Attractions and historical places to visit
Historical Places
Discover the wonders of Cagliari and Quartu Sant’Elena. Your reference point for exploring the beauty of enchanting locations.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria
Piazza Bonaria 2 Cagliari
07:00 – 11:30 / 16:00 – 18:30
The Santuario di Bonaria, the ancient heart of the Basilica di Nostra Signora di Bonaria complex, is a true historical and architectural jewel.
Costruito nel 1324 per volere dell’Infante Alfonso durante l’assedio di Castel di Castro, è considerato il primo esempio di architettura gotico-catalana in Sardegna. The hill on which it stands, called bon Aire (meaning ‘good air’ in Catalan), housed a fortified citadel that was strategic for the siege of the nearby city. Con la partenza definitiva dei Pisani nel 1326, l’area fu donata nel 1335 ai frati dell’Ordine di Santa Maria della Mercede, allora al massimo del loro splendore, che vi edificarono un convento e una piccola chiesa in stile catalano-aragonese.
The majestic Basilica, which today flanks the sanctuary, was instead built in 1704 at the behest of the Mercedari friars, who wished to celebrate the Virgin of Bonaria with a larger and more imposing place of worship. Initially designed in Baroque style by the Piedmontese architect Antonio Felice De Vincenti, the construction suffered several interruptions.
Towards the end of the 18th century, architect Giuseppe Viana resumed the work, redefining the project in a neoclassical key. Today, the Bonaria complex is not only a place of spirituality, but also a fascinating journey through centuries of history, art and culture, enchanting visitors and faithful alike with its unique atmosphere and extraordinary architectural value.
Mercato di San Benedetto
Via Coco Ortu 46, Cagliari
Lunedì – Sabato, 07:00 – 14:00 (attenzione: verifica eventuali cambi di location)
The Mercato di San Benedetto is not just a place to shop, but a unique sensory experience in the heart of Cagliari. Inaugurated on 1 June 1957, it is the largest covered market in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, with no less than 8,000 square metres of exhibition space on two levels.
On the ground floor, the fish department welcomes you with an extraordinary variety of fresh fish, while upstairs you will find a triumph of colours and flavours: fruit and vegetables, meat, groceries and services.
Early mornings (except Sundays) are the ideal time to immerse yourself in this lively world where the treasures of Sardinian gastronomy, from land and sea, await to delight your senses. An entire floor dedicated to fish, stalls full of local products and an authentic atmosphere make this market a must-see. Not only that: the surrounding shops and bars offer the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable breakfast or snack, in an ambience full of life, colours and intense fragrances.
Here, among regular customers and curious tourists, you will have an experience that will take you straight to the heart of Sardinian culture and tradition. The Mercato di San Benedetto is much more than a market: it is a journey into the taste, history and authenticity of Cagliari.
Cittadella dei Musei
In the heart of the charming district of Castello, between the majestic Porta Cristina and the elegant Piazza Indipendenza, stands the Cittadella dei Musei, a true cultural and architectural jewel. Questo complesso, un tempo sede del Regio Arsenale, oggi custodisce i più preziosi tesori artistici e storici della città, offrendo un viaggio straordinario attraverso i secoli e le culture.
Here, the National Archaeological Museum and the National Picture Gallery will enchant you with their unique collections: from mysterious Nuragic bronzes to refined Sardinian and Catalan retables from the 15th century, each work tells a fascinating page of Sardinian history.
Ma la Cittadella dei Musei non si ferma qui. Inside you will also find the extraordinary Collection of Anatomical Waxes, a masterpiece of art and science, the impressive Museum of Siamese Art, with its exotic Oriental works of art, and the Luigi Cocco Collection, which will take you on a discovery of Sardinian traditions and culture through the Ethnographic Museum.
Every corner of this place is a unique experience, a dialogue between past and present, between art and history. The Cittadella dei Musei is not just a place to visit, but an emotion to experience, an immersion in the beauty and cultural wealth of Cagliari. A must for anyone wishing to discover the most authentic and fascinating soul of Sardinia.
To visit
Immerse yourself in the beautiful beaches such as Poetto and Mari Pintau, the suggestive natural areas of the Molentargius Park, and the historical and cultural treasures of the city centre, there is always something special to discover. Get ready for unique experiences among sea, nature and tradition!
