Serdiana is a small town in Sardinia; a charming village in the deep south of the Campidano plains. It’s in an area known as Parteolla, right next to the larger Dolianova, and just 20 kilometers (around 12.4 miles) from Cagliari. This makes it a perfect place to visit on day trips from the capital city.
Here you will find beautiful natural and archeological sites: you can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and a bit of history. The center itself is worth visiting, because of the many traditional campidanese houses “a corte”, with a nice internal garden.
Not many international tourists every make it to Serdiana, but locals know it thanks to the many wineries. No more than 2600 people live in Serdiana, but there are 6 wineries, each of them excellent!
My mom is from Serdiana and part of her family is still there. So I visit all the time. I thought I’d write everything you should know about it, to help you plan your visit and make the most of it.
Make sure to also read my post A Useful Guide To Dolianova – the lovely small town is located right next door and it’s a perfect place to visit on the same day.
What To See And Do In Serdiana
Su Stani Saliu
The name of this pond in Sardinian means “the salted pond”. This marsh is located in the countryside of Serdiana. It was created thanks to the richness of the soil, which has plenty of minerals. Its waters are salted, and for this reason home of a specific ecosystem.
There are pink flamingos – a breathtaking sight, especially against the stark dark color of the pond. It’s an overall lovely area for a relaxing walk away from traffic and noise, and definitely one where you won’t encounter other tourists.
The surrounding area is pleasant for a walk too.
I went there for a running race in May, and I was surprised to find a massive field of red poppy flowers – something I had not seen in Sardinia since my childhood. If you visit in the summer the temperatures are too high to enjoy a walk, but if you are there in the spring or fall this is an excellent idea.
Santa Maria di Sibiola Church
Santa Maria di Sibiola Church is one of the best preserved Romanesque-Pisan churches in Sardinia. It’s in the countryside near Serdiana, where until the 16th century stood the village of Sibiola. This is where my parents, my aunts, my sister and all my cousins got married.
This rural church was probably built around the 11th century, and it originally belonged to the Benedictine monks. It has two aisles of different dimensions, and the interior design is typical of the Romanesque style. For instance, there is only one altar under a crucifix.
Behind it, there used to be a fresco representing the Last Judgement, whose remains are now in the national art gallery in Cagliari.
The church is only open for special celebrations and occasions (ie during the Cantine Aperte or Santa Maria di Sibiola festival). You can only see the outside of the church, but it is still worth it. It is currently being restored.
This guided day trip departing from Cagliari includes a visit of Santa Maria di Sibiola Church and Su Stani Saliu, as well as wine tasting in Serdiana.
Don’t forget to read my post The Prettiest Churches In Sardinia for more unique looking churches.
Castello Roberti
In the center of Serdiana you’ll find Castello Roberti, also called Casa Carcassona. This house dates back to the 18th century and belonged to a noble family. It has two floors and a tower in both sides.
There’s a chapel dedicated to Sant’Antonio da Padova in the eastern part of the mansion, and a large courtyard around it. From there you can access from the main gate.
The name – Casa Carcassona – is strictly connected to its history. In the 18th century the marques Carcassona acquired the property of the mansion. Years later, his granddaughter married count Edmondo Roberti. For this reason, the place has two names.
Keep in mind the castle is a private property, so you can only visit on special occasions.
San Salvatore Church
Built between the 15th and the 16th century in Neoclassic and Baroque style, and with further additions that date back to different periods, San Salvatore is the main church in Serdiana.
The facade, dating from the end of the 19th century, is in a traditional classic style with four pilasters and wayside shrines. The bell tower was built even later, but in the same style as the rest of the church.
Make sure to explore the interior: the altar is quite impressive, in late Baroque style. There’s also an 18th century baptismal font.
Serdiana’s Wineries
There are six wineries in Serdiana, each producing excellent wines. These are my favorite ones:
Argiolas Winery
Argiolas is the second largest winery on the island in terms of production. They make Turriga, quite possibly the best red wine in Italy. They offer several experiences – from wine tasting to walks and picnic in the vineyards.
