A fascinating city rich in history and tradition, Cagliari overlooks the beautiful southern coast of Sardinia, of which it is also the regional capital. The lively city life unfolds among the alleys and terraces of the four historic districts: Castello, with its ancient bastions, famous towers and noble palaces; Villanova, a district known for the rites of Holy Week, boutiques and the basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria; the Marina, which slopes down to the port with the busy porticoes of Via Roma; and finally Stampace, the heart of the traditional Sant'Efisio Festival.
In addition to the colorful historic center, shopping streets, museums, theaters and cultural festivals, the city's world-famous Poetto beach, a full 8 km long and home to Cagliari's summer nightlife, is not to be missed. Halfway between the airport and the city center are the offices of our agency where you can rent cars, motorcycles, scooters and vans directly in Cagliari to help you explore this wonderful city in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Strolling through Cagliari's ancient neighborhoods you can breathe in an atmosphere that speaks of history and traditions from all over the Mediterranean, which are reflected as much in the architecture as in the culture and gastronomy.
The historic center is rich in monuments, churches, medieval towers (such as those of the Elephant and San Pancrazio) and alleys dotted with typical restaurants, boutiques and bars. A walk through the ancient fortress or "Casteddu," with its scenic Bastions (Saint Remy, Santa Croce, Santa Caterina and the Balice Bastion) and medieval walls, is not to be missed. The Citadel of Museums with the National Picture Gallery and Archaeological Museum offers a glimpse of the territory's immense historical and cultural heritage, while the Civic Market of St. Benedict (one of the largest in Europe) is a must-see for food and wine lovers.
But Cagliari is not only history and culture: the Molentargius-Saline park with its pink flamingos, lagoon and beautiful Poetto beach will also delight nature and sea lovers.
Here are the things not to miss if you are in Cagliari:
Visiting the city and its hinterland will be very easy with the vehicles of our car rental agency in Cagliari city: an efficient and varied fleet of cars that meets the needs of both those who come on vacation to Sardinia and those who cross the island for work. In addition to rental cars, we also rent scooters and motorcycles, ideal for untangling city and holiday traffic. Autonoleggi Demontis also offers in its Cagliari office van rentals for those who need to move goods or people for work.
A vacation in Sardinia cannot be separated from the discovery of its traditional cuisine. In Cagliari, some well-known typical dishes are sa burrida (dogfish and walnuts), fregula con cocciula (a semolina pasta similar to cous cous - but coarser - with clams) and su mazzamurru, a base of stale bread soaked in broth with tomato sauce and cheese. In addition to these recipes, in the city you can taste the best Sardinian cuisine, both traditional and reinvented, in characteristic establishments in the historic center or in more romantic ones on the waterfront. From fish to meat, accompanied by a good wine and greeted by a traditional dessert, sight and palate are sure to find great satisfaction.
Here are our tips on where to eat in Cagliari:
Three establishments, one philosophy: to enhance the regional culinary tradition with original recipes ranging from the sea to the hinterland. Antica Cagliari includes the Traditional Sardinian Cuisine Restaurant in the city center (Marina district), the Bistrot dedicated to more creative Mediterranean cuisine, and the new Lungomare e Terrazza, overlooking Poetto beach. Meat, fish and wines are the protagonists of the various menus, to which is added pizza in the Lungomare venue.
A few steps from the central Via Roma, Sa Domu Sarda is a cozy osteria dedicated to the cuisine of memory, that of shepherds and farmers. In fact, this place offers meat dishes and recipes (with vegetarian alternatives), cheeses, desserts and traditional breads. The wine list emphasizes artisanal micro-productions, and this is another reason why the restaurant is included in Slow Food's Osterie d'Italia guide.
Typical Sardinian restaurant with panoramic terrace overlooking the sea. It offers traditional cuisine served in a beautiful outdoor space overlooking the city and the Gulf of Cagliari, or in the characteristic indoor dining room. The cuisine is mainly earthy, and by order it is also possible to taste the famous porcetto. Also not to be missed are the appetizers and desserts, always from the Sardinian tradition.
Rooms, small apartments or vacation homes: the city of Cagliari offers all kinds of solutions to those traveling for pleasure or business. Among hotels and non-hotel facilities, you are spoiled for choice; for this reason we have selected 3 medium-small facilities where you can find the typical Sardinian welcome and all the comforts for a stay near the sea or in the city center.
Here is where you can stay if you are in Cagliari:
Located on the Poetto seafront, it offers spacious and comfortable rooms furnished in typical seafaring style, some with sea views. In the mornings you can enjoy a sweet and savory breakfast buffet, then head to La Sella del Diavolo kiosk, just 30 meters from the hotel, where you'll find free sun loungers and deck chairs. Hotel Nautilus also offers a convenient swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and two restaurants, one of which is on the beach.
Boutique 3-star hotel on the Poetto seafront, entirely renovated in 2015 and equipped with 15 modern and functional rooms. Perfect for both vacation and business, it also offers a bright breakfast room overlooking a well-kept 700-square-meter garden. In addition to the rooms, some of which have a small private garden, it is also possible to stay in a reserved depandance with a double bedroom, kitchenette and private bathroom.
Bed & Breakfast located in the St. Benedict area, the soul of commerce and home to the famous covered market of the same name. The property occupies the eighth and ninth floors of one of the tallest buildings in the area and therefore enjoys splendid views of the city and the sea. In addition to the colorful rooms, the B&B also has two functional vacation apartments that can be reached by a walk of just 15 minutes from the main building. There is also private paid parking for cars and motorcycles available to guests.
Small and practical for getting around the city, more spacious for families or sought after for a luxury stay: our city car rental agency in Cagliari has a complete fleet of cars suitable for any need.
For business or vacation, we have the perfect solution for you, whether you want to visit the city and the Poetto or in case you plan to set out to discover the many treasures of South Sardinia.
For a vacation in freedom or for more practical travel in the city, we offer motorcycle and scooter rental with pickup in the city of Cagliari. Transportation on two wheels is ideal for those who need to disentangle themselves in city traffic and for those who like to move conveniently and quickly from one place to another, with the convenience of being able to park more easily not only in the center but also near the beaches.
If you are looking for vans for rent in Cagliari for work or for a move, we definitely have what you need. Small, medium, large, boxed or refrigerated: we offer you a large fleet with commercial vehicles of all types, which will help you in your daily work activities with the peace of mind of always having an efficient and controlled van at your disposal.
To get roadside support even for non-mechanical breakdowns, you can apply at our Orosei offices for 24-hour assistance. If you run out of battery power or get a flat tire, you will be rescued directly by our roadside assistance company that will guarantee fast and professional intervention. Visit us at our Orosei offices for more information.
To travel with complete peace of mind, choose the comprehensive protection package at the time of rental: you can then take advantage of various coverages including the elimination of economic liability for damage and theft or extended roadside assistance. Ask for information at our offices and we will study together the most suitable package for your needs.
Flexibility and transparency: these are the values that guide our work every day. That's why we offer our clients free rental cancellation: for prepaid reservations you will be entitled to a full refund for cancellations up to 48 hours before the start day of the rental, while reservations with payment on pickup you can cancel up to the time of the start of the rental.
For vacation or business, Autonoleggi Demontis has the ideal mobility solution for your needs. Complete the form to inquire about renting Cars, Motorcycles or Commercial Vehicles with pickup in the city of Cagliari.