While you are in Italy, be sure to check out these Cagliari Must Do’s.

1. Tour the Old Towne

The old town of Castello in Cagliari is the first place you must visit. This historic area is filled with churches, monuments, museums, shopping and eating. Two old towers stand on either side of the city gates that have survived since the 19th century. The many churches in Castello are wondrous works of architecture and should not be missed. Two museums located in Castello displays artifacts and pieces that had been found in archeological digs in the area.

2. Visit the Beach

Poetto Beach is a short ride from Cagliari. This shallow watered-beach with its sandy beaches is perfect for families with small children. The beach also offers sun-beds and umbrellas for visitors, public toilets and small cafes. Along the beach there are also supermarkets that can offer sandwiches, drinks and fruit at a lower cost than the cafes do.

3. Take a Day Trip to Oristano 

North of Cagliari is the town of Oristano which is home to many historical sites, including the site of Tharros. This town is one of the earliest settlements of the island and was founded by the Phoenicians. Although most of the ancient artifacts are displayed in the museum in Cagliari, a trip to the actual dig site is amazing. You can see the remains of many cultures such as Phoenician, Punics and the Romans. Another must-see site in Oristano is the Tower of St. Christophoros, which was a part of the original tower walls that guarded the city.

4. Explore the Ancient Castles

The region surrounding Cagliari has numerous defensive walls and ruins of castles. The Castle of St. Michele, which now lay mostly in ruins, is located on the site of an early monastery. Another castle ruin is the Fortress of St. Ignacio, which overlooks the city of Cagliari. Exploring through these castle ruins can give you a sense of what it was like to live during those time periods and offers amazing views of Cagliari and the area that surrounds it.

5. Enjoy a Festival or Concert

Cagliari has a calendar chocked full of festivals and events that take place throughout the year. Some of these include classical musical performances in the ancient Roman amphitheater as well as film festivals and other events throughout the town. The Festival of Sant’Efiscio in the spring and the festival for farmers and shepherds of the island are two of the best ones to enjoy.