17 Best Day Trips From Cagliari

You can go on many great day trips from Cagliari.

As the capital city of Sardinia, Cagliari is the perfect place to base yourself for your island adventures! There are so many things to do in Cagliari. From checking out the Bastione of San Remy to touring the ancient Roman Amphitheater that dates back to the 2nd century AD. However, you don’t want to miss out on all that Sardinia has to offer.

Lucky for you, just by hopping in your car or catching a bus, you can see some real Sardinian treasures. And even better, I was born and raised in Cagliari. This is where I live, and of course I can share all my secrets into the best places to visit on day trips from Cagliari.

With some of the island’s most significant and stunning sights just a hop, skip, and a jump away, Cagliari is a great destination for a long weekend. So if you’re eager to go exploring, let’s get right to it and cover the best day trips from Cagliari!

To make the most of the surroundings of Cagliari, you will be better off renting a car. I recommend using Discover Cars to check the prices of car rental on the island. This is my favorite comparison site and I have used it in many places in Italy and in the world.

The Best Day Trips From Cagliari

Serdiana and Dolianova

Serdiana is a small village located just 20 km (12.4 miles) north of Cagliari. It is a well-maintained and preserved quaint, rural community. I am probably biased to it – my mom is from Serdiana, so I have been going there since I was born.

There certainly isn’t an abundance of accommodation options or even a whiff of a nightlife scene. Yest, Serdiana is a charming place that is within easy distance from the capital. It makes for wonderful day trips from Cagliari, and there is quite a bit to see in the area.

This village is most well-known for fine wines. There are 5 official wineries in the area, and more unofficial ones, and some are actually my favorite in Sardinia.

In fact, one of the most famous wineries in all of Sardinia is located in Serdiana — Argiolas Winery. They are the makers of Turriga, a prize winning wine in Italy and probably my favorite wine in the world. I have been to Argiolas for wine tasting experiences countless times and I never tire of it!

If you happen to have the opportunity to visit Serdiana at the end of May, don’t miss out on celebrating Cantine Aperte-Wine Day. You’ll get to sample all the local delights and delicacies – and of course, the Sardinian wines – during this festival.

If you’re visiting during the winter, make sure to go birdwatching at Su Stani Saliu. This is a blissful salt-water pond. Here you can bask in the beauty of birds like pink flamingos and black-winged stilts.

Lastly, make sure to visit Santa Maria di Sibiola church. It’s a 12th-century church that is an absolute masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. It’s actually one of the most well-preserved medieval Romanesque churches in Sardinia.

The church is only open for special occasions. However, it remains quite a sight even from the outside; or you can get in touch with the Comune di Serdiana via email at [email protected] to request a visit.

Here’s a fun anecdote that may want to make you visit even more. This is where my parents got married. It’s also where my sister got married. In fact, it’s where literally everyone in my family gets married!

Right next to Serdiana, there’s another small town that you can visit on the same day if you have a car – Dolianova.

The main attraction here is the gorgeous San Pantaleo Church. It’s a fantastic example of Pisan – Romanic style that dates from the 13th century. Contrary to Santa Maria di Sibiola, the church is always open. This means you can pop in to admire the gorgeous art inside.

Dolianova also has its winery – the Cantina Sociale di Dolianova – and is home to an olive oil museum. There you can learn about the process of olive oil production (the name Dolianova actually means “new olive” in English). There even is a really great cheese factory where you can learn to make cheese (and taste it, obviously).

It will take you roughly 30 minutes by car to get to Serdiana and Dolianova from Cagliari. There are buses that go there and depart at regular intervals. However, they only go to the main village. This wouldn’t allow you to visit the surrounding sites, which are lovely.

If you don’t have a car, you can still visit Serdiana with this wine tour experience from Cagliari that goes to Argiolas Winery.

You could also consider this guided tour that goes to the cheese factory of Dolianova . It’s one of the most fun day trips from Cagliari.

There’s also a guided tour of the Museum of Oil that includes a tasting course, in case you want to learn how olive oil is made directly from its makers!

Su Nuraxi and the Giara Plateau

If you’ve glanced at the top archeological sites to see in Sardinia, you know that you should definitely visit a nuraghe during your trip to the island.

