Cagliari (Sardinia), Italy

An unforgettable adventure, between the crystal-clear sea and the most authentic flavors of this place. Set sail from the port of Cagliari and head for the Sella del Diavolo, where a dive into the turquoise waters is just the beginning. Enjoy a gourmet aperitif with the best Sardinian cheeses and cured meats, then continue towards Mari Pintau, a picture-postcard beach. Swim, relax and savor a traditional Sardinian lunch that will make you feel at home. The best of Sardinia awaits you, all in one day!

• Sailboat trip through the crystal-clear waters of a dream island.
• Authentic flavors of Sardinian cuisine.
• Snorkeling in the cleanest waters in Sardinia.

Get ready to experience a unique adventure, with crystal-clear waters, breathtaking views and Sardinian delicacies that will make you forget everything else!Start your day with a pleasant stroll from the port to the pier, where a sailboat is waiting to take you on an epic journey. After a safety briefing (yes, it's necessary, but we promise it'll be quick!), you'll finally set sail for the legendary Sella del Diavolo promontory. A dip in the crystal-clear waters and an aperitif will make you feel like you're in a film: local cheeses, cured meats, pane carasau and a glass of Vermentino wine, which will leave you sighting "ah, this is what Sardinia's all about".

But that’s not all! Your journey continues towards Mari Pintau, from the open see you'll see a beach that looks like it has been painted by an artist, where the sea is so clear that you'll wonder if you're swimming in a natural swimming pool. On board you can relax, bask in the sunshine and enjoy a Sardinian lunch that will make you forget the rest of the world. After lunch, take another dip to end your day on a high! Finally, sail back to the pier with a smile that stretches from ear to ear, and skin that is still salty from the sea.

• Only bring what you need: a swimming costume, a backpack with beach towel, a hat, suncream and bottle of water.
• During the tour the boat staff will provide you with assistance and information in Italian and English.

A map, plenty of clues and a treasure waiting to be discovered: ready to experience a treasure hunt with the whole family at the heart of Sardinia's biggest nature reserve? In a WWF oasis that is home to deer and golden eagles, you'll step into the shoes of real explorers, and with your children, discover that the trees and bushes of the reserve not only hide treasure, but also many other surprises, such as snacks brimming with local Sardinian flavors, which will delight big and small visitors alike!

• WWF Oasis: treasure hunt
• Award ceremony for winners and tasting of local products

• Get ready to enjoy an adventure with a capital A in the largest expanse of Mediterranean forest in Sardinia, with rivers, plants of every kind and golden eagles soaring above the centuries-old oaks.
• When you arrive at the WWF Oasis of Monte Arcosu, you will be provided with an adventure kit to get you started on your treasure hunt: put yourself to the test from the very start alongside your children, as you learn to recognize and find white quartz, draw the prints that you have observed on the ground and solve mysterious clues.
• The Oasis is home to Sardinian deer, the biggest animals on the island, saved from extinction in the eighties by the creation of this reserve: the more you play, the more you will discover all the secrets of this magical place and its inhabitants.
• The treasure is just steps away: you'll find it by following the map and putting your orientation skills into practice in the forest.
• Only one family will win the booty, but there are surprises for everyone, including a Sardinian snack with local products: local sausages cooked over the grill, tomato bruschetta with oil made from the berries in the Oasis as well as extra virgin olive oil. And for the adults, it's time for a toast with a good glass of local red wine!

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.

An exclusive trip to discover Porto Flavia, a masterpiece of mining engineering, with spectacular views over the Pan di Zucchero rock. After exploring the mine, an exciting excursion along the wild coastline in a rubber boat awaits, with hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. The perfect blend of history, nature and adventure, to experience Sardinia like never before.

• Explore Porto Flavia, a masterpiece of historical engineering with breathtaking views over the Pan di Zucchero rock.
• Rubber boat trip to discover hidden coves and sea caves.
• History, nature and adrenaline, in one of the most beautiful spots on the entire island.

