Strictly Sardinia – Episode Summary
Podcast: Strictly Sardinia
Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode: The Best Things To Do In Cagliari By A Local
Date: March 6, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Claudia Tavani—Cagliari native, travel blogger, and podcaster—shares her deeply personal guide to Sardinia’s capital, Cagliari. Emphasizing its “unique local vibe” and the city’s year-round vibrancy, Claudia highlights Cagliari’s history, food scene, beaches, nature, and nearby day trips. This episode offers travelers and Italy-lovers a rich, affectionate, and practical tour of the city—directly from a local’s perspective.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Charm and Underrated Allure of Cagliari
- Cagliari is often overlooked by visitors who prioritize beaches, but, as Claudia explains, “you should not miss the opportunity to explore the capital city. It's a wonderful place. It has a lot to see, a lot to offer, and it's got a very unique local vibe that you will definitely enjoy.” (01:18)
- The city is lively year-round, easily accessible by air and sea, and (in Claudia’s words) “one of the most underrated cities in the country.” (02:24)
Exploring Cagliari’s Historical Heart
- The city is split into four historic districts: Castello (hilltop citadel), Stampace, Villanova (Claudia’s home district), and Marina. (03:14)
- Castello Highlights:
- Via Stretta: A charming “teeny, tiny narrow alley” (04:05)
- 14th-century Spanish watchtowers: Torre di San Pancrazio (the city’s highest point) and Torre dell’Elefante (04:35)
- Cattedrale di Cagliari: A mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-Romanesque styles, plus a stunning crypt (08:14)
- Bastioni di Santa Croce: One of the city’s top sunset and drinks spots; Claudia recommends “Libarium,” known for its cocktails and local vibe (06:16)
“They have really nice cocktails, a good selection of wines and beers. It’s a really lovely spot that we locals enjoy.” (06:46)
- Other Churches to Visit:
- Basilica di Bonaria (with sea views and an attached historic cemetery), San Michele, San Saturnino, Sant’Efisio, and the crypt of Santa Restituta (09:27–11:42)
- The “Cagliari Underground” guided tour is recommended for delving into the city's layered past, including WWII bomb shelters and Roman remains. (12:04)
- Bastione di San Remy: Iconic steps connecting shopping streets, a must for panoramic city views. (13:06)
“The views are just impressive. Make sure to go.” (13:46)
Archaeological Sights
- Roman Amphitheatre: Carved out of rock, seating 10,000 people, underscoring Cagliari’s ancient importance. (07:02)
- Tuvixeddu Necropolis: Phoenician, Punic, and Roman burial sites—free to wander, but best with a guide. (07:41)
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale: Renowned for its bronze Nuragic figurines and some Monte Prama Giants—“one of the most incredible archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.” (08:32)
Experiencing Local Food & Markets
- Mercato di San Benedetto: The city’s bustling market—upstairs a cheese-lovers paradise, downstairs a dynamic fish market.
“Okay, the smell can be overpowering. But just the scene is so unique: people screaming, ‘I want this fish, I’m selling it for this price.’” (14:12)
- Dining Recommendations:
- Chiaroscuro by Marina Ravarotto: Sardinian classics with a modern twist. (15:03)
- Stella Marina di Monte Cristo: No menu—just sit and be served local seafood.
“Make sure you tell them you got the tip from Claudia, daughter of Franco Tavani and Marcella—they’re my parents!” (16:15)
- Bombas: Fun artisanal burgers and top-rated potato chips, especially good for kids. (16:44)
Festivals & Local Culture
- Sant’Efisio Parade (May 1st): The island’s biggest religious festival—traditional costumes, decorated carriages, and horses.
“It’s just a show and it’s incredible. Make sure to go.” (17:45)
Beaches, Outdoor Activities & Nature
- Poetto Beach: Cagliari’s main city beach, lively all year, with places to eat, run, and bike. (18:40)
- Calamosca Beach: A smaller, wind-sheltered cove—calm, accessible by public transport. (19:35)
- Boat tours: Four-stop tours along the Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) for swimming and snorkeling. (20:35)
- Devil’s Saddle (Sella del Diavolo):
- Hiking and kayaking available (guided tours recommended for history and safety).
