Are you thinking about visiting Cagliari, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Cagliari worth visiting?
Cagliari is worth visiting for one to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Cagliari is the capital city in Sardinia, and while many visitors to the island pass through the city, those who linger will be well rewarded. The city is built on a hill and has a charming atmosphere and an impressive medieval quarter - Castello. There are many architectural wonders as well as great restaurants and nearby beaches.
Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Reasons to Visit Cagliari
Museums
The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.
Food
The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.
Nightlife
There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.
Beaches
While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.
Historical Sights
The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.
Shopping
Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.
Authenticity
Cagliari has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Cagliari worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (85°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Cagliari, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, browse the museums, and enjoy the city's energy. Also, you can check out the historic old town and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Cagliari
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| August | 24°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| September | 22°C (71°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
Is Cagliari worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Cagliari. Even though Cagliari is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 18°C (65°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse around the old town, spend time at the museums, and discover the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Cagliari
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 18°C (65°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| November | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| December | 11°C (52°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Is Cagliari worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Cagliari. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Cagliari can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 10°C (50°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife and the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Cagliari
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 10°C (50°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| February | 10°C (51°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| March | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
Is Cagliari worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 14°C (57°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Cagliari, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Cagliari is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Cagliari
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| June | 21°C (70°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Related
What is Cagliari most famous for?
Cagliari is most famous for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. It's also known for shopping. It is often described as laid back, relaxed, historic, and under-rated.
What is the most famous sight in Cagliari?
The most popular sight in Cagliari is Castello. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Cagliari on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Castello and other attractions here.
How touristy is Cagliari? Is it a popular city to visit?
Cagliari is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Cagliari : Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Guide: $51
- Archaeological tour of Nora: $90
- Cagliari Vintage Tour: $71
- Winery And Oil Mill Tasting Tour: $93
- Boat tour at Devil's Saddle with 4 swimming stops and snorkeling: $60
- Guided Electric Bicycle Tour in Cagliari: $49
- Barumini Unesco Site and Giara of Gesturi Tour from Cagliari: $98
- Cagliari City Tour - Minivan Sightseeing and Walking: $98
How long should I spend in Cagliari?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Cagliari is one to three days. Since Cagliari has activities such as beaches, historical sights, museums, and dining, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cagliari?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cagliari?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Cagliari?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.