As you step foot in the beautiful island of Sardinia, you’re met with a treasure trove of historical sites, breathtaking beaches, and lush forests waiting to be explored. While many tourists flock to popular destinations like Alghero and Costa Smeralda, there’s a wealth of exciting day trips that can be discovered from Cagliari, the island’s capital city.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of Sardinia’s most stunning natural landscapes and cultural hotspots, just a stone’s throw from Cagliari. From ancient nuraghi ruins to crystal-clear waters, we’ll explore the best day trip destinations that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
1. Tour in Barca a Chia and Teulada: A Beach Lover’s Paradise
Located on Sardinia’s southwest coast, Barca a Chia and Teulada are two coastal towns that offer some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the country. With crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming with dolphins, this is a beach lover’s paradise.
- Distance: 71.3 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via SS195 highway or take bus number 129 from ARST
- Tour duration: 5-6 hours in the morning
- Ticket prices: Private tours around €100.00, group tours starting at €300.00
2. Villasimius: A Haven of Natural Beauty
Villasimius is a popular seaside resort town that offers stunning mountainous landscapes and long stretches of white sandy beaches surrounded by dense pine forests. Don’t miss visiting Punta Molentis Beach, Porto Giunco Beach, Capo Carbonara promontory with Campulongu Beach, and the Molentargius Lagoon famous for its pink flamingos.
- Distance: 47.4 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via SS125 or by bus number 135 from ARST
- Tour duration: Approximately 6 hours
- Ticket prices: Tours starting at €55.00
3. Nuraghe di Villanovaforru: A Window into the Past
Located 45 minutes from Cagliari, the Nuraghe di Villanovaforru is a prehistoric site that brings back to life the past with its ancient stone structures, nuraghi. This complex includes around 100 inhabitants and features towers, courtyards, and wells.
- Distance: 55.6 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via E25 or by bus number 120 from ARST until Genna Maria, then on foot for a short time
- Tour duration: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30-13:00 and 15:30-18:00
- Ticket prices: Bus ticket €4.30 per trip, park entrance €2.50, museum entrance €3.50, combined ticket for park + museum €5.00
4. Saline Conti Vecchi: A Natural Wonders
Located just 20 minutes from Cagliari, the Saline Conti Vecchi is a naturalistic and cultural excursion that features a vast area with saltwater pools and mountains of salt surrounding it. This site has developed into one of Italy’s largest salt industry operations over the past 90 years.
- Distance: 18.1 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via SS195 or bus number 211
- Tour duration: Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00
- Ticket prices: Bus ticket €1.30 per trip, entrance fee €12.00 (full price), €6.00 (reduced price), free for children under 5 years old
5. Isola di Sant’Antioco: A Gastronomic Haven
For those who want to combine a day of sea and gastronomy, the island of Sant’Antioco is the perfect destination! Reachingable and visitable in one day, this island is Sardinia’s largest island and lies off the west coast, about an hour and a half from Cagliari. The island boasts a fringed coastline and crystal-clear waters.
- Distance: 90 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via SS130 or by bus number 802 from ARST
- Tour duration: Tours usually last between 4-5 hours
- Ticket prices: Bus ticket €5.00 per trip
6. Su Nuraxi e Barumini: An Archaeological Marvel
Barumini is another interesting destination for an archaeological excursion, located 50 minutes from Cagliari. It’s a small town where you can find the ancient site of Su Nuraxi, one of the most important in Sardinia and even declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Distance: 71.6 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via E25 or by bus ARST number 501
- Tour duration: Every day from 9:00 to 17:00
- Ticket prices: Bus ticket €4.90, park entrance €12.00 (full price) and €9.00 (reduced price), tour starting at €50.00
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7. Rovine di Nora: A Historical Treasure
If history and archaeology aren’t enough for you, even the ancient ruins of Nora are worth a visit! 45 minutes from Cagliari lies the town of Pula, where Nora was once a city founded by the Phoenicians who later became Roman.
- Distance: 36.2 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via SS195 or bus number 129 from ARST
- Tour duration: Every day from 10:00 to 17:30
- Ticket prices: Bus ticket €3.10, entrance fee €6.00 (full price) and €3.50 (reduced price), tours starting at €45.00
8. Is Cannoneris: A Nature Reserve
Is Cannoneris is another beautiful natural destination that can be visited for an entire day. Located one hour and 30 minutes from Cagliari, this forest was once threatened by human exploitation but has been restored over the years.
- Distance: 53.4 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via SS195 or bus number 129 from ARST until Villa San Pietro, then follow the trails
- Tour duration: Always open
- Ticket prices: Entrance free, bus ticket €3.00 per trip
9. Sa Spendula: A Hidden Gem
Sa Spendula is the last of our suggested day trips from Cagliari and also a natural destination that features a beautiful and impressive waterfall in the southern town of Villacidro, about 30 minutes from Cagliari.
- Distance: 19.4 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via SS196 or bus number 211 from ARST until Villacidro
- Tour duration: Always open
- Ticket prices: Entrance free, bus ticket €3.00 per trip
10. Punic Ruins of Tharros and La Maddalena Archipelago
Located on the northwest coast, this stunning archipelago is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. The town of Tharros boasts ancient ruins from the Phoenicians who came to establish a colony in Sardinia over 2,000 years ago.
- Distance: 100 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via SS198 or by bus number 131 from ARST until Alghero, then on ferry to La Maddalena
- Tour duration: Approximately 5-6 hours including ferry ride
- Ticket prices: Bus ticket €3.00 per trip, ferry ticket €10.00 (full price), €5.00 (reduced price)
11. Grotte di Pranu Sartu: A Cave Exploration
Located about 30 minutes from Cagliari, the Grotte di Pranu Sartu is a natural wonder that features an extensive cave system with unique formations and breathtaking views.
- Distance: 29.2 km from Cagliari
- How to get there: By car via SS195 or bus number 129 from ARST until Villacidro, then follow the signs for Pranu Sartu
- Tour duration: Always open
- Ticket prices: Entrance fee €4.00 (full price), free for children under 5 years old
12. Cagliari’s Hidden Beaches
Last but not least, let’s talk about some of Cagliari’s hidden beaches that can be discovered with a little bit of effort and exploration.
- Distance: Varies depending on the beach
- How to get there: By car or bus, following signs for each specific beach
- Tour duration: Always open
- Ticket prices: Free
In conclusion, Sardinia is an island that offers something for everyone – whether you’re a beach lover, history buff, or nature enthusiast. With these day trips from Cagliari, you’ll be able to experience the best of what this beautiful island has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: How do I get to Chia and Teulada?
A: You can reach Chia or Teulada via the SS195 highway or take bus number 129 from ARST. - Q: What is the best time to visit Villasimius?
A: The best time to visit Villasimius is during the spring season, when the weather is mild and pleasant. - Q: Can I visit the Nuraghe di Villanovaforru without a guide?
A: Yes, you can visit the Nuraghe di Villanovaforru on your own, but we recommend taking a guided tour to get the most out of your experience. - Q: Are there any restrictions on visiting Saline Conti Vecchi?
A: No, there are no restrictions on visiting Saline Conti Vecchi, but please respect the site and its surroundings.
By following these tips and recommendations, you’ll be able to make the most of your day trip from Cagliari and discover some of Sardinia’s hidden gems.
