Cagliari: My Sardinian Surprise
We walked off the ship into the Marina quarter – bougainvillea everywhere, gelato at 9 a.m. felt mandatory. We climbed to the old Castello district via ancient stone stairs and suddenly the entire Gulf of Angels spread below us – turquoise water, salt marshes with pink flamingos, and the city glowing white. Poetto beach is an 8-km strip of powder sand reachable by 5-minute bus – we swam in water so warm and clear it felt like the Caribbean landed in the Mediterranean.
We had lunch — malloreddus with sausage ragù and a bottle of Cannonau that tasted like Sardinian sunshine. In the afternoon we went to Nora archaeological site – Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman ruins right on the sea with mosaics still in perfect condition.
Getting Around Cagliari
Everything is walkable or cheap city bus – Poetto line runs every 10 minutes from center.
Positively Worded Word of Warning
Sardinian sun is fierce – the beach breeze tricks you, but shade and water keep the day perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cagliari worth it?
A: The surprise star of Sardinia – city + beach perfection.
Q: Best thing?
A: Castello + Poetto beach day.
Q: How long for Poetto?
A: Half day is heaven.
Q: Walk from port?
A: Yes – right into the action.