Cagliari on a Budget: A 2-Day Adventure

Experience the charm of Cagliari without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Cagliari, an ancient town full of history and beautiful beaches, is a great destination for travelers on a budget. You can find affordable accommodations in the city center and experience the local culture by visiting local markets and sampling authentic Sardinian cuisine. With a little planning, you can explore the charming narrow streets, ancient ruins, and stunning coastline without breaking the bank.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Cagliari

  • First, check-in at Hotel Regina Margherita 4.5
    10 photos

    Hotel Regina Margherita

    4.5 (1399)

    V.le Regina Margherita, 44, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italy

    Bar,Restaurant

    Polished hotel offering contemporary rooms & a bar, plus breakfast & a relaxed bistro.

    hotelreginamargherita.com

    Learn more
    , a budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of the city. Then head out for some adventure:
  • Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from the Bastione San Remy tower 4.5
    10 photos

    Bastion Saint Remy

    4.5 (20738)

    Piazza Costituzione, 09121 Cagliari CA, Italy

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

    Landmark structure with a limestone arch & pillars, plus a terrace & promenade for cultural events.

    Learn more
    .
  • Walk around the Castle district 4.3
    10 photos

    Castle of San Michele

    4.3 (1235)

    Via Giovanni Cinquini, 09121 Cagliari CA, Italy

    Tourist attraction,Park

    Built in the 12th century, this fortified castle now houses the City Center of Art & Culture.

    fb.me

    Learn more
    , a medieval wonderland.
  • Visit the Cagliari Cathedral 4.6
    10 photos

    Cathedral of Cagliari

    4.6 (3365)

    Piazza Palazzo, 4/a, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italy

    Tourist attraction,Church

    Graceful 1200s cathedral with lavish interior, plus a vast marble pulpit & crypt with royal tombs.

    duomodicagliari.it

    Learn more
    , an awe-inspiring building that is a must-see for any architecture enthusiast.
  • Lunchtime calls for a visit to Pepe Nero 4.7
    10 photos

    Risto Enoteca PepeNero

    4.7 (300) • $$

    Eerste Oosterparkstraat 3-5, 1091 GT Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Restaurant,Point of interest

    restaurantpepenero.nl

    Learn more
    , a local restaurant that offers authentic Sardinian cuisine.
  • In the afternoon, take a stroll on Poetto Beach 4.4
    10 photos

    Poetto

    4.4 (2208)

    Poetto, Italy

    Natural feature,Establishment

    Vibrant beach area popular for swimming & sunbathing, plus nearby restaurants, dance clubs & bars.

    Learn more
    , the largest and most beautiful beach in Cagliari.
Day 2

Discovering Sardinia

  • Today is all about exploring the hidden gems outside Cagliari. Here's what you can do:
  • Rent a car and head to Nora Archaeological Site 4.6
    10 photos

    Nora, Italy

    4.6 (4687)

    09010 Nora CA, Italy

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

    Open air museum telling the story of this myth-infused village with origins in the 9th century BC.

    nora.beniculturali.unipd.it

    Learn more
    , an ancient Roman city by the sea, and get up close to the ruins.
  • Discover Villasimius
    10 photos

    Villasimius

    09049 Villasimius, South Sardinia, Italy

    Administrative area level 3,Political

    comune.villasimius.ca.it

    Learn more
    , a stunning coastal town with turquoise blue waters and white sandy beaches.
  • Lunch at Osteria Su Cumbidu 4.2
    10 photos

    Su Cumbidu

    4.2 (3932) • $$

    Via Napoli, 13, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italy

    Restaurant,Food

    Typical Sardinian dishes rustled up in a brick-&-stone space with quaint alley tables.

    Learn more
    , a traditional restaurant highly recommended by locals.
  • End the day with a trip to the flamingo reserve Stagno di Cagliari
    10 photos

    Cagliari

    Cagliari, Metropolitan City of Cagliari, Italy

    Locality,Political

    Learn more
    , a natural oasis in the city, where you can admire thousands of flamingos.
  • Cagliari has so much to offer stunning sea views, historic cities, and delicious food. Get ready for two amazing days of adventure, culture, and relaxation!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Cagliari, Italy by plane is to fly directly to Cagliari-Elmas Airport. Major airlines such as Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet offer direct flights from various cities across Europe.

Car

You can reach Cagliari by car by taking the SS131/E25 road from the north or south. It's about a 3-4 hour drive from Olbia and a 5-6 hour drive from Palermo. Cagliari has several parking facilities, including the Cagliari Parking and the Via Roma Parking.

Train

Although there are no direct train services to Cagliari, you can take a train to the nearby towns of Iglesias, Carbonia or Assemini, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach Cagliari.

Boat

Ferries provide regular services to Cagliari from ports in Sicily, Naples, Civitavecchia, and Palermo. The ferries usually dock at the Cagliari Port, which is within walking distance of the city center.

Bus

Several bus companies, including Flixbus and Sulcis Trasporti, provide regular bus services to Cagliari from various cities in Italy. The buses usually arrive at the ARST bus station, which is located in the city center.

Destination

Cagliari

Looking for a destination with sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and a local dialect that sounds like a cross between Italian and a malfunctioning fax machine? Look no further than this sunny capital city.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Cagliari, Italy: 5 Days of Fun and Adventure!

Cagliari, located on the beautiful island of Sardinia, is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip. With its stunning beaches, such as Poetto Beach, and crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The city itself offers numerous attractions, including the National Archaeological Museum, where kids can explore ancient artifacts, and the Cagliari Zoo, where they can meet a variety of animals.

Cagliari in 4: The Ultimate Italian Adventure

Cagliari is a beautiful city in the southern part of Sardinia island. It boasts breathtaking panoramic views and splendid coastline, making it an ideal place for tourists who love outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming. Visitors can also explore its historic monuments and remarkable museums to learn about the rich culture and traditions of this wonderful city.

Romantic Escape: 2 Days in Cagliari, Italy

Cagliari is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Take a stroll through the charming old town, enjoy a candlelit dinner with spectacular views over the Mediterranean, and spend lazy days soaking up the sun on picturesque beaches. With its beautiful architecture, stunning natural surroundings, and intimate atmosphere, Cagliari is the ideal destination for a couple seeking a romantic adventure.

Ciao Budget! 4 Days in Beautiful Cagliari, Italy

Visiting Cagliari, Italy on a limited budget is still a great way to experience the city's rich history and culture. Start by exploring the historic center, Castello, which offers stunning views of the city and numerous museums. Then, enjoy the local cuisine at popular restaurants like Il Refettorio and La Lanterna. Finally, relax on the nearby Poetto Beach, which is easily accessible by public transport.