We'll set off from the port of Cagliari on an adventure that combines the power of mining history with the stunning beauty of the Sardinian sea. After a sightseeing trip along the south-west coast, we'll arrive at Masua, the starting point for our exploration. From there, we'll hop into a minivan that will drive us directly to the mine at Porto Flavia, a masterpiece of engineering carved out of the rock. Before entering, though, we'll stop off at a typical bar to enjoy a coffee and a Sardinian sweet treat, whilst enjoying the tranquil landscapes all around.

Once we arrive at the mine, we'll dive into its extraordinary history. Porto Flavia, a UNESCO world heritage site, has played a fundamental role in the mining industry, enabling the minerals extracted to be loaded directly onto ships. We'll walk through the tunnels and discover the secrets of this marvel of engineering, with incomparable views over the Pan di Zucchero rock which will leave you speechless.

Then it's back to Masua for an exciting trip along on of the wildest and most unspoilt coastlines in Sardinia in a rubber boat. We'll make our way between hidden coves, explore sea caves and take a dip in the crystal clear waters, with the majestic Pan di Zucchero rock as your backdrop.Finally, enjoy some free time to relax and savor a typical Sardinian lunch, the perfect way to end a day full of excitement.

• Only bring what you need: a swimming costume, a backpack with beach towel, a hat, suncream and bottle of water.

Descend into the bowels of Cagliari and discover a hidden world that tells the tale of ancient civilizations, superstitions and crucial moments in the history of the city. Forget the sun and the sea for a moment: Under here, among the crypts and secret tunnels, lies a dark and fascinating past that starts with the Phoenicians and extends as far as the bleakest days of the Second World War.

• The most secret and mysterious side of Cagliari, inaccessible to most.
• A journey through time among Phoenician tombs, Byzantine crypts and Second World War bunkers.
• Free time for souvenir shopping.

The tour begins in the very heart of the city. Today, it's a place of bars and nightlife, but during yesteryear, it was a place of mysteries and disturbing rites. Are you ready to discover the secrets that are hidden beneath your feet?

We continue to the Crypt of Santa Restituta, a late Roman and Byzantine masterpiece. Here, among the ancient ruins and legends passed down over the centuries, you'll feel part of history itself, surrounded by a surreal atmosphere.

The final stop takes you into the Sperone Gallery, tucked inside the timeless Saint Remy Bastion — Cagliari’s undisputed superstar. This gallery isn’t there by accident: it was built to link the refined Castello district to the Bastion, which is less a monument and more the city’s calling card.
After exploring the most evocative crypts, you’ll pop out onto the Bastion’s terrace, a true balcony suspended between sky and sea. From up there, the view opens right up before your eyes: the whole city stretching out to the horizon, where the sea reminds you why you’re here… and why you won’t want to leave.

The tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, as the access points for the underground sites have various flights of stairs.The route may be challenging for those suffering from claustrophobia, even thought the underground areas are spacious with no particularly narrow passages.Wear comfortable, closed shoes.

The Galleria dello Sperone is temporarily closed for maintenance work. Alternatively, visitors can visit the archaeological site of Sant'Eulalia.

Costa introduces a new way to explore the city: a new experience offering the same quality, safety and duration as always, now reserved for small groups. Bays, caves, coves... and back again! Discover the sea of Sardinia in an inflatable boat on the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Cagliari, including the promontory of the Devil's Saddle and Poetto beach, the favorite spot of Cagliari natives. After a refreshing dip at Cala Fighera, all you need is an authentic Sardinian aperitif. Don't you think we've thought about that?

