The Cagliari Experience - Italy by Angela

What do you think of Cagliari as a place to live? Do you recommend it? What's it like?

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and living there requires a lot of patience and a great love of the sea. There are extremely beautiful beaches around the city, and from April to November, it becomes very lively with tourists. Bars, parties, good weather. But in winter, the city sleeps. People go out at the weekend with groups of friends. There's not a very efficient bus and taxi network in the afternoon or evening. If you have the patience you can enjoy a walk through the Old Town, which is called Castello, or you can rent a bike and cycle through the streets down to the beach or the lakes, where you can see a large variety of birds, particularly flamingos. If you're interested in history, the city has ruins from ancient civilisations. However, on the downside, the city's services are not always up to scratch.

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What is student life like in Cagliari?

Students from all over the region come to study in Cagliari, as well as many Erasmus exchange students. So the environment is welcoming and friendly with entire neighbourhoods for student living. Here, students can share flats, experiences and enjoy the freedom of living away from home and making new friendships. At the weekend, everyone goes into town, so the villages around the university are empty. But the Erasmus students meet and go out in groups to the Marina and Stampace neighbourhood, near to the port.

How much does it cost to live in Cagliari?

Living in Cagliari is expensive. As an island and the capital city, there's not much competition. A room in a shared flat can cost between 200 and 300 euros, depending on the flat and neighbourhood. The food costs about 20% more than in Spain. A beer in a bar costs between 2. 50 and 6 euros, depending on the place; food in a restaurant is about 30 euros, and a pizza and a drink costs between 7 and 10 euros. There are bars that sell sandwiches and other food for much cheaper but you have to know how to find them!

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Cagliari? Do you have any advice?

I have lived in Cagliari my whole life. At the moment I am living in a flat in the centre. It isn't difficult to find flats or rooms to rent for students. There is accommodation information at the university or online.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The cuisine has a lot of variety. There are all types of pasta, lamb and pork, sausages, very good cheese and a huge variety of fish. There are desserts with almonds, ice cream, and "pardulas" (pastries with ricotta cheese, honey and saffron). I like all the food but I prefer the fish. I recommend all the typical dishes: "culurgiones" (potatoes and mint wrapped in pasta); cured ham and cheese; "fregola e arselle" (a soup with very fine pasta with shellfish and sauce); lamb or pork roasted in an old oven; "spaghetti con ricci di mare" (spaghetti with sea urchins); pasties with vegetables, potatoes or lamb, and typical desserts of almonds and honey.

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What places do you recommend visiting in Cagliari?

The Museum of Archaeology to learn about the history of the city and the island; the Old Town "Castello", a town surrounded by walls and towers, old palaces and bars with terraces that overlook the view of the gulf; the Aragonés Castle in the San Michele Park (Parco de San Michele); the Roman arena; the coastal lagoon of Molentarguis, and the Poetto beach.

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What about eating in Cagliari? What are your favourite places?

If you're looking for a good meal with fish, the restaurant "Solo Mare" in the Giorgino neighbourhood is really good. For more varied menus there are lots of restaurants in the Marina neighbourhood. If you just want a sandwich on the beach, the Poetto beach bars have lots to offer.

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What places do you recommend for nightlife in Cagliari?

The Yenne Plaza is where you will find all the young people for "pre drinks" and then there are bars all around, with music and drinks, staying open until 5am.

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Do you have any advice for future students in Cagliari?

The students in Cagliari form quite closed groups, but they are very friendly. So I advise that you flatshare with others that come from the local towns. When going out in a group, eat at home first. It is also good to live with people from the area as they can take you to their villages at the weekend to discover more of the charming places on the island, such as the nuraghes and the giant tombs.