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Cagliari, what to see in 1 day

What to do in Cagliari in 1 day. Discover the main experiences: from tour by boat to visits to the nuraghi

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Guided tour of underground Cagliari


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Cagliari: what to do in 1 day

Cagliari is one of the most important cities in Sardinia, full of activities, experiences and things to do. Here are some suggestions on what you can do in 1 day in Cagliari

1.Boat tours in the Gulf of Angels

Cagliari, What To See In 1 Day
Inflatable boat tour Golfo degli Angeli, Cagliari

A tour boat trip in the Golfo degli Angeli is an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Cagliari. This tour will allow you to explore the beautiful coastline of the city and surrounding areas, admiring breathtaking landscapes and discovering hidden coves only accessible by sea.

Departure is usually from the port of Cagliari, where you can choose from a variety of boat options, from elegant sailboats to more comfortable speedboats. Sailing along the coast, you will pass the promontory of the Sella del Diavolo, an imposing relief that dominates the gulf and is shrouded in local legends. Continuing towards Poetto, you will admire the long sandy beach and its turquoise waters.

During tour, many boats make several stops to allow you to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. One of the most fascinating stops is Cala Mosca, a small bay with transparent waters and a seabed rich in marine life. Some tours also include a lunch on board, where you can enjoy Sardinian specialities such as pane carasau, local cheeses and fresh fish, accompanied by local wines.

2. Snorkelling Cala Fighera

Diving Diving In Sardinia
Diving Tavolara

Cagliari and its surroundings offer spectacular snorkelling opportunities, thanks to crystal-clear waters and a wealth of marine life. One of the best destinations for this activity is the area of the Seven Beacheslocated a short distance from the city. Among the most popular are Cala Fighera e Calamoscatwo quiet bays with rocky seabeds and transparent waters. Equipped with mask, snorkel and fins, you can explore a fascinating underwater world.

The submerged rocks are perfect habitats for a variety of colourful fish, octopuses, starfish and sea urchins. Cala Fighera, with its striking reefs, is ideal for experts, while Calamosca offers easier and safer access for beginners and families. In addition, the Molentargius-Saline Natural Park, near Poetto beach, is another excellent snorkelling area, where you can observe marine fauna in a protected natural environment.

Besides the beauty of the seabed, these beaches offer breathtaking views and the chance to relax in the sun between snorkelling sessions. Don't forget to take an underwater camera with you to capture the beauty of the seabed and the wonderful marine encounters. The snorkelling experience in Cagliari is a must for anyone who loves the sea and wants to discover the charms of the Mediterranean from a unique perspective.

3. Visit to the Castle District

Cagliari, What To See In 1 Day
Walking tour historic centre Cagliari

The district of Castello, situated on a hill overlooking the city, is the historical heart of Cagliari. Start your exploration from the majestic Torre dell'Elefante, one of the city's ancient defensive towers, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. Continue to the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a beautiful Gothic-Romanesque church rich in history and art. The National Archaeological Museum, located in the nearby Royal Palace, houses artefacts that tell the story of Sardinia, from the nuraghi to Roman rule. Strolling through the narrow medieval alleyways, you will discover craft shops, cosy cafés and picturesque views of the sea and the city. Finish your visit at the Bastion of Saint Remy, one of Cagliari's most beautiful viewpoints, perfect for watching the sunset.

4. A visit to the Is Zuddas caves

Cagliari, What To See In 1 Day
Visit to the Is Zuddas Caves, Cagliari
For a truly unique experience, head to the Is Zuddas Caves, located about an hour's drive from Cagliari. These caves, discovered in the 1970s, are famous for their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, which create a breathtaking underground landscape. The guided tour of the caves lasts about an hour and takes you through a fascinating itinerary that winds through rooms illuminated by plays of light that enhance the natural beauty of the limestone formations. Each hall has its own particular feature, such as the Organ Hall, with its imposing limestone columns, and the Eccentric Hall, where stalactites develop into bizarre shapes. The temperature inside the caves is constant all year round, around 16 degrees Celsius, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket. A visit to the Is Zuddas Caves is not only an opportunity to admire the natural beauty underground, but also to learn about the geology and history of Sardinia in an engaging and educational way.

5. Jeep tour from Cagliari to Chia beach and Villasimius

Cagliari, What To See In 1 Day
Jeep tour Cagliari's beaches

A tour jeep trip from Cagliari to the beach of Chia is an exciting adventure that will take you on a discovery of some of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas of southern Sardinia. Departing from Cagliari, the journey will take you through spectacular landscapes, including dream beaches, ancient archaeological sites and breathtaking views.

The tour begins with a departure from the city, where a 4×4 jeep will take you off the beaten track, through hills and dirt tracks that offer a unique view of the Sardinian countryside. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit sites of historical interest such as the ancient city of Nora, with its Phoenician and Roman remains that tell the thousand-year history of the region.

When you reach Chia beach, you will be greeted by one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, characterised by fine white sand and deep blue crystalline waters. Here, you can relax in the sun, take a swim or explore the seabed by snorkelling. The Chia dunes, which surround the beach, are a natural spectacle worth admiring, as are the many hidden coves that you can discover with the help of your guide.

The tour by jeep also includes a visit to the tower of Chia, a 17th century Spanish watchtower that offers a panoramic view of the coast. There will be no shortage of photo stops at the most scenic vantage points, where you can capture the wild beauty of southern Sardinia.

6. Trekking Porto Flavia and Pan di Zucchero

Cagliari, What To See In 1 Day
Trekking Porto Flavia

he trek to Porto Flavia offers an unforgettable adventure combining history, geology and breathtaking coastal views. Porto Flavia, located in the Iglesiente region, about an hour and a half's drive from Cagliari, is a unique mining site and a must-see for trekking and nature lovers.

The excursion begins with a route through the Mediterranean maquis, amidst the scents of myrtle and juniper, which will lead you towards the coast. Along the way, you can admire the remains of the ancient mines of Masua and Nebida, which tell the story of the Sardinian mining industry. These sites offer a fascinating insight into the region's industrial past, with abandoned structures blending harmoniously with the natural landscape.

When you reach Porto Flavia, you will be greeted by a spectacular view: the imposing structure is set into the sheer cliffs and offers a panoramic view of the islet of Pan di Zucchero, a rocky massif rising majestically from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Porto Flavia is a masterpiece of mining engineering, built in the 1920s to facilitate the loading of ore directly onto ships, thus reducing transport time.

The guided tour inside Porto Flavia is a unique experience. As you enter the tunnel carved into the rock, you will discover how minerals were moved through a system of conveyor belts and hoppers. Experienced guides will tell you fascinating stories about the life of the miners and the importance of this site to the local economy.

After the visit, the trek can continue along the coastal paths, offering additional vantage points from which to admire the sea and surrounding cliffs. You can take a picnic break or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Ending the day with a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the nearby Masua beach is the perfect way to refresh and reflect on the adventure you have just experienced. Trekking to Porto Flavia is an excursion that will allow you to immerse yourself in Sardinia's mining history while enjoying some of the island's most spectacular coastal views.

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