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If Sardinia is the topic of a talk may would think a sea holiday is in the agenda. Only the most careful of the travellers know that the island is a perfect destination for a citybreak. Its small towns have got everything you need for a weekend in town:
- people friendly cities
- vibrant with clubs and tons of cultural events
- at a short distance form natural paradises
Among the panoramic citybreaks overlooking the sea a stroll in the historical districts of Cagliari is worth a mention as well as it is a must to visit Olbia, the capital of fashion and modern Sardinian lifestyle. Many attractions are awaiting for you in Alghero together with its Catalan charm and a typical seafood cuisine. Perfects as ingredients of a weekend which counts as a holiday in itself. No regrets for those reaching out Oristano and Nuoro the only 2 destinations we propose where you are less keen to seek for a sunbathing trip also during the summer. We are sure that you as a fond of urban atmospheres and cultural incentives will love to add these to your bucket list.
Weekend in Cagliari, things to do in town from the ancient districts until Poetto Beach
Credits: milesz @Pixabay
Cagliari, Sardinia capital is the biggest town of the island. A treasure chest which has taken over travellers of each time. A city whose living is mostly open air in its bars and terraces. A mild weather in every season and cultural events animating the ancient narrow streets and square of the historical centre. A city centre made by 4 historical neighbourhoods watching the harbour. Many pleasant and safe pedestrian areas dotted with lovely tiny restaurants and glamourous bars.
Cagliari is rich in city gardens and parks where you can rest and relax under the shadow of secular huge ficus trees such the one set at the Giardini Pubblici in Viale Regina Elena. If the season allows it, you ought to try a sea bath in the clear blue waters pampering the large beach of Poetto, a urban trekking until the devil’s saddle and a visit to the Archaeological museum in Piazza Arsenale (hosting Montiprama giants and much more). Furthermore, drop a visit to the temporary exhibitions hosted at Ghetto degli Ebrei, Exmè and Palazzo di Città. You will easily see that Cagliari is a favourite city for sporty people which will have plenty of space for fitness, jogging and many fit tailored lanes.
Visit because… you will enjoy stunning views form the ancient neighbour of Castello, spaghetti with bottarga and clams in the tiny trattorias in Marina district are mouthwatering, there are very special small handcraft shops in Villanova, you will be astonished by the urban beach of Poetto, you will meet the pink flamingos in the incredible salt and pond landscape of Molentargius Park.
How to get to Cagliari
The sea has been the only access to the city for ages whilst today the white shining city rich in history and nature can be easily joined with an efficient airport connecting the city to the rest of Italy and the main European cities 365 days per year. Cagliari airport is a base for the main low cost companies and it’s connected to the city centre with a super cozy train. Via ferry the city is directly connected with Palermo, Napoli and Civitavecchia.
Three sleeping accommodation chosen by local insiders in the city centre
Two days in the amazing city of Alghero, strolling in the Catalan city
Credits 2427999 @Pixabay
Overlooking the Mediterranean sea in the island deep northwest side here appears L’Alguer. The Sardinian town speaking and feeling Catalan. Such an extraordinary cradle of artistic witnesses and cultural traditions where you will feel some vibes reminding the joyful vibrant atmosphere of Valencia e Barcellona although the rambla runs along the sea in here and its charm is definitely one of a kind. Alghero historical city centre is the ideal setting for long relaxing strolls interrupted maybe just for a visit to one of the secular monuments (the Gothic Catalan style cathedrals) or a rewarding pit stop in one if the many clubs hiddens among the narrow cabled streets of the city centre instead. Here you will meet enchanting atelier and coral fishing traditional activity related handcraft workshops, among the others.
From Santa Maria Cathedral Bell Tower you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Its fortified walls called bastioni and the seafront are the ideal for a fitness session as well as for a romantic sunset. Just out from the ancient centre there is the gorgeous beach of the Lido, framed with the skyline of the old city, this sandy beach is perfect if you love to practice water sports in every season.
Visit because… of its coral handcraft shops and jewelries, the seaflavoured local cuisine based on Lobsters and sea urchins cooked on one of the delicious restaurants of the centre, Porto Conte natural park and the breathtaking colours of sunset in Capo Caccia.
How to get to Alghero
A bunch of miles from Sassari (the second largest city of the island), Alghero is connected to the main European and Italian cities with Alitalia and some of the most famous low cost, including Ryanair. In less than one hour from Milan and Rome you will enjoy a very special city break breathing the sweet seabreeze in front of a Catalan lobster.
Three sleeping accommodation chosen by local insiders
The unexpected citybreak: what you ought to see in Oristano
Via Tirso, Oristano, Sardegna, Italia
Oristano, has got a lovely historical centre spinning around the statue of the greatest Medieval Sardinia princess Eleonora di Arborea and the majestic tower entitled to her father the Giudice Mariano. Its cobbled streets hide ancient cathedrals, seminaries and churches (some of which dating back to the XII century) next to modern interesting boutiques. Its surroundings are rich in archaeological and natural attractions. The original landscape of ponds and rice fields is truly a unique in Sardinia.