These utterly unique ancient archeological megalithic buildings look like beehives. It turns out that Barumini has one of the most impressive ones of all: Su Naraxi – literally, “the nuraghe” in English.

Lucky for you, this is an easy place to visit on day trips from Cagliari. Indeed, the town of Barumini sits just 63 km (little over 39 miles) north of Cagliari. It’s an easy 50 minutes drive.

The one in Barumini is a complex nuraghe, with four corner tours, and a maze of 50 ancient huts as well. It’s quite the sight; in fact, it’s the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sardinia. It’s truly an archeological treasure.

Once you arrive to Su Nuraxi, you can grab your tickets at the office and you will have to join a guided tour. There are tours in various languages, including English, and depart every 30 minutes or so, depending on request.

Visiting Su Naraxi is a history-lover’s dream come true. But there is more to see in Barumini to keep you busy.

Your admission to Su Nuraxi will include a ticket to the Museo Casa Zapata, located in a historic home in the center of Barumini. Here you can discover more nuragic ruins and learn more about the history of how Su Nuraxi was discovered and excavated.

Concerts, events and exhibits take place here too. There are also a couple of beautiful churches worth visiting.

Looking for a fabulous lunch after exploring Su Nuraxi on your day trip from Cagliari? Right in front of the site, you will find various restaurants. I find that Cavallino della Giara offers good, traditional food at reasonable prices and the service is good too.

To make a full day of your trip, you can also visit the nearby Parco Della Giara. It’s just a 20-minute drive from the city center of Barumini.

This fantastic park is home to more than 100 species of animals, including their famous Giara horses (we call them “Cavallini della Giara”). It’s a great place to visit if you are traveling with children.

You can explore on your own. But for a better experience consider joining one of the guided tours with a local guide. They depart from the entrance of the park – you need to book in advance via the official website of the Parco della Giara. You will have to pay in person after your visit.

Close by is also the Società Agricola Olianas winery, where you can walk through the vineyards sipping wine on a tasting tour.

If you have a car, this is an easy day trip from Cagliari. But if you don’t, it can be quite a hassle. So I recommend joining this day tour of Su Nuraxi di Barumini that also goes to the Giara Plateau.

Ancient City of Nora

The city of Nora has been crucial to the growth and development of ancient civilizations in Sardinia. It was a Phoenician city first, Punic next, and finally, it became a burgeoning Roman city.

With over 3,000 years of history, why wouldn’t you want to include it among your planned day trips from Cagliari and come on over for a visit? It’s only 39 km (24 miles) to the southwest of Cagliari, anyways!

When visiting Nora, make sure to spend some time walking through the archaeological park. Once you get to the site, you can join one of the tours offered by the site, in a variety of languages.

If you can, try to also find a snorkeling tour as there are many ruins you can see underwater. So grab your snorkel gear, and look down at the ancient Roman roads and ruins below.

Also, you simply can’t miss seeing the remains of the Temple of Tanit and the Roman Theater, as well as the thermal baths that were present in any proper Roman City.

However, if you want to see the Nora Stone – the first ever relic that reports the name “Sardinia” (Shrdn) written on it, you will have to visit the National Archaeological Museum in Cagliari.

Finally, after checking out the archeological site, enjoy a walk along the beach where you can spot the lovely Sant’Efisio church – a place of pilgrimage during the Sant’Efisio festivities of Cagliari. It’s actually a lovely beach to spend a few hours in the summer months, perfect for the whole family.

If you don’t want to drive, you have the option of taking the bus from Cagliari to Pula and then a shuttle to Nora. Otherwise you can opt for this Archaeological tour of Nora from Cagliari. It includes transportation and a local guide.

Tharros and San Giovanni di Sinis

Another beautiful archeological site that you can easily visit on day trips from Cagliari is Tharros. It’s in the Sinis Peninsula about 1.5 hour drive from the capital. It’s a place I truly love, so I go there all the time!

Tharros was founded by the Phoenicians between the end of the 8th and the beginning of the 7th century BC. However, there is proof of the presence of people from the Nuragic period.

The city was later on conquered by the Punic and finally by the Romans. It is a fantastic example of a stratified city – like many in Sardinia.

Nearby sites you can visit are the necropolis of San Giovanni di Sinis. Just walk along the waterfront, and you can spot various ruins among the buildings. There’s also the 6th century San Giovanni di Sinis Church, which is usually open during the day.