• Trip in an inflatable boat in the Gulf of Cagliari: Borgo Sant'Elia; Calamosca beach; the Grotta dei Colombi cave; Devil's Saddle
• Swimming at Cala Fighera
• Aperitif at Marina Piccola

• The real character of Sardinia is best experienced from the water, between stretches of coastline and hidden inlets just waiting to be discovered in an inflatable boat. Ready? Let's go!
• You'll skirt along past the beach of Calamosca and the village of Sant'Elias, with its ancient lazaret that has become a center of art and culture, passing coves, caves, cliffs and secluded corners that are only accessible by boat, such as the Grotta dei Colombi: it has long been inhabited by wild doves.
• In front of Cala Fighera, the sea is calling. it is such an intense emerald green that you won't be able to resist a swim off this pristine beach, sheltered from the winds and the chaos of the city.
• The last surprise awaits you at the Devil's Saddle, the promontory with a legendary name: it is rumored that Lucifer lost his saddle here whilst doing battle with the angels over this stretch of sea. And that when this fell into the water, it turned to stone, creating this curious rock formation.
• After so many gems, it's time for a typical aperitif. Enjoy it while admiring the sun, the sea and Poetto beach, a must for Cagliari natives all year round.

• During the boat trip, the staff will be on hand to provide information and assistance.
• Minimum age: 4 years.
• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursions office to check the availability of vegetarian dishes and to report any food intolerances.
• The itinerary is subject to sea conditions.
• Couples, families and small groups could be accommodated in separate boats, which still follow the same itinerary.

Less than an hour from Cagliari, after crossing the evocative Santa Gilla lagoon – home to elegant pink flamingos – you'll arrive in Nora, and authentic historical gem nestled on the peninsula of Pula. This ancient city tells tales of a glorious past among these perfectly preserved ruins. Can you imagine the feeling of enjoying a Sardinian aperitif surround by a Roman theater that is still remarkably intact, thermal baths decorated with elegant mosaics and picture-postcard views?

• The real essence of Sardinia in an exclusive setting.
• Aperitif at an archaeological site against a dreamy backdrop.
• The authentic history of the island, among the ruins, myths and traditions.

Nora is more than just archeology: it's timeless beauty. So much so that on 2 July 2024, Dolce & Gabbana chose this iconic place to reveal its new High Fashion collection. An exclusive event spanning ruins that date back thousands of years and the world of celebrity, which serve to enhance the unique charm of this extraordinary place.After exploring this corner of history, it's time to delight your palate with an aperitif right inside the archaeological site. Savor crunchy pane carasau, mature pecorino cheese and Sardinian sausage, all washed down with a glass of local wine. A perfect toast to an experience that combines culture, beauty and tradition.Finally, head back to Cagliari full of emotions and unforgettable memories: a journey that intertwines past and present in one of the most fascinating places in Sardinia.

• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursion office to check the availability of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes and to report any food intolerances.

If there is one must-visit place for the locals of Cagliari, it has to be Poetto beach, an expanse of white sand right next to the city. Discover it at the Family Beach lido, with shallow waters that are perfect for children, play areas and views of the “Devil's Saddle” promontory that will amaze young and old alike. Fill up on family-friendly relaxation and fun, including sun loungers and parasols.

• Relaxation and fun at the Family Beach lido exclusively for Costa
• Games and entertainment for children

• It's time to relax with family on Poetto beach: a seaside oasis surrounded by 8km of white sand, clear waters and unique natural surroundings. Now it's clear why Cagliari's locals are so proud of it!
• Here, adults and children alike will be pampered at the Family Beach lido, which has deckchairs and umbrellas just waiting for you, so you can enjoy the sun, colors and air of Sardinia in total tranquility.
• Feet in the water and...surprise: the shallow, sandy bottom close to the shore is perfect for little ones to take a dip. And after plenty of splashing around, the fun continues on the beach in the dedicated play area.
• Framing it all is a memorable view of the promontory overlooking the Gulf of Cagliari, known as the “Devil's Saddle”.
• Legend has it that during a battle on horseback between angels and demons, the horse's saddle fell, turning to stone. And here it is now, right in front of you.

• We provide beach umbrellas and sun loungers for adults. Children will share their parents' sun lounger.