Parco di Molentargius
L’area umida di Molentargius è un’oasi naturale nel bel mezzo della città. Con una superficie di 1600 ettari, il parco ospita un’ampia varietà di specie vegetali e animali, tra cui diverse specie protette. In recent years, the Molentargius pond has emerged as the most important nesting site for flamingos in the Mediterranean basin.
In addition to its ecological importance, the park also preserves traces of its history as a salt mining centre. Buildings from the beginning of the 20th century and old industrial machinery bear witness to the area’s past. Today, the park is a place of beauty and peace, where people can appreciate the natural world.
The Molentargius park is only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Spiaggia di Calamosca
Viale Calamosca, Cagliari
Overlooking an enchanting bay, protected by the promontories of Capo Sant’Elia and the striking Sella del Diavolo, whose name evokes ancient legends, Calamosca beach is a jewel just 4 km from the centre of Cagliari.
With crystal-clear waters that fade from emerald green to blue, a mixed sand and pebble beach, and a gentle seabed, it is ideal for families, snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Complete with parking, kiosk-bar and equipment hire, it is the perfect destination for a day of nature and relaxation.
Spiaggia di Porto sa Ruxi
Porto sa Ruxi, on the outskirts of Villasimius, is a natural pearl with a unique shape: three crescent-shaped coves separated by granite rocks. Surrounded by cliffs, sand dunes and a Mediterranean macchia of junipers, pines and myrtle, it offers a wild and evocative landscape. The sand is white and fine, while the sea amazes with crystal-clear waters in shades of blue and turquoise, ideal for snorkelling and diving, thanks to the rich fish fauna protected in the Capo Carbonara marine area. With shallow waters and shelter from the wind, it is perfect for families and children, offering an unforgettable experience of nature and relaxation.
Spiaggia di Punta Molentis
Punta Molentis, the jewel of Villasimius, is a triumph of colours: the blue and turquoise of the sea, the luminous white of the fine sand, the pink reflections on the shoreline and the green of the Mediterranean maquis. Protected by the Capo Carbonara marine area, this beach enchants with crystal-clear waters and a breathtaking panorama, enriched by granite rocks that emerge like natural sculptures. Il nome, legato agli asini (“su molenti”) un tempo usati per trasportare il granito, aggiunge un tocco di storia a un luogo già magico. Ideal for those seeking relaxation and wild beauty, it is a must-see in southern Sardinia.
Spiaggia di Chia
Su Giudeu Domus de Maria, Cagliari
Su Giudeu, the queen of Chia’s beaches, is a true paradise that enchants with its unique charm. Crystal-clear waters, soft sand and a very shallow seabed make it perfect for relaxation. The small island a short distance from the shore adds magic to the panorama, while the breathtaking scenery, often chosen as a film set, provides unforgettable emotions. A place that takes your breath away and fills your soul with harmony.
Complesso nuragico Su Nuraxi
Il sito archeologico di Su Nuraxi di Barumini, situato nel cuore della Sardegna, è un vero e proprio gioiello dell’Età del Bronzo e uno dei simboli più affascinanti della civiltà nuragica. Perched on high ground overlooking a vast and fertile plain, this fortified complex dates back to the second millennium BC and maintained its importance until the third century AD. Al centro del sito spicca l’imponente torre principale, una struttura a forma di tronco di cono alta originariamente oltre 18 metri, costruita con grandi pietre disposte a secco in cerchi concentrici che si restringono verso l’alto. Initially conceived as a residence for a single family, the tower evolved over time into a full-fledged fortified village. Four side towers were added around the central tower, connected by stone walls and protected by a second wall. This development reflected the political and social changes of the time, transforming the nuraghe into a small urban settlement inhabited by soldiers, artisans and their families. The Nuragic civilization, with its impressive buildings, played a key role in the spread of Mycenaean and Phoenician culture in the Mediterranean. However, many aspects of this civilization remain shrouded in mystery, making nuraghi a fascinating archaeological enigma. Today, Su Nuraxi di Barumini is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place that not only tells the ancient history of Sardinia, but also offers a unique experience for those who wish to immerse themselves in a past full of fascination and mystery. To find out more, you can visit the official website of the UNESCO World Heritage Center, where you can find detailed information about this and other extraordinary sites. A trip to Su Nuraxi is a must for those who love archaeology, history and the breathtaking landscapes of Sardinia!
