Where to stay in Cagliari: best areas and neighborhoods

Cagliari can be divided into four historic districts. The Castello district, the oldest, is undoubtedly the most interesting from a historical and cultural point of view. It is located on a hill and houses two of the most beautiful monuments in the city. It is also the best choice if you are visiting the destination for the first time.

The other three historic districts are Stampace, Villanova, and Marina, all located in the city center. Each with its own characteristics, these districts cater to different types of travelers. Finally, especially if you are traveling in summer, the Poetto beach area is highly recommended. There is also the Calamosca area, but it has fewer services compared to Poetto.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

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Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: the San Michele, Sant'Elia, and CEP districts are peripheral, very busy, and "renowned" for petty crime.

In summer, the area to prioritize is definitely the one directly on the sea, such as Poetto and La Marina, both very lively even in the evening. Sea, relaxation, and fun are the ingredients of your trip if you choose to stay here. Among the two, La Marina is the closest district to the center.

Those looking for history and culture will definitely feel at home in Castello, the heart of the historic center where the most important monuments of Cagliari are concentrated. It is an area equipped with all services, allowing you to move around easily on foot, making it ideal for families with children! If you are looking for tranquility, you can also opt for Villanova, a luxurious but very quiet area.

Finally, if you want to save money without sacrificing convenience, we recommend the historic district of Stampace, just a stone's throw from the Castello district and all the main attractions.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&b, and hostels in Cagliari. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking

Castello, best for first-timers

• Pros: This is the historic heart of Cagliari, with stunning views and medieval charm.
• Cons: It's located on a hill, so getting around involves steep climbs and many stairs.
• Main attractions: The Bastione di Saint Remy, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and the Torre dell'Elefante.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Called "Casteddu" by the locals, in an elevated position, it is the heart of the historic center. The charm of Castello lies in its layout of narrow streets, stairs, and squares that open into panoramic terraces. Here, you will also find some of the city's iconic landmarks: the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the medieval towers of the Elephant and San Pancrazio, the Bastion of Saint Remy, the Viceroy's Palace, and the Archaeological Museum.

The Castello district is undoubtedly the best place to stay if you are visiting Cagliari for the first time. The accommodation in this district mainly consists of small guesthouses, boutique hotels, or good apartments, making it ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends.

One downside: the streets are too narrow for public transport; however, just a few steps from the district's walls, there are some bus stops. But the area is very well suited to be explored on foot, the only way to fully immerse yourself in its atmosphere.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60.00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

La Marina, perfect for young and nightlife

• Pros: A lively and vibrant area with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs. It's right by the port and well-connected for transport.
• Cons: Can be very noisy at night. The streets are busy and not as clean as other areas.
• Main attractions: The Via Roma promenade, the port, and the many restaurants and bars in its narrow streets.
• Average prices: From €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Developed along the port, this is a very lively area with plenty to offer, providing wonderful views and a beautiful promenade along Via Roma, lined with tall palm trees. Here you can find the Church of Sant'Eulalia and the Passeggiata Della Darsena.

It is the best area for those who want to have fun in the evening, suitable for young people and anyone looking for nightlife, thanks to the many venues. It is a multicultural district, recommended if you want to find a place to dine or have aperitifs with many craft shops. This area is great also because ferries depart from here.

Characterized by narrow streets and delightful squares, La Marina is perfect for picturesque photos. It is easily reachable by car or public transport, but the best way to discover it is definitely on foot. Additionally, many ferries and boat trips depart from here, taking you to explore the Sardinian coast!

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Stampace, to stay on a budget

• Pros: This is a fantastic area for budget travelers. It's close to the city center and the main train station
• Cons: It's a bustling residential area, so it can be quite noisy. It lacks the scenic views of Castello.
• Main attractions: The Church of Sant'Efisio and the Roman Amphitheater.
• Average prices: From €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

To the west of Castello, Stampace was the medieval working-class district of Cagliari, today it is an area with narrow, very characteristic streets that hide colorful houses, churches, and buildings. Here you will find some must-see attractions, such as the Amphitheater, the Botanical Garden, and the Church of Sant'Efisio.

It is a quiet area, away from the centers of nightlife, and above all, a good area where you can find great deals, suitable for those who want to save on accommodation without sacrificing convenience! From here, you can easily reach the Castello district on foot.

The area is also served by numerous urban bus stops and Cagliari's trolleybus network. Additionally, the central railway station is just a few steps away. This makes Stampace a perfect area for those planning various excursions around the area by train.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Villanova, best for families

• Pros: A quiet and charming neighborhood with colorful houses and small artisan shops. It's a peaceful alternative to the more touristy areas.
• Cons: Fewer major attractions are located directly in this area, so you'll need to walk a bit to reach the city center.
• Main attractions: The Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden) and the many lovely courtyards and small churches.
• Average prices: From €65,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

A very quiet area and among the most refined and beautiful in Cagliari. In addition to small shops and luxury boutiques, there are churches including the Church of San Giacomo and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria. Nearby, the San Benedetto Market takes place, the main market of the city.

Due to its characteristics, it is the perfect area for those traveling with children, but also for couples looking for a bit of romance. Here you will find all the services you need, including restaurants, venues, and shops. The nightlife is not very lively, as it is mainly concentrated in the nearby Marina district.

However, note: access by car is limited for non-residents. There are still ample parking spaces just outside the district and numerous buses that serve the area. But, staying here, you won't need a car, as it is a very central area that allows you to move around on foot.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €65.00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Poetto, perfect in summer

• Pros: This is the ideal area if you want to be by the beach.
• Cons: It's quite far from the historic city center, so you'll need a bus or a car to get to the main sights.
• Main attractions: Poetto Beach itself, the Molentargius-Saline Regional Park (known for its flamingos), and the many beach bars.
• Average prices: From €110,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The perfect area to stay in summer. The Poetto beach, stretching over 8km, is not only among the best beaches in Sardinia but also the main beach of Cagliari. The water is very clear with a beautiful sandy bottom. It is located between Cagliari and Quartu Sant'Elena.

Numerous sports activities can be practiced: diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, and kitesurfing. In the evening, it also becomes a very lively area, suitable for young people looking for nightlife. But it is also recommended for families due to its proximity to the sea and the many services available! The district is less recommended in winter, as many shops or restaurants are not open.

Poetto is a few kilometers from the city center, easily reachable by car or public transport with frequent routes between Piazza Matteotti and the beach (line PQ or PF, 35 min).

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €55.00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Travel Tips for Cagliari

• Public Transport: Cagliari has an efficient public transport system run by CTM. Buses are the best way to get around the city, including a frequent service to Poetto Beach. A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes and can be purchased at bus stops, newsstands, or via a mobile app. For exploring the wider area, the train station is centrally located in Stampace.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Cagliari is in the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October). The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the beaches without the intense heat and crowds of the peak summer season in July and August.
• Local Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted, it's always useful to carry some cash, especially for small purchases at local markets or for tipping.
• Local Vibe & Culture: Cagliari has a relaxed, Mediterranean vibe. The locals are generally friendly and welcoming. Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. During the summer, many shops and businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon for a traditional siesta.

Places to stay near Cagliari

The surroundings of Cagliari mainly consist of beaches, small villages, and nature reserves. Therefore, it is ideal to have a fixed base in Cagliari for accommodation, given the greater offer that the city itself provides, and then move daily by car, public transport, or ferries to the desired destinations.

Cagliari accommodation price map

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