Wine tasting and other tours are available throughout the year, at the following hours:
Monday – Friday: at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
Saturday: 10:30 am
In, September there is an extra tour on Wednesday and Thursday at 5:30 pm.
Book in advance because there’s limited availability.
You should also read my post A Complete Guide To Visiting Argiolas Winery for more information on how to visit.
Pala Winery
This family company works in wine production since 1950. From that year on, they have been producing some of the best wines in Sardinia, both whites and reds. Since its first creation, the estate has expanded and Pala now owns 8 estates scattered through Sardinia.
The winery is in the center of Serdiana, and offers wine tasting experiences. They also participate in local wine events. Make sure to book ahead of your visit.
Audarya Winery
The founders of Audarya are actually members of the Pala family – you can see that producing wine runs in the family and they definitely do an excellent job.
Audarya’s idea was to unite tradition and innovation, and they definitely succeed with the production of their fantastic wines. They obviously offer wine tasting experiences. Make sure to try their Nuragus wine. I am not a fan of white normally, but theirs is excellent!
Wine tasting tours are available from Monday to Friday, at 10:30 am or 3:30 pm, and on Saturdays at 10:30 am. Make sure to book your visit in advance.
Check out my post The Best Wineries In Sardinia for more fantastic places for your wine tasting experience.
Santa Maria di Sibiola Festival
Serdiana’s most festive event takes place on 8 September, and the highlight is the parade that starts in the evening from Santa Maria di Sibiola Church and goes through the main streets of the village, in celebration of Santa Maria of Sibiola, saint protector of Serdiana.
Locals follow the simulacrum of the saint in their traditional costumes, along with beautifully adorned traditional carts (I loved riding on those as a child) and while singing traditional songs, playing traditional instruments.
Make sure to linger along for the fair that takes place once the parade is over – it’s a chance to try a lot of Sardinian specialties.
Cantine Aperte / Calici di Stelle
Should you ever decide to visit the lovely Serdiana, you could also try to attend the Cantine Aperte festival, or Calici di Stelle. The event takes place in all of Sardinia, during different periods.
During the festival wineries open their doors to visitors, to let them taste their wines. The atmosphere is festive, wine is flowing and places of interest are open then. Definitely an experience you wouldn’t want to miss!
On the most recent edition, Calici di Stelle took place in the gorgeous setting of Santa Maria di Sibiola church and 29 wineries from Sardinia participated. There was a flat fee to pay for 3 wine tastings (that were very generous) and lots of street food stalls and even a local band playing.
Practical Guide
Guided day trips from Cagliari to Serdiana
There are many organized tours that will bring you to Serdiana and its great wine and food from Caglairi. There are tours in English, and the price ranges between the €50 and the €300 per person depending on the size of the group and the activities included.
For instance, there are wine tasting tours exclusively during which an expert sommelier gives you detailed explanations on the wines. Another interesting tour would involve the tasting of local cheese and wine, or local oil.
Make sure to check out this wine, cheese and olive oil tasting experience in Serdiana. It also visits Santa Maria di Sibiola Church and Su Stani Saliu.
Make sure to also read my posts The Prettiest Small Towns In Sardinia and The Best Day Trips From Cagliari for more ideas on places to visit near Cagliari.
How to get to Serdiana
Cagliari is the closest city to Serdiana. If you have a car, from the center of Cagliari, you need to take E25 towards the airport, then SS554. After few kilometers you need to turn left and enter SS387 towards Dolianova.
Make sure to keep below the speed limit as there are speed cameras along the way, immediately after you turn left at the traffic light. It will take you approximately 25 minutes to get there.
Buses to Serdiana depart from ARST bus station (the main bus station in Cagliari) in Piazza Matteotti, close to the harbor and by La Marina and Stampace historic districts.
