Cagliari

Sardinia’s capital city is a bustling port that oozes urban cool while singing its rich history and cultural heritage. You’ll find striking architecture, intriguing museums, magnificent churches and atmospheric archaeological sites to explore. There’s a buzz about the place as vespas zip down tree-lined boulevards, streets are decorated with arty graffiti, and the Marina district is alive with locals eating and drinking by the harbour.

Street art is a serious business here, and Via San Saturnino in the Villanova district has the biggest concentration – well worth checking out, with everything from Greek myths and declarations of love to grand satirical graffiti. The markets of Piazza del Carmine and Piazza Trento pull in the crowds for everything from antiques and vintage clothing to Casu Marzu, the island’s famous cheese.

Cagliari has all the Italian staples you’d want to eat on holiday – fresh bread, olive oil, ricotta-stuffed ravioli, rich tomato sauces, and plenty of cheeses and salamis. And you’ll find mountains of cheese at San Benedetto Market (including pecorino the size of wagon wheels!). For restaurants, head to the Marina district – the majority of eateries are rolled out over two streets, with lots of upscale options and bars serving traditional white vernaccia and fruity red cannonau wine.