Cagliari

Sardinia''s capital Cagliari, easy to reach and well worth a leisurely visit, is a city that offers a bewitching blend of modern urbanity and medieval mystery. You come around a corner and suddenly find yourself in a street so narrow that hardly any light reaches it; and only a sliver of blue sky reminds you that the light source is the intense sun of the Mediterranean. Towering high over Cagliari is the museum citadel, worth spending time in not only for the magnificent artifacts of ancient cultures housed in it, but also because of its subtropical gardens with their inspiring panoramas of lagoons and salt water lakes. What should also not be missed is Cagliari’s fish market, Mercato di San Benedetto, whose medley of sights and sounds is truly unforgettable.

Thanks to its long and eventful history, Cagliari is a trove of fascinating architecture. This port city was founded in the seventh century BC by the Phoenicians. There’s no better way to see Cagliari than from the sailor’s vantage point, by approaching the city from the sea. Cagliari’s massive castle towers majestically overhead. Between the harbour and castle lies Cagliari’s marina located in the old harbour district. Don’t be deceived by the dim, narrow streets and the plaster falling off the facades. This is a vibrant district indeed, particularly Via Sardinia, which is replete with restaurants, from modest, wispy trattorias to gourmet establishments. One thing’s for sure: there’s a place setting in this street for every palate and pocketbook. The old city is a wonderful venue in which to stroll and explore Cagliari’s many stores. The main shopping street, Via Roma, is replete with cool, shaded arcades; the shopping on Via Manu is also outstanding.