Cagliari Cruise Ship Port Guide

The Cagliari cruise port welcomes you just 800 metres from the city centre. You can easily walk to town or take the free shuttle bus to Piazza Matteotti. The modern passenger terminal offers you basic amenities like cafes, shops and tourist information desks.

For other Sardinia cruise destinations check out our Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Sardinia page.

You’ll find two main docks that accommodate large cruise ships. From the port, you can explore several key attractions:

Il Castello historic district
Roman Amphitheatre
Poetto Beach

Visit during spring or autumn to enjoy:

Mild temperatures
Fewer tourists
Better sightseeing conditions

The port’s central location makes it your ideal starting point for discovering Sardinia’s capital. You can reach all major attractions within walking distance or via public transport from Piazza Matteotti.

Map of Cagliari Cruise Ship Port

Port Location and Layout

The Cagliari cruise port sits in the West Mediterranean, connecting the Iberian, Italian and North African coasts.

The port splits into two main areas: the historic port and the canal port. You’ll find the passenger terminal in the Via Roma district.

Your ship docks just 800 metres from Cagliari’s city centre – a 15-minute walk. The terminal stands 400 metres from the security checkpoint.

Two main docks serve the port:

Dock 1: 480 metres long
Dock 2: 450 metres long

Both docks measure 115 metres wide and 11 metres deep, accommodating large modern cruise ships.

You can walk to the city centre or take the free shuttle bus to Piazza Matteotti.

Getting Around Cagliari

Getting around Cagliari gives you several easy transport options.

You can take the free shuttle bus from your cruise ship to the waterfront. You can also walk to the city centre in 20 minutes from most berths.

CTM buses cover the whole city, and taxis run 24 hours through two main services: Radiotaxi 4 Mori and Radiotaxi Cagliari Rossoblu.

You’ll find all transport connections at Piazza Matteotti, including city buses, trains and ARST regional services.

Want to visit Poetto Beach or archaeological sites? You can rent a car for day trips.

Trains and ARST buses also connect you to other Sardinian cities like Sassari, Oristano and Olbia.

Top Local Attractions

You’ll discover four main attractions in Cagliari: historic sites, natural spots, cultural venues, and special experiences.

The Il Castello district holds the city’s main historic treasures. You can visit the beautiful Cagliari Cathedral and climb the Torre dell’Elefante tower. The Roman Amphitheatre dates back to the second century, while the Bastione di Saint Remy offers the best city views.

Nature spots await your exploration. You can watch pink flamingos at Molentargius Natural Park or swim at Poetto Beach. The Mercato di San Benedetto market lets you mingle with locals, and the Nuragic Civilisation Museum shows you Sardinia’s ancient history.

You can try unique activities to understand the city better. The Saline Conti Vecchi Tour shows you traditional salt-making, while the Underground Cagliari Walking Tour reveals hidden tunnels and caves.

Costa Rei beach makes a perfect day trip with its clear waters and white sand.

Essential Traveler Services

Welcome to Cagliari’s Cruise Terminal

You’ll find everything you need at the 630m² passenger terminal. The information centre helps you plan your visit and discover local attractions.

Free shuttle buses take you directly to Piazza Matteotti, near the historic old town.

Your essential terminal services:

Information desk with staff speaking multiple languages
Taxi rank and shuttle bus stops
Cafes and shops within easy reach

The terminal’s central location connects you quickly to:

City centre attractions
Airport transfers
Train and bus stations

The terminal holds a “Safe Travels Stamp” for its COVID-19 safety measures.

Tips for your arrival:

Visit the information desk first for local maps and guidance
Use the free shuttle to reach the city centre
Ask staff to help you book local transport
Find nearby cafes for refreshments

The terminal serves as your gateway to explore Cagliari with all services in one spot.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Porto Torres for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Best Time To Visit

Peak Seasons

You’ll experience optimal conditions from April to June and September to October. Temperatures stay between 13°C to 27°C, with mild weather and manageable crowd levels. The Mediterranean Sea remains warm enough for swimming and water activities during these months.

Summer (July-August)

You can expect temperatures of 21°C to 32°C. The beaches become crowded, and accommodation prices peak. Summer events include beach concerts and outdoor festivals, but you’ll need to book well ahead.

Winter (November-March)

You’ll find fewer tourists and lower prices during winter. Temperatures range from 7°C to 15°C with frequent rainfall. Most attractions stay open, including:

Il Castello viewpoint
National Archaeological Museum
San Benedetto Market

Best Activities by Season:

Spring/Autumn: Beach activities, snorkelling at Nora ruins
Summer: Outdoor concerts, beach life
Winter: Cultural sites, indoor markets, museum visits

You can visit year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best balance of good weather and lighter crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if My Cruise Ship Is Diverted Due to Weather Conditions?

You’ll face two main changes when your cruise ship diverts due to weather: route adjustments and schedule updates. Your ship will either dock at different ports or spend more time at sea. You’ll get your money back for any cancelled port excursions. The ship’s crew will send you regular updates about the new plans through cabin announcements and daily newsletters. They’ll also help you plan new activities for any unexpected sea days.

Are There Storage Lockers Available at the Cruise Terminal?

Storage lockers aren’t available at the cruise terminal. You can store your luggage at several nearby alternatives:

Bags Parking service
Vertoe storage facilities
Local shops offering storage services

These options provide secure storage whilst you explore the city before or after your cruise.

Note: Book your storage in advance during peak cruise seasons to ensure availability.

Can I Bring Local Wine Purchased in Cagliari Back on Board?

You can purchase local wine in Cagliari, but you’ll need to follow specific procedures. The ship requires you to hand over any wine bottles when returning on board. The staff will safely store your wine and return it to you on the final day of your cruise. You’ll find your wine waiting for you in the designated collection lounge before disembarkation.