CAGLIARI - THE WHITE CITY
By Francesca Madrigali, journalist
Arriving in Cagliari is a windy and colourful experience. The brilliant stone buildings and the sand on Poetto beach gleam in the strong sunshine; small wonder Cagliari has been dubbed the White City. Meanwhile, the Mistral whistles through the rooftops of the multi-ethnic Marina and Stampace neighbourhoods opposite the harbour.
Cagliari is a welcoming, multifaceted city, worth exploring on foot. Start with a walk to the Castello quarter, the ancient stronghold of the city, which offers both an unforgettable view and the chance to explore the Cittadella dei Musei, a museum complex.
Then try the road from the amphitheatre and the botanical gardens that leads to the city centre; you can indulge in a little shopping here, or stop in one of the many cafés which offer literary and musical evenings.
Le suggestive luci del
tramonto sulla citté di
Cagliari, detta anche
“la citté bianca”
Immagini: AlamyNo matter what the season, lunch on the Poetto beach is also worth trying: numerous stalls provide delicious salads, panini and spaghetti with fresh sea urchins and botargo, or roe, in Viale Poetto, towards Quartu S. Elena.
You can also order other Sardinian specialities, such as fregola con le arselle (pasta with seafood) and sebadas (desserts made with cheese and honey), in the traditional trattorias of the Marina quarter or in the poshest restaurants.
Nature-lovers will be bowled over by the Monte Claro and Monte Urpinu parks, while night owls can relax on the sofas of the Caffà degli Spiriti, perched on the striking terrace of the medieval fortress Bastione di Saint-Rémy.
- www.comune.cagliari.it
- www.sardi.it/cagliari
- www.cagliariturismo.it