A walking tour through the history of Cagliari with an expert guide. From Phoenician origins to Roman remains, following in the footsteps of the various foreign powers that have made the medieval citadel of Castello unique. And to end the day, some local food tasting.

• Medieval center of Cagliari, Phoenician and Roman remains
• Castello district
• Royal Palace and Cathedral of Santa Maria
• Medieval towers and bastions with aperitif

• Wear comfortable shoes to discover Cagliari's wonderful historic alleys which are accessible only on foot, with a local guide** who has an anecdote for every corner of the city.
• Here are the first: the regional capital of Sardinia is built on 7 hills and has very ancient origins. Known by the Nuragic civilization as early as 3000 BC, it was rediscovered by the Phoenicians and chosen as a strategic port with the name of Karalis.
• The historical finds are from Roman times, when the city became the capital of the island, and traces of the various foreign rulers are still visible. The Castello district, a medieval citadel, is a concentration of styles and cultures.
• The Royal Palace of 1300 has been a center of Aragonese, Spanish and Savoyard power; the Cathedral of Santa Maria is an example of the Genoese baroque style; the Towers are from the Pisan period; the bastions are from the 19th century.
• Complete your exploration of the local culture with some “casu” and “saltìzza” cheese and sausage, carasau bread and wine: the real Sardinians' aperitif.

• Menus may vary according to season to ensure the constant high quality of the dishes served.
• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursion office to check the availability of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes and to report any food intolerances.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions in order to safeguard your health and comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• This is one of the most popular excursions so book early.

Discover Cagliari with someone who knows it really well. Take a seat on the bus and move among the most beautiful views of the city without taking a step: from the Basilica di Bonaria to the beach at Poetto, with the Devil's Saddle, then on to Golfo degli Angeli viewed from Mount Urpinu and a panoramic of Castello district, which encompasses all of the city's historic eras.

• photostop of Basilica of Nostra Signora di Bonaria
• Monte Urpinu with view of Golfo degli Angeli
• Public gardens: century-old Ficus and "Dormienti"
• San Pancrazio Tower

• Eyes and ears wide open: you're about to discover Cagliari with a local guide. The bus starts at the Basilica di Bonaria, the protector of the city and of sailors. Dated 1307, it houses the statue of the Virgin miraculously brought from the sea.
• You're close to Poetto, a seafront promenade well-known for its fine sand and summer nightlife. You'll see the salt flats, an ancient source of wealth for the city, and the Devil's Saddle, a headland with a strange curvature. Legend has it that this is the devil's saddle that fell to earth and turned to stone during a battle between the angels and demons.
• Climb Mount Urpinu, the scenic overlook a stone's throw from downtown, to snap the panoramic view of the Golfo degli Angeli between Villasimius and Capo Spartivento.
• Stroll through the Public Gardens, the city's green lung, and discover their treasures: from the centuries-old Ficus to the "Dormienti" work at the foot of the fortified city walls. Reach the Citadel of Museums, which houses archaeological finds and art collections, to get to the Tower of San Pancrazio, the tallest in Cagliari, built in the 13th century.

• The “Adagio Tour” was born from the collaboration between Costa Crociere Foundation and AISM, with the aim of offering land experiences at a “slower” pace and itineraries with fwer architectural barriers, designed for people with accessibility needs. 
• The “Adagio Tour” version of this excursion is available on all ships.
• The places available for the "Adagio Tour" version are limited.
• If you use a wheelchair, the reservation of the "Adagio Tour" must necessarily be made through your cruise representative or through the contact channels of the Customer Center.
• the excursion may take place in the morning or afternoon.

On the tracks of ancient civilizations in Cagliari with a sightseeing tour: from the Monte Urpinu Park with a view of the pink flamingo lagoon, to the Castello district that overlooks the city, to the Marina, where the first fishermen would sleep.

• Ancient Cagliari: Museum Citadel, Cathedral, Castello district, Marina district.
• Modern Cagliari: Via Roma, Poetto avenue and beach, Molentargius Park and salt flats, Mount Urpinu.

