Cagliari on a Budget: 3 Fun-Filled Days!

Discover the beauty of Cagliari without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Cagliari, Italy on a limited budget can still be an exceptional experience. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of the city, relax on Poetto Beach, and indulge in traditional Sardinian cuisine while staying in affordable accommodations like guesthouses or hostels. Travel on local buses or walk the city streets to save money on transportation.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Cagliari!

  • Check into Hotel Italia, an affordable option in the center of town.
  • Grab lunch at the lively Mercato di San Benedetto, where fresh seafood and local produce reign supreme.
  • Get a taste of Cagliari's history by visiting the Bastione di Saint Remy, an iconic monument that offers stunning views of the city.
  • Take a stroll along the Poetto beach promenade, and end the day with a sunset aperitivo cocktail.
Day 2

Savoring the Sights

  • Start with a visit to the imposing Cattedrale di Santa Maria, a masterpiece of Catalan-Gothic architecture.
  • Discover the ancient Roman amphitheater, where gladiators once fought for their lives in front of thousands of spectators.
  • Get lost in the colorful alleys of the historic district known as Castello, and stop for a coffee or gelato at one of the charming cafes.
  • Climb up to Monte Urpinu for a hike and panoramic views of the city.
  • Finish the day with dinner at Su Tzilleri e su Doge, a beloved local restaurant that serves authentic Sardinian cuisine.
Day 3

Nature and Nuraghes

  • Escape the city center and explore the natural beauty of the Molentargius Park, famous for its flamingo colonies.
  • Visit the mysterious Nuraghe Sant'Antine, a prehistoric tower that dates back to 1600 BC.
  • Walk along the scenic coastal trail of Calamosca, and stop for a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Learn about the island’s unique wines with a tasting at the family-run Argiolas winery.
  • For your final dinner, enjoy a romantic meal at Il Refettorio, a cozy eatery that showcases the best of Sardinian cuisine with a modern twist.

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.

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