Travel to Cagliari with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Travel to Cagliari with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Cagliari

Capital of Sardinia, Cagliari is also a charming historic town. The city’s main sights are huddled in the medieval walled district of Castello. As well as being a popular destination in itself, Cagliari is also the perfect base for exploring the rest of this stunning island.

Getting there

Cagliaris airport is at Elmas, five kilometres away. The airport receives flights from several airlines daily from the mainland and across Europe. Alternatively, there are two other airports on Sardinia, at Olbia and Fertilia to the north. The islands main motorway is the SS131, which connects Cagliari with Oristano and Sassari. The second-biggest island in the Mediterranean, Cagliari is well served by ferries. There are frequent boats from Civitavecchia, and less frequent services from Naples, Palermo and Trapani. It is also possible to get a ferry from Tunis on the northern coast of Africa.

Info on Cagliari Key attractions

the Castello district is where most tourists head. You can enter at the San Pancrazio or Porta dei Leoni and explore the tangle of narrow Spanish style streets, remnants from when the city was ruled by Catalonia. Walking down via Lamarmora, you’ll find the cathedral, the churches of Santa Croce and San Giuseppe, and the other important buildings. The Citadel of Museums boasts four museums, including the islands National Archaeological Museum.

Out and about

Nora is west of Cagliari and is most famous for its Roman baths and amphitheatre, paved forum, ancient ruins of sewers and houses. Farther along the state road are the expansive beaches of Chia, with impressive sand dunes. The beach of Poetta is the longest beach on the gulf (11kms) and is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for some sun and sand. Also near Cagliari is Sanluris Castle, a fortress constructed in the 13th century and the former home of members of the Italian aristocracy. Today the castle serves as a museum focusing on the famous people of Sardinian history. For those travelling by car, motorway SS131 crosses Sette Fratelli (Seven Brothers) park, which includes the Serpeddi Mountains and is quite popular among trekkers. Traces of ancient civilizations have been found in the area and one archaeological site of interest is around Muravera, where several megalithic complexes have been found, dating back to around 5000 BC.

Leisure Options

some good shopping is to be had at the antiques market, or the small workshops in the Castello district. Find quality ceramics, wrought iron and leather goods. Fresh seafood and hearty specialties from Sardinias interior are the recommended selections at bars and restaurants in the Castello district. There are also numerous private clubs where live music is played.

Safety

Violent crimes are uncommon on Sardinia, but the crowded tourist centres attract plenty of pickpockets and bag snatchers, so you need to be on your guard. To feel extra safe, make sure that you take out travel insurance before you leave home.

Weather in Cagliari

Cagliari attracts visitors with its mild and gentle climate. This is because of the latitude and its height above sea level. The average summer temperature is 23-24C and in winter it is 12-13C. Except for occasional drops of temperature in winter it remains fairly constant until the summer. The temperature in summer can reach over 35C during the heat of the day. If you prefer the weather to be warm and pleasant visit in April/May.

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