Cagliari
Sardinia's sunny capital: a hilltop old quarter, pastel streets, a long city beach (Poetto) and cheaper living than Rome. Easy and safe for a solo trip; a car is needed to reach the island's wilder beaches.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,910–2,810Comfortable, one person · €1,700–2,500Details
- Value for money39/100Better value than 38% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 28°CDetails
- Air quality13.1 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · ModerateDetails
- Internet109 MbpsFixed broadband, Italy medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink; some areas taste of chlorine or are hard, and many residents use filters.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–124Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCTM city busesWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Cagliari
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Castello | Hilltop old town with views, museums and quiet evenings |
| Marina | Port-side lanes with restaurants, bars and cheap rooms |
| Stampace | Local feel, markets, student bars and cheaper food |
| Villanova | Quiet, residential old quarter with small cafés |
| Poetto | Beachside stays, summer nightlife and sunsets |
Apps that work in Cagliari
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Trenitalia: National rail tickets, delays and strike notices
- Italo: Private high-speed trains, often cheaper
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps. Use radio taxis by phone or ranks; for beaches outside the city, a rental car is easiest.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Italy.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for small bars, market stalls and some beach kiosks.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Bancomat), not Euronet machines; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Bills often include coperto (€1–4 per person) or a service charge; round up or leave a few euros for great service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; tap a bank card at metro gates in Rome and Milan.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Hotels and rentals must register every guest with police, so expect to show your passport at check-in.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TIM, Vodafone and WindTre sell prepaid tourist SIMs at airports and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Italy
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.