The city of Tharros overlooks the sea, like many ancient sites in Sardinia. If you visit in the summer, you can make it a full day trip and plan to spend a few hours at the gorgeous San Giovanni di Sinis beach. You’ll see it as you make your way to the site.

In fact, it’s a great place for a walk even in the winter months.

It will take you about one hour and 20 minutes to get to San Giovanni di Sinis. You’ll have to drive towards Oristano, and then proceed towards Cabras. You will find signs pointing you towards Tharros.

There are no guided day trips from Cagliari to Tharros that you can book online, but you can enquire locally for one. To make the most of Tharros, you should reserve a guide in English by sending an email at [email protected].

Tempio di Antas

The Tempio di Antas is one of my favorite day trips from Cagliari. It’s located in south Sardinia’s, truly off the beaten path, so it doesn’t nearly receive the attention it deserves. If you make the effort to drive all the way there, you will likely have the place to yourself.

The site is actually fairly big and there are a few ruins you can see. The main one is a Roman temple that dates from 38 BC. You can spot the columns of the main temple area.

Right in front of it, and actually a bit hidden, there’s an older Punic temple. It is dedicated to a Sardinian deity, Sardus Pater Babai (the Punic God Sid Addir). He is a legendary figure believed to be the father and protector of all Sardinian people.

You will also find the ruins of a nuragic village, and those of a Roman Quarry, as well as ancient oak trees.

The main temple is fairly close to the main gate of the archeological park. However, a series of trails will take you to the various other spots and you can actually make a hike out of this trip.

There’s a rest area with a kiosk where you can buy drinks and some (basic) food. There are also tables and benches to have a picnic.

You will need your own car to reach the Tempio di Antas. It’s about 1.5 hours from Cagliari. You’ll have to follow State Road 130 to Iglesias. From there take State Road 126 all the way to the site. Beware the road can be very windy!

Fordongianus Terme

I discovered Fordongianus fairly recently. I had been wanting to go there for a long time, but never had a chance. When a friend visited I decided it was finally time to go.

Fordongianus is both the name of the village, and the name of the Roman Baths that you will find there.

Needless to say, the Roman Baths are the most interesting thing to see. The site is small but well kept. You can grab an audioguide – available in various languages – from the ticket office. This will guide your visit, which will last about 1.5 hours.

There are more Roman ruins in the area. You can see a bridge near the baths. There’s also a Roman amphitheater which you can actually see from the road, and which is not fully excavated yet.

The village is pretty and nice for a short walk. There is a lovely church you can pop into for. The cherry on the cake, however, will be the chance of actually using the public spa complex to relax – so bring your swimsuit!

Fordongianus is an easy day trip from Cagliari if you have a car. Unfortunately there are no guided tours. Getting there by public transportation requires several changes and can be quite a hassle. It takes about one hour and 20 minutes to get there.

Costa Rei Beaches

Costa Rei is one of my favorite places to visit on day trips from Cagliari, especially in the summer (though I love it in the winter too). My parents have a small holiday home there. I spent my summers there as a child. Now I visit them often when they move there for their summer holidays.

It really is one of my most beloved places.

Spread along the south-east coast of Sardinia, just under an hour’s drive from Cagliari, the beaches of Costa Rei are calling your name.

The main beach here is that of Costa Rei. It’s a long sandy beach with golden sand and very clear waters, with all sorts of services available including umbrella rentals and kiosks.

There are more beaches you can enjoy, such as Santa Giusta, home of locally famous Scoglio Di Peppino (Peppino’s Rock), Cala Sinzias, Cala Pira and Monte Turnu. These are smaller coves so they tend to get a bit more crowded, but they are truly scenic.

There are awesome water activities to enjoy on the beaches, from windsurfing and kayaking to snorkeling and scuba diving!

If you happen to be in the area on a gloomy day, worry not. Head to the nearby Castiadas to visit the historical prison. For a minimal fee you can get a guided tour that lasts about one hour and that is very insightful as it explains a newer part of the history of Sardinia.

It takes about one hour to drive from Cagliari to Costa Rei, on an easy road. There are also buses that go there. These take a bit longer as they actually go along the coast (the views are very scenic) and make several stops.

