Cagliari Adventure: Things To See Do In Cagliari Sardinia
There is no better way to experience a destination then under your ownsteam and the tiny Italian island of Sardinia is the ideal place to do this. Instead of the usual fare you can choose to spend your time flitting between the irridescent blue waters and fine sandy beaches toancient remains through beautiful wild countryside and back to modernity witha host of fine eateries to satiate your appetite and nightlife to excite the senses.
Whether you are landing at Cagliari AirportOlbia Airportor Alghero Airport organising car hire is simple. If you arechoosingtocentralise your adventurearound the south of the island then you will be landing at Cagliari Airport. There are several Cagliari Airport Car Hire firms and these are AM Service Autoeuropa Budget Dollar/Thrifty Easycar Eurorent Matta Midarent Pinna Ruvioli and Sardinya.
Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and and is the largest city on the island. It is a thriving modern city nestled in the foundations of an ancient past and all just a short distance from some of the most mesmerising beaches in Europe. Evidence of its early occupation are predominantly in the old town where the Piazza Costituzione is partially enclosed by the remants of the Bastione of San Remy and the two medieval towers of Torre San Pancrazio and Torre dell’Elefante which can be climbed to see great panaromic views over the city and coastline. In May the Festa di SantEfisio is held to colourful fanfare here as inhabitants deck out in local costume to honour the saint.
Sights worth visiting are the Catherdral of Santa Maria which offers tours and includes fabulous examples of 15th and 16th century paintings and sculptures and the Cittadella dei Musei which houses the National Archeological Museum. Displays feature relics from Nuragic civilization and artifacts dating back to the Phoenician and Roman period obtained from various parts of mainland Italy and Sardinia. For a slice of horticultural beauty though visit the Orto Botanico which was founded in 1865 and hosts a variety of tropical plants from around the world.
A short drive outside the city is one of the top tourist attractions in the region the magnificent 2nd century amphitheatre. Originally carved directly into the rock it is now used to host spectacular musical and theatrical shows.
If youre ready to relax on the beach after all that site seeing then Calamosca and Poetto beach are two of the most popular and are just a few kilometres away on the southern coast. Each is lined with fabulous restaurants and shops and yachting and boating activities are provided for. The temperate waters and good conditions are also favoured by windsurfers and surfers alike and those wanting to take their PADI diving course are spoilt here in a marine environment packed full of interesting aquatic life.
To be at one with nature there is only one place to head to and that is the Parco dei sette Fratelli a breathtaking area of protected countryside an hours drive east along the SS125 towards Castiadas and Muravera. It is marked by a sweeping canyon and the Cannas river that runs along the bottom of it as well as a dense forest and is home to 115 vertebrate species including Sardinian deer wild boars and royal eagles.
Further north from Cagliari near Barumini around a 65 km or an hour and quarter drive is the nuragic complex of Su Nuraxi. Dating from the Middle Bronze age c.1450 BC it was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. The impressive fortress at its heart comprises seven turrets with a central tower that stretches over 14m. The ruins of the village which spread out around it include a large meeting hut and various habitations.
Drop back down again and drive 40 minutes west along the coast to the town of Pula and you can uncover the fascinating Ruins of Nora. While the Phoenician influence shows among the foundations of the temple and foundary ruins the Roman inclusions dominate in the form of a theatre thermal baths forum temple and the Sanctuary of Aesculapius.
Another 30/40 minutes journey further west and you reach the gulf of Teulada a stretch of coastline characterised by its bays and coves. There are great spots for fishing or sunbathing here away from the masses such as the craggy rocked Punta Niedda or you could even search for urchins in the nearby smoothpebbled beach of Campionna. Marinas to visit to wile away a leisurely afternoon and sample some fresh seafood dishes are the Porto Zafferano Portu Tramatzu and the much smaller but charming Porto Budello. A little inland is the village of Teulada which offers traditional culinary delights such as suckling pig and goat which is roast on a spit with local herbs. If you feel the need to take in some fresh air after all that food then the forest of Gutturu Mannu is close by and makes for idyllic walking with its lush vegetation and olive pine and cork trees.
About the writer: Michelle Elkins is contributor to the Sardinia Airport Guide which provides the best rates on Sardinia Airport car hire and information on everything from Sardinia Airport transfers.
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