“The best time to go on a kayak tour is usually in the morning … or at sunset, which is really great.” (22:51)
- Hiking and kayaking available (guided tours recommended for history and safety).
- Bird Watching:
- Molentargius Nature Reserve: Home to flocks of pink flamingos—don’t miss sunset flights! (23:52)
- City Parks:
- Monte Urpinu: Pine groves and pond (nostalgic for Claudia’s school days). (25:04)
- Monte Claro: Quieter area.
- Giardini Pubblici: Also houses an art gallery specializing in local artists like Sartorio.
- Botanical Gardens: One of the oldest in Italy, with Punic cisterns and a Roman quarry. (26:10)
- Castello di San Michele: 10th-century hilltop fortress, often hosting art exhibitions. (27:05)
Nightlife
- Focused in Marina and Stampace districts, especially along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II:
“There’s a lot of bars and you don’t even have to do anything special to just get a dose of good time.” (27:56)
- Claudia’s picks:
- Florio: Relaxed bar in Villanova. (28:14)
- BFlat: Jazz/live music venue (easy to reach by public transport). (28:45)
Cagliari as a Base for Day Trips
- Serdiana Wineries: Wine tastings, especially at Cantina Argiolas, and the picturesque church of Santa Maria di Sibiola. (29:44)
- Sunuraxi of Barumini: UNESCO World Heritage Nuragic ruins. (31:56)
- Giara Plateau: Wild horses (Cavallini della Giara)—best explored with a guide.
- Porto Flavia: Unique mining site west of the city, easily paired with Masua Pan di Zucchero beach. Tours are only guided and require booking. (32:54)
- All destinations are “within an hour’s drive from Cagliari.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I always say it’s one of the most underrated cities in the country.” (02:24)
- “Castello is a hilltop citadel where you will see domes, palaces, towers where the aristocracy used to live in medieval times. And it's a maze of really narrow alleys, old buildings that look like they're gonna fall apart any minute, but which always hide a treasure.” (03:32)
- On food: “If you go there, make sure you tell them you got the tip from Claudia, daughter of Franco Tavani and Marcella. They're my parents. They go there all the time!” (16:15)
- “We have beaches in Cagliari. Yes, we do!” (18:20)
- “The best time to go on a kayak tour is usually in the morning [when the water is calm] or at sunset, which is really great.” (22:51)
- “Did you know that we have pink flamingos in Sardinia? And we have a lot of them living in Cagliari … it's just so peaceful and so beautiful to see.” (23:52)
- "One important thing that I have to say is that Cagliari is a great base to explore southern Sardinia. It's so easy to get around from here." (29:13)
- On family connections: “They also have a beautiful church, Santa Maria di Siviola, which is where my parents got married, also where my sister got married, also where all my cousins and aunts got married. So, you know, there is a connection here.” (30:25)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:18 - Introduction to Cagliari’s uniqueness and “local vibe”
- 03:14 - Overview of historic districts
- 04:35 - Historic landmarks and must-sees in Castello
- 07:02 - Roman amphitheatre and necropolis
- 08:32 - Archaeological museum and Monte Prama Giants
- 09:27–11:42 - Main churches and underground tours
- 13:06–13:46 - Bastione di San Remy and city views
- 14:08–16:44 - Food markets and top restaurant picks
- 17:45 - Sant’Efisio parade and local festivals
- 18:40–20:35 - Beaches (Poetto, Calamosca), boat tours
- 20:53–22:51 - Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) hiking and kayaking
- 23:52–25:04 - Flamingos at Molentargius, city parks
- 27:05 - Castello di San Michele and city viewpoints
- 27:56–28:45 - Nightlife neighborhoods and bars
- 29:13–32:54 - Best day trips from Cagliari: wineries, archaeology, nature, mining history
Tone & Style
Claudia’s narration is warm, enthusiastic, and personal. The episode blends practical travel advice with affectionate anecdotes and local pride, capturing the city’s charm and the nuances only a longtime resident could share.
This episode is an essential listen (or read) for anyone planning to experience Cagliari through the eyes of a local—and a reminder that Sardinia’s capital is more than just a gateway or a stopover, but a destination in its own right.