Cheap Flights To Cagliari

Cagliari is the capital city of the Italian island of Sardinia. This once heavily fortresses citadel is today a stunning collection of castles, towers, palaces and ancient ruins. Like the rest of the island, the city has a unique cultural identity familiar to (but distinct from) Italian -- with a touch of French and Spanish too. Locals speak Sardinian rather than Italian and restaurants serve up a regional choice of delicious fresh seafood and locally produced wine. Whether you're interested in Roman or Medieval history, or perhaps want to hang out on a beach and party till dawn, this most welcoming of Sardinian cities has it all. Every year locals celebrate the Feast of St Ephesus in full traditional garb during a street parade on May 1st. Throughout the summer, venues open up to host the Colourful Nights cultural event.

Things To Do

Sardinia's stunning capital city Cagliari is home to a vast number of historical sites however its laid-back beach vibe and gastronomic delights are also a huge part of the city's identity.

• Prehistoric, Ancient and Medieval Cagliari
  Discover the region's Neolithic history at the National Archaeological Museum and then head to the ancient city of Karalis, where visitors can view the remains on the Roman amphitheatre, the Tuvixeddu necropolis and an aqueduct. After that, head to the 5th century Basilica of San Saturnino, which dates from Diocletian's rule, before walking to the Upper Castle (Castello/Casteddu de sus) to explore the famed medieval fortress which was built in the 1300s.

• Party on Poetta Beach
  This city is not only a historically significant destination; it's also a beach lover's paradise. Head across to Poetta Beach to the east of the city to enjoy the best in Sardinian beach life. This seven-kilometre beach is a hotspot for watersports such as canoeing and snorkelling. Stay until the evening when the daytime cafés turn into evening party bars.

• Gastronomic delights
  Thanks to its position on the coast, the city is well known for its seafood-based menu. Local flavours are distinctive and have a mix of Sicilian, Genoese and Catalonian influences. The island also produces delicious, low-cost wine with notable grape varieties including Nuragus, Cannonau, Monica and Nasco.

Calendar Of Events

Events in Cagliari range from devoutly religious affairs to the celebrating of a local hero and the biggest Pride on the island as well as a summer-long cultural festival.

• The Feast of St. Ephesus. The most important traditional religious festival on the island is the Feast of St Ephesus on 1st May, when locals dress in traditional clothes to celebrate the saint that ridded the island of a 15th century plague.
• Sardegna Pride. In late June and playing out in the Marina area, this is the biggest and best Gay Pride event on the island.
• Colourful Nights. This summer-long festival running from July to September means the city plays host to a wide range of evening cultural events such as concerts and historical walking tours. Restaurants and landmark attractions get in on the act too by offering special menus and late-night openings.