Hiring a car in Cagliari gives you the freedom to fully explore the city and surrounding area. It’s worth noting that some parts of Cagliari’s historic centre are not open to vehicles during peak times. Take some time to plan your route before you set off, so you can make the most of your journey without accidentally entering one of these limited traffic zones.

Sardinia, as a relatively small island, has no motorways. However, the main roads are very well maintained and easy to use. The largest road is the SS131, which connects the north and south of the island, running from Cagliari to Sassari and Porto Torres via Oristano.

From Cagliari it’s also easy to join the SS128 and reach locations like Sorgono, Nuoro and the flawless Gennargentu National Park, where the island’s highest peak can be found.

As with most other parts of Europe, in Sardinia people drive on the right and over take on the left. Drivers who are new to Cagliari, and Sardinia more widely, should familiarise themselves with parking restrictions before setting out. A blue line means pay-and-display parking is in operation, while white lines mean parking is free.

Sitting on Sardinia’s south coast, Cagliari is a city with a rich history and a glorious coastline. Built on a series of hills, the city winds and climbs across the terrain. Historic gems can be found glinting on every corner while museums provide the perfect place to learn more about the city.

But this is also a modern city, buzzing with activity and purpose. Tree-lined boulevards and a thriving beach life, cafés spilling with continental coffee fiends, and a busy marina are all to be explored.

Hit the beach

Hiring a car from Cagliari is the best way to make sure you enjoy the city’s eight miles of beaches to their fullest. Poetto Beach is at the epicentre of both daytime fun and evening entertainment in Cagliari. Restaurants and bars sit should-to-shoulder with the shoreline and long summer days fade into chilled out summer nights.

If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter, head to Calamosca beach. With white sands and crystal clear waters, you’ll be able to kick back and relax in paradise. 

Go Roman

Cagliari Roman Amphitheatre is a huge structure that was erected on the southern slopes of the Hill of Buon Cammino, where there is a natural valley. The Amphitheatre, which is still impressively intact, dates from the 2^nd century and has a storied history – here, up to 10,000 people would gather to cheer whatever sport was at play. Visit to gain a real sense of this ancient civilisation, its customs and its culture.

Head to the heart

Cagliari’s hilltop Castello District is teaming with Sardinian art and history. Here you’ll find the Cittadella dei Musei, where numerous museums are all housed under one roof.

Created in 1950, this venue is home to an Art Gallery, Wax Museum, National Archaeological Museum and more, all waiting to be explored. Look out for Roman ceramics, as well as items from the Nuragi age and Byzantine era.

While you’re in the area, be sure to make time for the impressive 13th-century Cagliari Cathedral. Cattedrale di Santa Maria, built of warm, coral-toned stone, stands on the Piazza Palazzo. Only the Gothic bell tower is part of the original structure but the rebuilds, amends and makeovers that have informed the cathedral’s current incarnation over the centuries make it a must-see.

Be tickled pink

The elegant pink flamingos that call Cagliari home can be spotted at ponds through the city. However, the best way to meet these feathered friends is to take time out and head to the Regional Park of Molentargius, which boasts two bodies of water – one fresh and one salt water. Here, many species of aquatic birds spend the winter and nest awhile, including the long-legged, rose-tinted pink flamingos.