to evening.
Sardinian semolina pasta shaped like tiny shells, traditionally served with sausage or tomato sauce. A staple of southern Sardinian home cooking.
Thin semolina pasta with bottarga, olive oil, garlic and parsley. It is prized for its deep marine flavour and strong link to Cagliari’s lagoon cuisine.
Salt-cured mullet roe, sliced or grated over pasta or crostini. One of Cagliari’s signature products from the nearby lagoon and coast.
Refined restaurant serving Sardinian cuisine with modern touches, focused on seafood and seasonal produce in an elegant central setting.
Established seafood restaurant near the port, appreciated for fresh fish, shellfish and classic local preparations in a polished setting.
Historic seafood restaurant in Marina, known for classic Cagliari fish dishes, bottarga and a traditional, bustling dining room.
Moderate for Italy: rooms rise in summer, but dining and buses stay reasonable versus Rome, Milan and Amalfi Coast resorts.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave €1-2 in cafés, 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Cagliari Elmas Aeroporto Railway Station -> Cagliari Stazione
Check where to Cagliari flights depart and arrive, plus the main airport details for this route.
Cagliari Airport is 1 km from Cagliari city centre. Public transport options include:
Cagliari Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cagliari Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cagliari Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need