• With our guide, discover Cagliari, the regional capital of Sardinia, inhabited since Neolithic times. Start the tour on Mount Urpinu, which means vulpine in Sardinian dialect, an urban wildlife park that affords a view of the whole city: with Poetto beach and the Molentargius-Saline Regional Nature Park to one side, and the modern city, overlooked by the old town, to the other.
• As we skirt around this natural oasis, take a picture of the pink flamingos that nest here every year and then get ready to visit the Shrine of Nostra Signora Bonaria by reading the story that links it to the birth of Buenos Aires.
• Proceed to the highest part of the old town, with the Museum Citadel that includes the National Painting Gallery and Archaeological Museum exhibiting the “Giants” of Mont'e Prama.
• You've now come to the Castle, the medieval district from which the Sardinian name of the city, Casteddu, is derived. Admire the Palazzo Viceregio, the Genoese baroque style Cathedral and the bastions.
• Then say farewell to Cagliari passing through the ancient fishing district of Marina.

• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions in order to safeguard your health and comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• When there are religious festivals, the visit to the cathedral will be limited to the outside.
• The excursion may take place in the morning or afternoon.
• The return to the port will be done on foot.

We’ll take you to Su Nuraxi in Barumini, Sardinia’s most famous Nuragic settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage site: a complex dating back thousands of years, built from basalt and still exuding infinite appeal. After a guided tour of the island’s best-preserved monument, a traditional lunch awaits, made with local ingredients and following traditional recipes. A day that combines rich history with authentic flavors.

• Su Nuraxi in Barumini, a UNESCO site
• Guided tour and an introduction to Nuragic civilization
• Traditional Sardinian lunch made with local ingredients

From Cagliari, we then head inland, where Sardinia takes on a different character: the postcard-worthy sea disappears, replaced by hills and rocks that seem to say, “Here, we only build things that last.” And indeed, at Su Nuraxi in Barumini, you’ll find a basalt fortress that has stood for millennial, with no intention of giving way now.

As soon as you arrive, the feeling is immediate: the nuraghi need no lights, special effects, drones or stories. They are enormous, they are ancient, and they almost seem challenge us: who was really ahead of their time? The tour takes you inside towers, corridors and staircases that are more logically designed that many modern buildings.
Your guide will tell you stories of engineering, traditions, everyday life and mysteries that remain unsolved today. And as you admire these basalt towers, you'll think: “we may not understand how they managed it… but it’s clear they were very successful.”

After wandering through millennial of history, the most human part of the day arrives: a traditional lunch. No complicated dishes here: only local ingredients, familiar flavors, and recipes that taste just like (Sardinian) home. Cheese, cured meats, bread, vegetables, wine…simplicity that needs no explanation.

On the return journey, you'll realize why Barumini is so special: it’s not just an archaeological site; it’s a story that keeps running through your mind.

• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursion office to check the availability of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes and to report any food intolerances.

Costa introduces a new way to explore the city: a new experience offering the same quality, safety and duration as always, now reserved for small groups. The Caribbean in the middle of the Mediterranean: welcome to Sardinia. See it for yourself as you set sail on a gozzo * a retro-style fishing boat that is typical of the Italian tradition, which slips between the caves and coves of the Gulf of Cagliari. From the Devil's Saddle promontory to Poetto beach, discover unspoilt hidden corners of the sea, without missing out on Sardinian flavors, with an aperitif with sea views.

