8 Best Sights in Cagliari, Sardinia

Built within the walls of the Pisan castle erected in the early 1300s, Cagliari's archaeological museum is the world's foremost authority on Sardinia's ancient Nuraghic civilization, named after the curious stone towers, or nuraghi, that are unique to the island. Archaeologists date most of these enigmatic structures to about 1300–1200 BC, the same time the ancient Israelites were establishing themselves in Canaan.  Relics from this period are dispersed throughout the museum, notably the bronzetti (bronze statuettes) from Nuraghic towers and tombs, and, on the top floor, the much-celebrated Giganti di Mont'e Prama, giant Nuraghic stone statues representing warriors and boxers, unearthed in the 1970s and only recently restored and displayed to the public. Among the museum's other highlights are, on the first floor, quirky images excavated from a sanctuary dedicated to Bes, the ancient Egyptian deity whose cult reached far across the Mediterranean in the 3rd to 1st centuries BC, and the "Nora Stele", an inscribed stone said to be the earliest written document in Sardinia (and one of the earliest in Europe), which has the first mention of the name Sardinia, dating from between 850 and 725 BC.

The same entry ticket also allows you to visit the Pinacoteca, or art collection (accessed from the top floor), which includes some outstanding examples of religious art from the 15th and 16th centuries—well worth a look.

Only 5 km (3 miles) southeast of the city center, Poetto Beach is one of the most enticing spots to relax in summer for both locals and tourists. Its clean, shallow, turquoise waters stretch for some 8 km (5 miles), and the beach is lined with cafés, restaurants, snack bars, and parks. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent for around €15. Away from the sea, you can explore the nearby Molentargius lagoon, and admire the pink flamingos that nest in the marshy reeds there.  Poetto is easy to reach on the frequent public transport services: take Bus PF, PQ, or, in summer, Poetto Express or 5ZE, all from Piazza Matteotti. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee in summer); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; windsurfing.

This substantial amphitheater arena dating from the 2nd century AD attests to the importance of Karalis (modern-day Cagliari) to the Romans. Used for gladiatorial and animal contests, its squeezed, elliptical shape is due to the constrictions of the surrounding calcareous rock, but it could still hold up to 10,000 spectators---about half of Cagliari's population at the time. At time of writing, the site can be viewed from a raised walkway, but plans are afoot to allow visitors to enter the seating area and underground passages. If you don't want to enter the site, good views can be had from the adjacent Viale Sant'Ignazio.

Perched over the vast expanse of Cagliari and its port, this hillside quarter has narrow streets that hold ancient monuments and piazzas amid apartments with wash hung out to dry on elaborate wrought-iron balconies. The most impressive entrance is through the commanding late-19th-century archway of the Bastione di St. Remy on Piazza Costituzione. Entering this way means climbing numerous steps; if this is a problem, walk up Viale Regina Elena or to the top of Piazza Yenne (behind Santa Chiara church) to find an elevator, or take the 7 bus. You'll be greeted by an impressive panorama of the cityscape and across the Gulf of Cagliari. From Piazza Palazzo, holding Cagliari's cathedral, it's a level walk to Piazza Indipendenza and the Museo Archeologico.

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria, also known as the Duomo, was begun in the 12th century, but major renovation in the 17th century and reconstruction during the mid-1930s have left little of the original medieval church. The tiers of columns on the facade resemble those of medieval Romanesque Pisan churches, but only sections of the central portal, the bell tower, and the two side entrances are from the 13th century. Look for one of the most memorable features inside—the oversize marble pulpit sculpted in the 1300s and divided in half to fit into the church nave; it now lies on either side of the main entrance.

Located just below Cagliari's amphitheater, the city's Botanical Garden offers a welcome refuge from the summer's heat, and a shady spot for a pause from sightseeing. The 12-acre site is managed by Cagliari university and includes plants from all over the Mediterranean as well as Africa and further afield, plus herbariums, ponds, and a scattering of Roman remains, notably cisterns, tanks, and a well. As the only green space in the city center, it's ideal for kids to let off steam, and perfect for a picnic. Guided tours are also available (book ahead).

Part of Cagliari's imposing Pisan defenses, this medieval fortified tower was built in 1307 by Giovanni Capula as one of the main entrances to the Castello quarter. It is named after the small carving of an elephant visible on one wall. The side facing the old citadel was left entirely open, allowing you to view the series of wooden stairs and landings inside without climbing a step. If you are tempted to climb to the top, you'll be rewarded by a fabulous panorama of the city and its surrounding lagoons. Visits are only possible on guided tours, scheduled at 15 minutes past the hour; under-12s are not permitted for safety reasons. The structure is the twin of Torre San Pancrazio, located near the archaeological museum and currently closed for renovation work.

Excellent views of Cagliari, plus a selection of cafés and late-night bars make this a good place for a break after visiting the narrow passageways of the Castello quarter. The spacious terrazza lies atop the monumental, Neoclassical Bastione di Saint Remy, dating from 1901.