Cagliari's bay is the Golfo degli Angeli, guarded by the dramatic limestone headland of the Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle), and the only way to truly see it is from the water. A small-boat or sailing day slips you past Calamosca, Cala Fighera and Cala Bernat into clear coves you can't reach by land, with swim and snorkel stops below the cliffs and the long ribbon of Poetto beach as your backdrop. On a luxury catamaran or private gozzo with a skipper and Sardinian wine and cheese aboard, it's the most relaxed bucket-list way to spend a Cagliari port day.
What to expect
Boats leave from the marina a short walk or transfer from the cruise terminal. You'll cruise close under the Sella del Diavolo's cliffs, anchor in a cove or two for swimming and snorkelling in glassy water, and graze on Sardinian cold cuts, pecorino and Vermentino as the skipper points out the landmarks. Seas are usually calm in summer; book the morning departure for the best light and water. Half-day is plenty for a port stop.
Good to know
Marina departure points are ~10–20 min from the pier — confirm pickup and a return time that clears your all-aboard with margin. Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a light layer. Pre-book, especially for private charters in peak season; rough weather can cancel sailings, so have the Castello walk as a backup.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Cagliari — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Cagliari
- Su Nuraxi di Barumini — the only nuragic UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mandatory archaeologist-guided climb
- Nora — Phoenician-Roman city on a sea-washed headland, with the guided walk among the mosaics
- Castello quarter with a licensed Sardinian guide — ramparts, cathedral and the Bastione panorama
- Argiolas winery at Serdiana — a private cellar tour and tasting of Sardinia's benchmark Cannonau and Turriga
- Molentargius flamingos by e-bike or guided boat — Europe's pink-flamingo lagoon on the city's edge