While exploring the city center and its nice courts stop to visit the original and fascinating Museo Antiquarium Arborense, home to the precious finds of the close ancient punic and then roman site of Tharros, which dominates the Sinis peninsula. Oristano is also city of pottery, such an ancient and glorious handcraft tradition which you can discover visiting the Terracotta Museum. Just off from the city centre there is the sea suburb of Torre Grande renowned for summer movida, in the outskirts there are also the stunning quartz beaches of Is Aruttas and Mari Ermi.
Visit because… a tasting of bottarga (mullet driedeggs) and the generous vernaccia wine are definitely worth a visit, you can explore the city centre by bike, the timeless beauty of Tharros and the charm of Monti Prama Giants have been awaiting for you thousands of years.
How to get to Oristano
There isn’t an airport in town although the city is less than an hour by train from Cagliari Elmas airport and the same time by car from Cagliari city centre along the route SS 131. A bit further is the Alghero airport although the route along the coast road rewards travellers with breathtaking views which are worth a journey themselves.
Three sleeping accommodation chosen by local insiders
Olbia and surroundings for a weekend to remember
Credits Peter Müller @Pixabay
A contemporary city in blue, at the centre of the Mediterranean though people friendly. Olbia with its sensational view overlooking Tavolara island is your ideal destination if you want a city break for shopping and having fun surrounded by mediterranean good vibes reminding all the time of the warm summer. From the narrow streets of the historical centre the dome of the San Paolo church covered with colourful maiolica tiles stands out. Just off the corso Umberto among the elegant buildings from the XIX century and liberty style you will find the very ancient church of Simplicio dating back to the XII century.
In front of the èassenger harbour of Isola Bianca, in the so called Molo Brin there is the Archaeological Museum which keeps che witnesses of the ancient history of the city whose roots are phoenician, greeks, punics and romans. Inside are preserved the amazing finds of ancient ships from the Roman age. All around the unspoilt picturesque countryside of Gallura with its appreciated wineyards, the ancient sacred wells from the Nuragic age and the beautiful beaches which will become the notorious glamourous Costa Smeralda a few miles ahead.
Visit because… you have to taste mussels and a glass of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG in the centre tiny restaurants at least once in your life, it is great to admire the city from the top of a panoramic wheel, you will discover the ancient soul of Gallura starting from the characteristic neighbour of San Pantaleo.
How to get to Olbia
Its name is reknown worldwide as the gateway to the luxury destination of Costa Smeralda and it is home to the main harbour and airport of the island. A modern and busy hub connecting Sardinia with many cities in Italy and Europe, the hub for the classy private jets of VIPS and billionaires willing to join their villas in the Costa. When summer passes Olbia airport still connects this lively vibrant city with Rome and Milan.
Three sleeping accommodation chosen by local insiders
A cultural weekend in Nuoro, the Athens of Sardinia
The town of Nuoro is the only one in this selection settled in the inland, at a reasonable distance from the coast. Nuoro is the heartbeating of Sardinia identity, the capital of the proud Barbagia and the uncontested cultural capital of the island.
Surrounded by lush woods and arduous mountains Nuoro offers neverseen landscapes for a city break packed with nature and natura and imbued with culture. Get lost in the maze of alleys at the heart of the popular old neighbourhoods of Seuna and Santu Predu before getting ready to enjoy the huge choice among museums in town.
Visit the home birth of the Nobel Prize Grazia Deledda and the Museo Ciusa dedicated to the sculptured of the local XX century. Both attractions can be reached after walking through Corso Garibaldi where many shops and bars can be found. Steps form the shopping alley there is the tiny picturesque church called La Solitudine where the remains of Deledda are buried and an interesting art installation of the Sardinian contemporary artist Maria Lai.
Visit because… you will enjoy great views from the Mount Ortobene, you have to visit the MAN (the most important contemporary art museum in Sardinian) and also the Museum of the local Garments (Museo del Costume), you will love to taste delicious local food while strolling in the city centre.
How to get to Nuoro
Nuoro is only one hour of car distance from Olbia airport through the route ss.131 DCN and 1hour 30 minutes from Cagliair Elmas airport across the route SS131 until the junction of Ghilarza and taking the route SS.131 DCN after that.
A country chic accommodation chosen by local insiders
In which season you should plan a citybreak in Sardinia
Spring, fall and winter. Sardinia offseason (with summer being the busiest season) months are just perfect to visit Sardinian towns. That’s the best moment to discover the barest essence and genuine vitality before the temperatures arise and the tourists crowd could have an impact on your experience. These towns off season host numbers of special events also belonging to the tradition.
Dont miss
- Oristano’s Carnival with the kaleidoscopic colours of Sartiglia (un evocative medieval equestrian joust)
- Sant’Efisio Feast in Cagliari the 1st of May
- The holy week rituals in Cagliari and Alghero
- New year’s eve celebrations in Olbia and Alghero
- The Redentore Feast in Nuoro
- Jazz Festival in Nuoro.
