A flight to Cagliari brings you to Sardinia’s stately, seaside capital, gateway to the island’s beautiful coasts – the Costa Rei, Costa del Sud and glitzy Costa Smeralda. Step back in time to Cagliari’s Roman amphitheatre and enjoy panoramic views from the mighty medieval fort, Bastione di San Remy, which towers over Cagliari’s Old Town. Join the locals by night (decked out in their designer finery) for a Peroni beer in Cagliari’s packed Piazza Yenne in the Old Town. Away from the crowds, you can birdwatch in the Molentargius Lagoon, where migratory flamingoes stop in spring and autumn (5km east of Cagliari). For a day in the sun, Poetto Beach offers 7km of white sands on Cagliari’s eastern edge. Or, get adventurous and explore the remote mountainous region of Barbagia (120km north of Cagliari). The Cagliaresi are addicted to their spaghetti alla bottarga (salty mullet roe), wafer-thin pani carasau (shepherd’s bread) and when it’s party time in Cagliari, nothing but porchetto (spit-roasted suckling pig) will do. Do try Sardinia’s best snack, panadas, round pies filled with meat or vegetables sold in bakeries across Cagliari. |