Top 15 Cagliari Tours to Experience

Cagliari is a municipality with approximately 150,000 inhabitants situated along the south-central coast of the Italian island of Sardinia.

The Mediterranean climate and plentiful beaches attract sun-seekers from around the globe, while the city is also rich in historical and cultural attractions.

Cagliari is considered one of Italy’s greenest cities, boasting more urban parks and green spaces per capita than most other locations in the country.

For those arriving by air, the airport is conveniently located a few miles from the city center, positioning Cagliari as an excellent choice for quick, impromptu visits from the mainland.

Below are 15 of the premier tours available in Cagliari.

1. 2 ½-Hour Segway Tour

Guests have reported that gliding through Cagliari’s winding streets, viewing ancient Roman amphitheaters and medieval towers on a Segway is a remarkable experience that is both convenient and safe, with surprisingly affordable pricing.

For those unfamiliar with Segways, these eco-friendly, self-balancing two-wheeled devices enable riders to explore the outdoors without exerting excessive effort.

This 2 ½-hour tour encompasses many of Cagliari’s iconic landmarks, including the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Bastion at San Remy, and the Elephant Tower.

Every participant receives all necessary safety equipment and training before embarking on the exploration.

2. Welcome to Cagliari Private Tour with a Local

Astute travelers understand that authentic experiences involve both people and places, and this private tour effectively combines both elements.

Most locals are enthusiastic about sharing their culture with visitors. On this tour, participants are paired with a passionate local guide dedicated to making the experience memorable.

Upon meeting the guide at their accommodations, guests will become acquainted with their surroundings prior to venturing out to explore the city.

These tours are personalized and adaptable according to time constraints and individual interests, typically ranging from two to six hours.

3. Mountains and Sea Jeep and Dinghy Tour

For those seeking adventure akin to Indiana Jones, this full-day mountain and sea combination tour is highly suitable.

This exciting expedition features numerous hidden coves and rocky capes only accessible by small boats, in addition to ancient oak forests nestled against steep mountains.

The highlight of the tour is the Cannoneris Nature Reserve, known for its ecological diversity, which is a must-visit for active travelers wishing to escape crowded areas.

The tour includes a fresh seafood meal at a beachside restaurant and caters to guests in Italian, English, French, and Portuguese.

4. Su Nuraxi Barumini and Giara Half-Day Tour

Cagliari and Sardinia are renowned for their rugged natural beauty and a wealth of historical sites that date back millennia.

This half-day tour is ideal for those wishing to experience both the natural environment and the rich history, maximizing value for their travel investment.

Su Nuraxi di Barumini is one of Sardinia’s most significant Bronze Age archaeological locations, recognized by UNESCO for its cultural and historical significance.

Alongside their guide, participants will explore the area’s attractions, both natural and constructed, and if time permits, enjoy a traditional Sardinian meal at a nearby restaurant or a picnic in a wilderness area noted for its wild horses.

5. Cheese-Making Workshop and Tour of Argiolas Formaggi

Sardinia’s artisanal cheesemakers have been producing traditional products in a time-honored manner for generations.

This two-hour tour includes visits to a modern dairy that specializes in cheeses made from sheep and goat milk instead of cow milk.

Before entering the facility, guests are provided with protective clothing, such as shirts and shoe covers, along with headsets to gain insights into the production process.

With an expert cheesemaker, participants will engage hands-on at various stages of cheese production.

The tour concludes with a tasting of a selection of fresh and aged local cheeses paired with wine.

6. Full-Day Private Wine Experience with Lunch

Italy is renowned as a top wine-producing country globally. While half-day tours are available to enjoy Sardinia’s wine culture, full-day excursions are more suitable for true enthusiasts.

This guided tour takes participants into the countryside, visiting two Sardinian wineries.

During the visits, guests can tour the facilities and learn about the transformation of grapes into exquisite wines through both traditional methods and modern technology.

Guests will also relish a traditional farm lunch, amidst the picturesque southern Sardinian landscapes, accompanied by samples from various wine classifications.

7. Traditional Ravioli Cooking Class

Italian cuisine boasts a plethora of diverse pasta types, from spaghetti and linguini to rigatoni and ravioli, which are central to several meals.

Unlike the mass-produced pasta often found elsewhere, Italians frequently enjoy fresh pasta made from scratch. This immersive tour allows participants to witness the entire pasta-making process firsthand.