There also is a guided tour that goes to Costa Rei and Sant’Elmo Beach that you can join for a hassle free day in case you don’t want to drive. Finally, there’s another tour that goes to Cala Sinzias and Porto Giunco, in the nearby Villasimius.

Villasimius Beaches

I normally visit the beaches of Villasimius from Costa Rei. However, it’s also an easy day trip from Cagliari that you can certainly consider if you are visiting Sardinia in the summer.

You will be spoiled for choice here. Villasimius is home to some of the best beaches in Sardinia.

So come with a plan and pick just one or two places at most to make the most of your day. Avoid moving around too much as this can be time consuming (and you may have issues finding a spot to park your car!).

Villasimius can be very busy in the summer, so don’t expect the beaches to be empty. Alas, it’s incredible.

My absolute favorite beach here is Punta Molentis. It’s a protected beach, so only a limited number of daily visitors can get in. This means you have to book your spot in advance. My guide on how to visit Punta Molentis explains exactly what you have to do.

Another beach I truly like here is Porto Giunco, which is a bit more spacious and always open to visitors. It can get very crowded. But if you walk further towards the edges of the beach you will find a spot to place your umbrella.

Towards the southern end of the beach there’s a short hiking trail that will take you to a Spanish watchtower from where you can enjoy magnificent views.

Other beaches in Villasimius include Campulongu, Campus, Spiaggia del Riso, Cala Caterina. Villasimius is also home to the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area. It is a prime spot in Sardinia for snorkeling and diving.

Villasimius is about 62 km (38.5 miles) east of Cagliari. It will take you about one hour to get there – or a bit more if you find traffic. There are buses to Villasimius from Cagliari. But if you want to go beach hopping it’s not a great idea to use public transport.

Luckily, there are guided tours from Cagliari for those that don’t want to drive. One of them is this Villasimius beaches tour that will make your day completely hassle free.

There’s also this guided tour that specifically goes to Porto Giunco beach and then to Cala Sinzias, which is closer to Costa Rei.

Su Giudeu Beach

This is one of the most pleasant day trips from Cagliari in the summer months, and not only. I do it all the time as Chia beaches are truly spectacular, and some of my favorite hiking trails in Sardinia start right here.

The most famous beach in Chia is by far Su Giudeu. It is known for the golden sand dunes, the shallow waters and a small island that you can easily reach from the shore, on foot. It’s a fabulous spot to spend a relaxing day, and if you are traveling with children they will love it!

Chia Beach is also a wonderful spot to experience Sardinia’s wildlife. Pink flamingos often dot the shallow waters of the lagoon right behind the beach. Dolphins swim nearby in the sea.

Su Giudeu is also a popular place for water sports. So if you want to try surfing and wind-surfing, that’s the beach for you. There’s also horseback riding and golfing to partake in.

There is actually more than one beach that makes up the Chia Beach area. There is the Torre di Chia that has a fabulous viewpoint to walk to and take in the views. You can also visit Cala Cipolla which is at the far end of Su Giudeu beach and shares the same parking lot.

It takes about one hour to drive from Cagliari to Chia. Buses go there. However they won’t take you all the way to the beach if that’s what you are hoping to see.

If you don’t have a car, it may be easier to join a guided tour departing from Cagliari that includes transportation. Luckily there are various.

I recommend this Cagliari West Beaches tour. It goes to Chia beaches, making two stops during the day for you to be able to lay in the sun and swim in the sea.

There’s also this Chia and Tuerredda Beach tour that’s really good. Tuerredda is a short distance from Chia. It is a protected beach and you need to really head there early to get a parking spot. A guided tour is a great idea as it saves you from a lot of hassle!

Su Gorropu Canyon

If you enjoy hiking or rock climbing, you will have many places to visit on day trips from Cagliari.

Su Gorropu Canyon, also called the Gorropu Gorge, is located in the province of Nuoro. It’s actually a little farther away than I’d typically recommend for a day trip from Cagliari — about a three-hour drive. But it’s just too incredible to leave off my list, and it is actually doable. I have done it myself multiple times!

The best thing to do here is obviously hiking. The area is home to some of the best hikes in Sardinia. My personal favorite is the Sa Barva Bridge trail. You can find the trailhead in the Sa Barva bridge area. This is a bit outside of the village of Dorgali.

