In the heart of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is one of the most beautiful parts of Europe, and Cagliari is the biggest and most densely populated part. The island won my heart when I first visited last year. Its lush, gorgeous beaches, beautiful Mediterranean architecture, and welcoming, memorable people made my time there one to remember. But like with most travel destinations, there are places I couldn’t see or explore properly during my time there, or just dearly miss and seek to revisit.
This got me thinking – if I was travelling there for the first time again, where would I now know I absolutely have to go?
Molentargius Parco delle Saline
Let’s start with nature. Molentargius-Parco delle Saline is a former saltworks turned nature reserve and can be found in the heart of Cagliari. You can hire bikes, join group tours, and see countless birds in their natural environment, including flamingos. Sardinia’s a great destination for birdwatchers – you don’t even need to leave the capital to get some good sightings. Even if you’re not a self-confessed twitcher, this area’s history is something you should discover in person. It’s a fascinating look into Cagliari’s industrial past while participating in its tourist-driven present. It’s so beautiful and easy to see why the locals love it. I really want to go back and experience it all again!
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The independent coffee shops
Cagliari, like all Italian towns, is full of independent coffee shops, among many other small businesses. There’s nothing better than eating freshly cooked food from small, independent places, especially if it’s cuisine you never get as good at home. When I first visited Cagliari, prior commitments meant I wasn’t able to fully explore the vibrant independent café scene. However, the one coffee shop I did visit was absolutely fantastic. Their coffee and cakes tasted delicious.
Also, an increasing number of cafés have English menus, so it’s easier than ever. The place I visited offered English translations via their digital menu, which you could easily access at every table. So, even if you’re not proficient in different languages, you can still easily get your order right here. It’s good practice to learn some Italian (and Sardu, if you’re a linguist like me), though. The locals will love you more if you do.
The harbour
Cagliari Harbour (Parcheggio della Banchina Ichnusa di Cagliari, in Italian) has gorgeous views of the Med. The harbour’s also very close to all the nearby cafés. There are regular ferry services to mainland Italy, alongside seemingly endless rows of boats and private yachts. Why are there so many boats? The island of Sardinia is known as a millionaire’s paradise because many of them flock there year-round to soak up its stunning climate. While they mostly stick to Northern Sardinia, loads still find their way down to Cagliari. If you’re a boat geek like me, you’ll appreciate the aesthetic and people-watching round here…
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Poetto Beach
Sardinia is renowned worldwide for its stunning beaches, which I highly recommend visiting. However, most of these beaches are only reachable by foot or boat, so they’re not too accessible. Not Poetto Beach, though – this one’s easily reached by bus from central Cagliari. It’s beautiful, clear-blue water and serene sands are a great sample of Sardinia’s many other beaches. Poetto Beach is also close to the previously mentioned Molentargius Parco, so you’ve got plenty to do – I spent a lot of time here!
I’d love to revisit Poetto outside of peak season. Because of how accessible it is, it’s very popular with tourists. If you fancy trying some of Sardinia’s other beaches, I’m sure they’re a bit quieter all through the year. But I’ve seen photos of Poetto Beach in the shoulder seasons etc, and I’d love to go then.
Cagliari has so much to offer – I’ve only just scratched the surface in this article. As a slow travel enthusiast, revisiting the same destinations multiple times is key to fully appreciating what they have to offer. So, I look forward to learning more about Cagliari through multiple future visits. If you decide to explore Cagliari, and the rest of Sardinia, I hope you fall in love with it, too…
If you love the sound of Sardinia as much as Milla, check out the rest of our Italy holidays.
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Author: Milla Hawley (she/her)
Last updated: 12/08/2025
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