Classes are hosted in the home of a local chef, allowing for engaging discussions and ample cooking time, followed by a leisurely lunch where everyone can savor their creations.

8. Canyoneering in Sardinia

While canyoneering may appear daunting to novices, it is not an activity solely for the young, fit, and fearless.

This eight-hour morning tour is generally suitable for travelers of moderate physical fitness, starting from eight years old.

Participants will begin with a brief orientation led by their expert guide in the rugged southern Sardinia region.

Initially, guests will navigate gradual terrains, acclimatizing before progressing at a moderate pace to appreciate the region’s natural beauty, including streams, granite cliffs, and scenic vistas.

9. 2-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour

Small-group tours that last only a few hours are increasingly favored by travelers who appreciate both guided exploration and personal discovery.

This two-hour sightseeing bicycle tour commences in the Marina District and proceeds along a picturesque coastal bike path, adeptly keeping riders away from vehicular traffic.

Participants will visit several neighborhoods and historic sites, including the Church of Bonaria and the Bastione di Saint Remy—one of Cagliari’s most iconic landmarks.

Tour sizes are limited to eight guests, and children’s seats are available upon request to accommodate families traveling with young children.

10. 5-Hour Shore Excursion City Tour

This five-hour city shore excursion tour offers multiple departures daily, accommodating various arrival and departure schedules for travelers with limited time.

The tour encompasses many of Cagliari’s oldest areas, including the lively San Benedetto Market, where locals procure everything from fresh produce and meat to specialty foods such as honey and olive oil.

Customers will experience both bus and walking segments, leading to extensive opportunities to engage with Sardinian culture and gain fascinating insights into local history from the guide.

11. Guided Tour to the Devil’s Saddle

The Devil’s Saddle region in Sardinia extends from Cape Carbonara to Cape Spartivento, characterized by a unique blend of striking natural and historical landmarks, including fossil beds and archaeological sites.

This three-hour tour allows visitors to experience both attractions. With a morning start, the rest of the day remains available for additional activities or relaxation.

The tour features hiking segments for those wishing to explore scenic viewpoints amidst the limestone hills.

Numerous routes of varying difficulties are accessible, catering to individuals across diverse age groups and physical capabilities.

12. Quad Adventure Shore Excursion

This quad adventure shore excursion is crafted to invigorate those who have spent days confined in a small cabin on an overcrowded cruise ship, presenting exhilarating outdoor activities.

With convenient transportation provided from the Port of Cagliari, the tour is adaptable to accommodate varying schedules.

Following a brief yet scenic drive into the Sardinian Mountains, guests will receive a safety briefing and all required gear before the adventure begins.

Highlights of the tour include archaeological ruins, serene forests, stunning geological formations, and transportation back to the port.

13. Electric Bike Naturalistic Tour

E-bikes serve as an excellent means of efficiently covering substantial distances. Unlike traditional bicycles, they allow riders to exert effort while benefiting from electric assistance when necessary.

Participants will follow the contours of Cagliari’s coastline, exploring the scenic views, numerous parks, picturesque beaches, and tranquil lagoons, accompanied by a guide.

There will also be opportunities for refreshments during the tour.

These excursions begin at 9:00 AM and typically last about four hours.

14. Professional Guided Coasteering Shore Excursion

Coasteering presents an exciting, dynamic, and educational means of exploring the rugged Sardinian coastline.

Beginning at Cagliari’s port, the tour comprises hiking and walking through tidal environments characterized by exposed rocks, hidden pools, and diverse marine wildlife.

Every excursion features a knowledgeable instructor, along with all required safety equipment to ensure a thrilling yet secure experience.

Participants may encounter an array of colorful marine life in the tidal pools during low tide. These tours are suitable for beginners and accessible to individuals of varying ages and interests.

15. Trekking and Waterfall Swimming Half-Day Tour

For outdoor enthusiasts who favor exploration over standard sightseeing, Cagliari and its surroundings are rich in options.

Although this tour technically takes place outside Cagliari city limits, it serves as a great choice for those seeking an alternative to the often-crowded city attractions.

Starting from Chia, participants will journey to Cannoneris Natural Park via Jeep, marveling at the local wildlife and one of Europe’s largest populations of holm-oaks.

After a four-mile trek to a secluded waterfall, guests can swim and relax before returning.