There are also jeep services that will cut your trek down by about 40 minutes. But if you are healthy and sporty go for the whole walk.

The canyon is actually only 1.5 km long (that’s less than a mile). Yet it’s the deepest one in Europe (it’s 500 meters, which is more than 1,640 feet). It’s a paradise for rock climbers. However, without a guide and some serious skills with rope, you can only climb through about a third of the way.

You will likely be too tired to do anything else after the hike, especially considering you have to drive all the way back to Cagliari. But you may be happy to know that depending on the trailhead you pick, you won’t be too far from a winery where you can enjoy a good glass of wine. For example, there’s the Vitivinicola Antichi Poderi in Jerzu.

You definitely need a car to be able to visit the Gorropu Gorge on a day trip from Cagliari. My post A Guide To Hiking Su Gorropu Canyon gives you more information about the best hikes in the area, and how to reach the various trailheads.

Porto Flavia and the Mines of Sulcis Iglesiente

The Sulcis Iglesiente is a region in the southwest of Sardinia. This area is most well-known for its mining activities, especially coal mining. There were also other things to mine, such as carboniferous granites and diorites, limestones and dolomites, and lead and zinc.

Although the mines are no longer in use, visiting the mines in the Sulcis Iglesiente makes for some incredible day trips from Cagliari. In fact, the geo-mining historical and environmental park of Sardinia is now working to be inscribed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

When you visit the Malfidano mine in Buggerru, you’ll be able to see the remains of the old mines and tour their fantastic historical museum.

I recommend visiting the Laveria Lamarmora, a lead and zinc mine that dates from the late 1800s and that is extremely well preserved.

You can enjoy a long hike along the old miner trails – for example there’s one that will take you from the Laveria Lamarmora in Nebida all the way to the gorgeous Masua Pan di Zucchero Beach. I recommend booking a guide who can fill you in on all the fascinating history of the mines.

For example, there’s this guided hike which takes you from the mines of Nebida all the way to Porto Flavia, one of the most impressive sites in Sardinia.

While in the area you should also check out the Porto Flavia complex, overlooking the water below and take a tour of mine. It really is one of the most impressive examples of mining architecture in Sardinia.

If you’re looking for something else to see in the area, the Sulcis-Iglesiente region also has oak and bearberry forests to explore, and caves to see, including San Giovanni di Gonnesa cave, Su Mannu di Fluminimaggiore cave (which is actually close to the Tempio di Antas I have already mentioned), and San Giovanni di Domusnovas cave.

It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Cagliari to Nebida, the first village of the mining area you’ll find. I don’t recommend attempting to do this day trip by public transportation. The bus schedule is such that you won’t have much time to explore the mines.

There’s a very expensive tour that goes to Porto Flavia departing from Cagliari, if you don’t feel like driving. For that price, you are probably better off just renting a car for a day!

Acquafredda Castle

Located in the unassuming village of Siliqua, you will find Acquafredda Castle, one of the most famous castles in Sardinia and a truly interesting place to visit.

The castle was legendarily built on orders of the Count Ugolino della Gherardesca (for literature lovers, he’s the one mentioned in Dante’s Inferno), however it dates from the 13th century and apparently existed before he made it to Sardinia.

It is perched on top of a hill and can be visited on insightful guided tours which can be bought directly on the site. The views from the castle are marvelous: on a clear day you can see all the way to Cagliari!

It takes about 40 minutes to drive to the parking lot from where you can acces the castle from Cagliari.

Sa Spendula Waterfall

Bring on the breathtaking beauty, because you’re about to see one of the tallest waterfalls on the island of Sardinia — Sa Spendula waterfall!

The waterfall cascades down in a three-part tier, which forms three pools. It stands 72 meters in height (that’s 236 feet). You can soak in the pools, which have special qualities: the mineral, a granitic aiguille, is present in the waters and reportedly has healing properties.

It takes less than an hour to walk to Sa Spendula Waterfall from Villacidro.

When you’re visiting the falls, make sure to stop by the charming town of Villacidro, and pick up some snacks. This town is famous for its production of mandarines and other fruits and vegetables food.

