Free Walking Tours in Cagliari

The capital city of Sardinia, Cagliari is home to a rich history, which you can explore through its multitude of ancient towers, religious monuments and trendy squares. The best way to discover all the city has to offer is on foot, which is why all travelers should consider participating in a free walking tour in Cagliari.

From French invasions to public executions, you’ll learn the colorful history of the city, as well as explore its breathtaking architecture and royal residences.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging in sightseeing options in Cagliari.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Cagliari have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between €10 and €15 per person, but some people tip as much as €50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Cagliari?

Free walking tour in Cagliari

The first attraction on this free walking tour in Cagliari is Piazza Yenne where you’ll find a noble statue of King Carlo Felice who ruled Sardinia in the first half of the 19th century.

You’ll then move on to the Bastion of St. Remy. This monument was originally built in the Middle Ages and was transformed at the turn of the 20th century, as a terrace, and covered gallery became new additions to the site.

After admiring its curved stature and arched windows, you’ll continue to the 14th-century Elephant Tower, which was built to protect the city from Aragonese invasions. The tower came under several attacks in the following centuries and was badly damaged by a French invasion at the end of the 18th century.

After learning the history of this limestone construct that measures over 30 meters high, you’ll discover Cagliari’s cathedral, which is dedicated to both the Virgin Mary and St. Cecilia — the patron saint of music. Wander the walls of the Pisan-Romanesque religious monument before ending your tour at Independence Square where the Tower of San Pancrazio is situated, which once served as a prison.

Towers of Cagliari free walking tour

This free tour in Cagliari focuses on the city’s three main towers — the Tower of San Pancrazio, Elephant Tower and Aquila Tower.

The first of these towers is named after a neighboring church dedicated to St. Pancrazio — a bold Roman youngster who converted to Christianity and was executed for his beliefs at just 14 years old. It was built at the start of the 14th century, alongside its twin — Elephant Tower, also designed by Giovanni Capula.

This neighboring tower features a small elephant sculpture, after which the building is named. The tower was attacked three times in the 18th century, first by the English, then the Spanish and finally the French, which left lasting damage on the landmark.

However, it was restored during the 20th century, meaning visitors can explore the limestone monument today.

Aquila Tower — translated to “Eagle Tower” — fell to ruin after the above attacks on the city and was incorporated into the popular Palazzo Boyl. Other sites of interest you’ll pass along this tour include the University Library of Cagliari and the city’s cathedral.

Free walking tour of Cagliari’s hidden gems

The aim of this free walking tour in Cagliari is to show you local favorite spots, far from the tourist trail. However, you’ll also benefit from seeing some of the destination’s main highlights, including Cagliari Cathedral and the Bastion of St. Remy, which are often visited on other excursions.

Piazzetta David Herbert Lawrence is one of the spots you’ll see alongside your knowledgeable guide, which provides spectacular views across the city from its charming hilltop location.

Moving on, you’ll amble through the cobbled streets to Palazzo Boyl, which has been the home of several illustrious families since its construction in 1840. The building is best known for its balustrade, upon which four marble statues represent the four seasons.

Other points of interest on this tour include Palazzo Regio, which was once used as the royal residence of the king of Sardinia, as well as the Cittadella Musei, which contains a vast collection of artifacts from the city’s long-standing history.

Listen to your guide provide you with fascinating insights into this ancient destination as you stroll the Piazza Aquilino Cannas and Piazza Carlo Alberto where public executions took place in the Middle Ages.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Cagliari typically operate in English, as well as Italian, and often Spanish. While this opens them up to many travelers, both national and international, it also makes them unsuitable for a vast amount of visitors.

As the popularity of these excursions grows, you can expect the number of languages on offer to increase, making them accessible to all.

Where do walking tours start?

Free walking tours in Cagliari generally begin at easy-to-reach public landmarks, such as Piazza Yenne or Piazza Arsenale. Cagliari is home to a wide and reliable public transportation network that includes buses, as well as trams, and trains, all of which can help you to navigate the streets with ease.

You can find out the meeting point of each excursion before booking so that you can plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time. Upon arrival at the predetermined starting point, your guide will usually be wearing or holding an item to make themselves easy to distinguish.

How long does it last?

Free walking tours in Cagliari last just under 2 hours. As the largest city in Sardinia, you will not be able to explore the entirety of Cagliari in this short time frame.

However, you will be able to gain an introduction to its highlights and develop a feel of the city. The main benefit of these shorter excursions is that they can be slipped into almost any itinerary, no matter how much time you have to spare in Sardinia.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Because of the nature of the destination, free walking tours in Cagliari are not suitable for wheelchair users. Instead, those with limited mobility can select from a myriad of other tours and outdoor activities in Cagliari that are more accessible.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Cagliari?

The best time to join a free walking tour in Cagliari is during the spring, from April to June and fall that goes from September to October. While avoiding the peak summer heat you can explore the city's historical sites and local attractions in a pleasant pace.

Should you book tickets online?

It is advisable to book your spot on a free walking tour in Cagliari online in advance. This will save you valuable vacation time upon arrival in the city, that would otherwise be spent roaming the streets searching for a guide.

You can book a time and day to suit your itinerary, and relieve some of the stress that comes with planning a trip.

You’ll also be able to see the proposed sightseeing timetable, as well as reviews from real travelers, which will help you to decide on an excursion you’re bound to enjoy. Finally, booking a free tour in Cagliari takes just a couple of minutes and you won’t need to input your credit card information, meaning you’ve got nothing to lose