The capital, Cagliari, separates the South East from the South West. It is an imposing city set in the Bay of Angels with the medieval Citadel towering imposingly over the now extensive city.

Things To See & Do in Southern Sardinia

From the Via Roma facing the port in Cagliari, walk to the Piazza Carmine and catch the 'Trenino Cagliaritona' which will take you on a tour of the city and up to the medieval 'Castello'
Visit the Archaeological Museum, a surprisingly modernistic collection of artefacts dating from Nuraghic times
Visit the Roman ruins at Nora and then the nearby aquarium where you can sea marine turtles being nursed back to health
Have a fun day at Blue Fan water park
Drive up to Is Cannoneris to see the Sardinian deer park
There are some excellent walking routes inland from Pula and Domus de Maria
Further afield visit the Grotto di Is Zuddas, Necropoli at Villaperuccio, Tempio di Antares or the little visited Nuraghe of Sa Domu s'Orcu at Sarroch

View Accommodaiton in Southern Sardinia »

Southern Sardinia Region Map

Cagliari

At the centre of the Golfo di Cagliari the city of Cagliari is very impressive with a castle and medieval walls. Given its geographical location Cagliari's port is central to the cities whole identity. Over the years trade has been plied with Phoenicians and Lebanese to name but a few. However, as is so often the case, a successful and prosperous port city attracts hostile intent. A long history dating back to the Roman times has been incursions and invasion by Vandals, Goths, Saracens and latter cessions to the Aragonese. Cagliari also suffered heavy bombardment during World War II.

That said the city remains a vibrant and thriving place with a morning rush hour and lunchtime throng of office workers in the Trattoria and Ristorante. There are various sight to hold a visitors interest, highlights include the grand Pisan Towers and battlements, the Citadelle dei Musei (a complex of museums) and the Catterdral di Santa Maria.

Solanus & Port Sa Ruxi

To the east of Cagliari, just short of Villasimius, we come to Solanus, a small residential town with the longest stretch of fine sandy beach in the area, a favourite for families wanting a beach holiday. Next stop along the road is Porto Sa Ruxi, another residential site nestling in the hills on a promontory washed on both sides by the sea. Here you can literally step from your rented villa down a few steps to the beach.

Villasimius

Villasimius is a small town that comes alive during the summer months catering for a large number of daily visitors coming in from the surrounding villages and residences. The town provides a friendly and lively holiday base, with plenty of restaurants and bars, its streets thronged with families for the traditional evening strol. As is the case of most 'coastal' towns, Villasimius is about 2km inland. Continued invasion from the sea over the centuries pushing the Sardinian population inland. The Costa Rei is the coast just to the north of Villasimius. This whole area is blessed with some outstandingly beautifully long sandy beaches and crystal clear seas which are almost tropical in their brilliance.

West of Cagliari

Travelling westwards from Cagliari, the road follows the coast on a raised strip of land with the sea to the left and expansive swamplands and salt pans on the right. Looking inland, in the far distance you can see the gleaming white hills of salt harvested in late August. Flamingos, heron, waders and seabirds can be seen in their hundreds along this part of the coast and at Porto Nuovo with its long jetty you can pull off the road and walk along a raised path to several bird watching hides.

Pula

Pula, where many of our properties and hotels can be found, is a bustling agricultural and tourist town. It includes in its territory the long sandy coastline of Santa Margherita and the Sulcis mountain range. Busy during the day, Pula bursts into life in the evenings with both locals and visitors enjoying the cool of the evening in one of the many cafes and restaurants or just browsing around the many shops which stay open until very late. There is a lovely central square, which is the ideal place for an after dinner ice-cream and a spot of summers evening people watching. Also not to be missed is the Monday market, abundant in fabulous fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, clothes, toys and beach equipment.

Chia and the Costa del Sud

15-20 minutes along the coastal road west of Pula are the dazzling white sand dunes of Chia which are very popular with visitors who are really spoilt for choice of beaches. From Chia the road turns inland briefly and as you drop once more towards the coast you are presented with a breathtaking view of small islands, set in transparent sea in a kaleidoscope of green and blues. This 20km stretch, known as the 'Costa del Sud' is one of the prettiest coastal drives on the island, and what is more, you virtually have the road to yourself.

Sant'Antioco

Turning inland again, you drive through several small towns arriving eventually at the interesting town of Sant'Antioco reached by a narrow manmade causeway. From here a short car ferry can transport you to the Isola of San Pietro. A stroll round this pretty town with its pastel coloured houses, tightly packed along cobbled lanes make for an interesting day excursion.

Costa Verde

Back on the mainland the drive up the west coast takes you through stunning contrasts. The magnificent but sparsely visited beaches of the Costa Verde to the densely forested hills and mountains of the Iglesiente. Since ancient times this area had been heavily mined but is now a cemetery of abandoned miners cottages and disused mines.