This is not a day trip I’d recommend in the summer, when the temperatures are so high that the flow of water in the waterfalls is minimal and you really can’t see much!

It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Cagliari to Villacidro. There’s also a direct bus that takes you there from the center of Cagliari in just under one hour, which means this is one of the best day trips from Cagliari by public transport.

There are more waterfalls that can be seen on hikes in Sardinia. I especially love Piscina Irgas, which is 45 meters tall (more than 147 feet) and plunges into a deep pool of water, and Muru Mannu, which stands nearly 70 meters (229.6 feet) high and falls into a quaint little lake.

San Sperate

San Sperate is a charming town that sits just 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Cagliari. Renowned for its astounding public art scene, San Sperate is an art lover’s delight!

Immersed in colorful orchards filled with oranges, lemons, and peaches, San Sperate definitely qualifies as idyllic.

Meander through the charming cobble-stone streets and see hundreds of colorful murals covering the walls! There are murals that show the history, life, and tradition of the town and of Sardinia itself.

San Sperate is also home to a plethora of artists, who create beautiful works, from ceramics and paintings to jewelry, iron, and leather works. The most prominent one was Pinuccio Sciola, who sadly passed away a few years ago.

I wholeheartedly recommend this tour of Pinuccio Sciola Sound Garden, a lovely garden where you can see (and hear) his incredible musical rocks, which have been carved and shaped to capture light and sound.

If you decide to visit on day trips from Cagliari, bring some extra cash with you to pick up some memorable souvenirs.

San Sperate is easy to reach by car from Cagliari, and there are also regular buses departing from the main station in Piazza Matteotti. Alternatively, you can visit on this guided day trip from Cagliari that also includes transportation from the city.

Sant’Antioco Island and Calasetta

Sant’Antioco is the main island in the Sulcis region of southern Sardinia. This island makes for some of the most incredible day trips from Cagliari.

It’s actually the largest island of Sardinia, and it’s connected to mainland Sardinia by an articular isthmus.

Once a Phoenician-Punic colony dating from the 770 BC; the town of Sant’Antioco (yes, it has the same name as the island) was originally named Sulki and it was turned into a Roman City. Now, it’s a beautiful seaside small town filled with colorful houses and charming restaurants.

Sant’Antioco is known for building traditional wooden boats and for weaving. Obviously, it has a burgeoning fishing and salt business as well, but you might find witnessing some boat building or weaving a tidbit more interesting!

There are also lots of Roman remnants to check out, from sa Presonedda mausoleum to the Domus de Janas (fairly houses) of is Pruinis.

What else is there to see on Sant’Antioco? Well, there are ruins of nearly 30 nuraghes, as well as sacred springs, and giants’ tombs. And there is an impressive coastline with cliffs overlooking the bluest Mediterranean waters: you can follow the trails down to find a quiet spot to swim too.

My favorite spot it the locally famous Arco dei Baci, where you can swim in the clearest waters you can imagine.

You will also find the Tenuta La Sabbiosa vineyard that overlooks the sea. They work with centuries-old vines and strive to be as sustainable and environmentally conscious as possible. They produce a fantastic Carignano del Sulcis DOC wine that is full-bodied, rich, and warm.

Also located in the island of Sant’Antioco there’s Calasetta, whose history began in the year of 1769 with 38 families of coral fishermen from the Tunisian island of Tabarka.

Later, tuna fishermen settled there as well, and then settlers from Piedmont came and brought grapes with them. Today, the mixed language of Tabarkian and Ligurian can still be heard throughout the town.

Calasetta has three sandy beaches – Grande, Sottotorre, and Le Saline beaches. And the other areas of the coastline are covered with jagged cliffs. Snapping a photo of the rock formation called the Boat Eater (Mangiabarche), where a scenic lighthouse is located, makes for quite the memorable shot!

There’s also the fjord called Cala Lunga that has a sheltered beach on it.

Calasetta also has its own wineries. My favorite is the Cantina di Calasetta, which produces Carignano del Sulcis and has an impressively extensive tour, where you get to sip on award-winning wines and sample traditional food and dishes such as the Gallettine di Calasetta.

Also located in Calasetta there’s the Museum of Contemporary Art (called the MACC) to bask in some awesome artwork.