• Trip in a gozzo boat in the Gulf of Cagliari: Borgo Sant'Elia; Calamosca beach; the Grotta dei Colombi cave; Devil's Saddle
• Swimming at Cala Fighera
• Aperitif on the boat

• Today, your sea experience has the flavor of days gone by: set sail off the coast of Cagliari aboard a gozzo, a fully wooden fishing boat that is typical of Italian nautical tradition.
• As you skirt past the village of Sant'Elia and the beach of Calamosca, you'll make your way towards an inlet that can only be reached by boat, where you'll find the Grotta dei Colombi: so called because of the wild doves that long ago made this place their home.
• You'll want to do the same at Cala Fighera, where the sea is every shade of turquoise. Just a few moments while the anchor is lowered, and then…dive in: with water this clear, it's impossible to resist!
• It's hardly surprising that angels and demons also fought over these areas. Or at least, if you believe the legend that gives its name to the Devil's Saddle: the curious saddle-shaped promontory that you see in front of you, and which separates two of Cagliari's iconic beaches.
• One is Calamosca, and the other is Poetto beach: this is where you can savor a typical Sardinian aperitif with local products, for the last toast to this land surrounded by sea.

• Minimum age: 3 years.
• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursions office to check the availability of vegetarian dishes and to report any food intolerances.
• Couples, families and small groups could be accommodated in separate boats, which still follow the same itinerary.
• The itinerary is subject to sea conditions.
• During the tour the boat staff will provide you with assistance and information in Italian and English.

The Gulf of Cagliari looks like a postcard from the sea: turquoise waters and white beaches to relax on. Do it in complete comfort at the "Golden Beach Club", on Poetto beach. In the background, the characteristic Devil’s Saddle rock formation. Already know the story behind it? Try asking the locals.

• Relax at the Golden Beach Club

• Discover the locals' favorite beach. Leave it to us to find you a sun lounger and beach umbrella, for a few hours of relaxation in one of Poetto’s smartest and best-equipped beach clubs.
• The "Golden Beach Club" is not short of comfort and activities: it has bars, a restaurant, a children's play area, plus the Blue Flag waters, seashore activities and local attractions. Like the Devil's Saddle headland, which owes its name to a mythical struggle between the angels and demons for control of the Gulf of Cagliari. Lucifer's saddle fell into the sea and turned to stone, becoming the headland we see today. You can see it in comfort from below your beach umbrella.
• With a bit of swimming and some sunbathing, free time floats by on this 8-kilometer beach with white sand, clear waters and a unique natural backdrop.

• We provide beach umbrellas and sun loungers for adults. Children will share their parents' sun lounger.
• Bar/restaurant service not included.
• The excursion may take place in the morning or afternoon.

In less than an hour, you'll arrive in Nora, one of Sardinia’s oldest towns: Roman ruins with sea views, mosaics that have withstood the passing of time, and a theater that has lost none of its charm. First you'll cross the Santa Gilla lagoon, with its salt pans and flamingos, before wandering through streets and thermal baths that have been home to the Phoenicians, the Romans and… a fashion show by a well-known brand in 2024. And after your tour, enjoy an hour and a half by the sea at Nora Beach, to round off your day in style.

• Views over the Santa Gilla lagoon, where you might spot some pink flamingos
• Full tour of the archaeological site of Nora
• Free time on Nora Beach

From Cagliari, head south, and as soon as the city is behind you, the first surprises begin to make an appearance: the Santa Gilla lagoon, the salt flats and the pink flamingos moving slowly around as if they owned the place.
It’s the perfect trailer for a day that combines history, the sea and a touch of glamor.

Then you'll arrive in Nora, where the story changes pace.
Founded by the Phoenicians, adopted by the Romans and shaped by the sea over a couple of millennia, Nora is one of those places that needs no introduction: it's full of stone streets, mosaics that have withstood the test of time, thermal baths, Roman houses and a theater that seems to say: “Yes, I’ve seen a few things in my time.”

But that's not all: In 2024, a well-known brand also held a fashion show there.
Because when a place has been this picturesque for 2,700 years, sooner or later someone is bound to notice.

After the visit, it’s time for a change of pace: destination Nora Beach.
Do whatever you like: swim, bask in the sun, take photos of your surroundings, or simply enjoy the sea as the backdrop to everything else.

• Bring just the essentials with you, not forgetting a backpack with beach towel, hat and sunscreen.