Various buses ply the route. Bus 108 will stop in Dolianova Corso Repubblica, from where you’ll have to walk to Serdiana (it’s just 10 minutes). Otherwise, you can take bus 9003 or bus 9118, which both make various stops in Serdiana, the last one at the Old Elementary School in the historic center.
If you are staying in the area of Poetto in Cagliari, you can take bus 9126.
Where to sleep and eat in Serdiana
You can easily visit Serdiana on a day trip from Cagliari, but should you want to stay longer you can count on a few accommodation options.
La Casa di Nonno
Located just in front of Argiolas Winery, this is where the founder of the winery actually lived. The building has been beautifully restored and has just opened its cozy rooms to the public. For information and to make reservations, you can email [email protected].
Annexed to the guest house there now is Domu, which opened its door to the public on 29 July 2025. Chef Alessandro Taras creates dishes of modern cuisine using strictly local ingredients. Needless to say, the dishes are all paired with the best Argiolas wines.
Is Tanas House
This nice house offers free Wi-Fi and private parking. Its rooms have with air conditioning and TV, and a private bathroom. It’s accessible to disabled guests.
For an extra fee you will have access to the outdoor pool, which is for adult guests only (there is no lifeguard on duty). You could also enjoy the beautiful garden. Breakfast is included in the price of the room.
Casa Serena
Casa Serena is the perfect place if you prefer self catering and enjoy a little privacy. The apartment accommodates guests in two rooms. It has everything you may need during a vacation, including a fully equipped kitchen.
There’s a large balcony and a terrace with a barbecue.
So, Is Serdiana Worth Visiting?
I am probably biased but I believe Serdiana is worth visiting. This small town has a rich history, which we can still experience today. Let’s discover a bit more about it.
The name Serdiana may come from the Phoenician “sared” which means red and may be a reference to the clay-rich area. It may also come from Sergius, the name of a rich noble Roman who ruled over it. From his agricultural settlements the village, called Serdiana, was created.
People lived in the area already in the neolithic age. There even were some nuragic settlements, though we can only see a few nuraghe bases in the area.
Phoenicians and later by Romans also lived here, as proven by some archeological finds which include a stelae representing the Phoenician god Tanit and some Roman tombs.
After the Roman occupation, the area saw the arrival and the dominations of the Byzantines, and later on of the Spaniards.
During the Judicate period, when Sardinia was divided into several independent reigns, Serdiana was part of the Judicate of Cagliari. This had made economic arrangements with the Maritime Republic of Pisa, which brought great wealth for the inhabitants of the village.
A Pisan register of the beginning of the 14th century mentions Serdiana, then known as Villa Sidriani, as a small village that regularly paid a tax to the Pisa reign. Serdiana became part of the reign of Aragon in 1323 and passed under the direct control of Clemente Salavert.
In the years following, Serdiana was almost completely unpopulated following the plague that hit Sardinia, the wars and a terrible famine.
In 1440, Sardiani – as it was then known – counted 26 families, which became 114 according to the census of 1678. Back then, locals called it Baronia de Serdiani. The last feudal lord was marquis Donna Giovanna Carcassona Brunengo, the owner of the above mentioned Castle.
While it takes a good eye (and a guided tour with a local) to spot archeological remains in Serdiana, this still is a lovely place to visit. It’s the perfect combination of a bit of history and art, nature in its purest form, and delicious wine and food.
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Oh, happened to me on a regular basis when I lived in England, and to my sister and cousin when they lived in Dublin (they spent 8 years there). Indeed, bus drivers in Sardinia, England and Ireland and anywhere else in the world should all be sacked for not doing their job properly. I mean, it’s expected that they keep an eye out for people at the bus stop, right?
A few things you should mention. If you travel there by bus from Cagliari, the bus driver is liable to drive past you on your way to the bus stop, leave you stranded there, as he did on 6-9-2023 to 3 Senior ladies from Ireland. Only for a lovely gentleman who lived across the road from the bus stop, and who has a little dog called Stella, they would still be there, starving and stranded. This gentleman is a hero, and should be given an award, and the bus driver should be sacked, or worse.