It takes about one and a half hours to reach Sant’Antioco from Cagliari. You are better off driving there as public transportation is limited and it would only take you to the villages, but not the coast and the surrounding areas.

If you don’t have a car, you can consider this guided tour of Sant’Antioco and San Pietro Island that it also goes to the lovely Carloforte. It’s a fairly packed day I think, but the local guides will make sure to plan everything for you so that everything runs smoothly.

Monte Arcosu Hike

Seeking a jolt of adventure? Then the Monte Arcosu hike is for you. Sitting just outside of Cagliari, Monte Arcosu is a forest that is actually a huge Mediterranean marquis.

It’s a glorious natural park overflowing with biodiversity. Also, it is one of the last homes of the Corsican red deer, though I shall warn you it is quite hard to see one.

The nature parks spans over 35,000 hectares, the high peaks of the mountains soar more than 1,000 meters high. Monte Arcosu really is a spectacular place to plan a hike.

Throughout the park are two different easy trails that are simple to follow and don’t require a guide – the Perdu Melis trail and the Sa Canna trail. Both hikes take about two hours to complete.

However, if you are an experienced hiker, there are more strenuous hiking trails you can take throughout the reserve that are more steep and challenging.

So, whether you’re looking for a straightforward, smooth, and pain-free hike or something a bit more exciting and arduous both options are available in Monte Arcosu. No matter the trail, you’re sure to enjoy a breath of fresh air on your day trip from Cagliari.

Villa Piercy and Burgos

Villa Piercy is actually quite far from Cagliari, in Bolotana and closer to the North of Sardinia, but it can still be visited on day trips if you have a car. It is a gorgeous 19th century English Colonia style villa in the thick forest of Badde Salighes, a lovely spot in and of itself.

What’s an English villa doing in Sardinia?

The villa was built for Welsh engineer Benjamin Piercy, who arrived in Sardinia in the second half of the 19th century following an agreement with an English-Italian society to build a railway between Cagliari and Sassari.

It’s a lovely spot to visit in any season, but it’s particularly charming in the fall months with foliage.

The villa is only opened during the weekend and can be visited on guided tours which must be booked by emailing [email protected].

Not far from Villa Piercy you will find Burgos, one of the most scenic villages in Sardinia with a castle perched right on top of a hill and a museum entirely dedicated to castles in Sardinia which is quite interesting to visit.

It takes about one hour and 50 minutes to drive from Cagliari to Villa Piercy and another 25 minutes to get to Burgos from Villa Piercy. The views along the way to Burgos are stunning, as you will get to see the castle with the village at the bottom from afar.

Final Thoughts

While Cagliari is jam-packed with awesome things to do, I hope this post illuminated some of the best day trips from Cagliari and sparked a bit of curiosity in you!

Whether you need some time in the sand at Chia Beach, prefer to sample wine at Calasetta’s renowned winery, or even wander through Su Naraxi in Barumini, there are true wonders to be found when you hop in a car or on a bus and get outside of town.

Want to push yourself a bit further? There are even more guided day trips from Cagliari:

Day trip from Cagliari to Alghero – This guided tour takes you to Alghero, one of the prettiest small towns in Sardinia. I personally thinks it deserves more than a day, but if you don’t have much time you can definitely consider it.

Day trip from Cagliari to Bosa – This private tour takes you to Bosa, one of the most colorful villages in Sardinia and a truly pleasant place to explore. Personally I find Bosa to be a bit far from Cagliari, but I have local friends who have visited on a day trip and they enjoyed it.

Further Readings

Make sure to read my other posts about Sardinia:

• The Best Guide To Renting A Car In Sardinia
• What You Should Know Before Traveling To Sardinia
• 10 Best Things To Do In Sardinia
• Nicest Squares In Cagliari
• Best Museums In Sardinia
• 5 Lovely Walks In Cagliari To Discover Its Beauty
• Everything You Need To Know About Poetto, Cagliari’s Best Beach
• Cagliari Nightlife: A Guide To Cagliari Best Bars
• 7 Best Beaches In Cagliari
• Nicest Hotels In Cagliari
• 7 Beautiful Churches In Cagliari
• Most Beautiful Beach Resorts In Sardinia
• Where To Go Climbing In Sardinia
• How To Visit La Lavanda Di Elvio, Sardinia’s First Lavender Field

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