A Warm Welcome in the City of the Sun: Matchday in Cagliari

Cagliari is known as la città del sole – the city of sun – as it averages about 300 days of it per year. Along with the sea and the food, it is easy to create an image of la dolce vita.

But there is something else that warms the Sardinian capital: the spirit of the Rossoblu.

Start the day with… a coffee at Antico Caffè

Your day begins at Antico Caffè in Piazza Costituzione. Opened in 1855, this is one of Cagliari’s most historic cafes. Located right in front of the Bastione di Saint Remy, one of the city’s most symbolic monuments. Order a coffee and a pizzetta cagliaritana, a satisfying local snack of pastry filled with tomato sauce and capers, and enjoy the view.

Go and see… Bastione di Saint Remy

From the cafe, head for the top of Bastione di Saint Remy, the city’s most recognisable landmark. From the top, Cagliari stretches out in every direction: the port, the hills, the distant line of Poetto Beach. It’s a place to pause, breathe and take it all in. 

In the distance, you’ll spot the outline of Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle), a famous limestone promontory with a very distinct saddle-like profile. Legend says it was formed when Lucifer was unseated from his horse by Archangel Michael during a battle for the Gulf of Angels. Whether you believe the story or not, it’s an essential photo stop.

Grab food at… Su Cumbidu

Before heading towards the stadium, you’ve got to experience authentic Sardinian cuisine and its generous portions. Su Cumbidu (Sardinian for The Invitation), in Via Napoli, is the perfect way to enjoy the island’s hospitality. Skip the tourist traps and dive into a shared platter of local pecorino and salsiccia, followed by a steaming plate of malloreddus alla campidanese (Sardinian gnocchi with ragù) and, if you still have room for something more, a serving of maialetto arrosto, (roasted piglet). That should be enough to see you through until after the game.

Get the pre-match buzz… at Cagliari 1920 Caffè

Walk toward Largo Carlo Felice for a drink at Cagliari 1920 Caffè, the official club café. Surrounded by vintage shirts and Rossoblu memorabilia, you’ll feel the club’s history and passion all around you. Order an Ichnusa Cruda (the local beer of choice) and soak up the spirit. After that, take a stroll along the Via Roma promenade, facing the port for one last look at the city before heading to the stadium.

Celebrate victory… at the Marina District

Fans drift back towards the centre, filling the streets with post-match conversation. If you’re hungry, grab a sandwich from one of the food trucks outside the stadium and for something more local, go for one filled with horse meat, a traditional Sardinian option. Then head back towards the Marina district, Piazza Yenne and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. This is where the atmosphere is liveliest. Old Square on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is a solid choice to celebrate, but any bar in the area will do.