(74 Via Dante. Tel. 070 654 836) Grab a slice of pizza at one of the best-known pizzerias in Cagliari. A slice of pizza and a soft drink at this eatery, a hang-out of the young and trendy, will only set you back €5.

  (60C Via Sardegna. Tel. 070 658 247) Expect classical Sardinian cuisine and a friendly atmosphere at this good-quality restaurant. Try the malloreddus alla campidanese: Sardinian pasta with tomato sauce, saffron and meat.

  (Molo S Elmo, Calata dei Trinitari. Tel. 340 565 6797) A restaurant inside a boat at the marina that was once used to transport prisoners to the old prison island Isola dell'Asinara. But it's not just about the location, the good cooking makes this restaurant worth a visit. Plenty of good seafood options.

  (Località Sant'Elia. Tel. 070 371 927) A beautiful seafood restaurant with incomparable sea views from the wonderful outside terrace. The set menus change daily, each with excellent options. Just follow the signs in the Sant'Elia district.

  (2 Piazzetta San Giuseppe. Tel. 070 653 755) An elegant little café right next to the medieval elephant tower, with 17th-century décor and two well-preserved ancient cisterns dating back to the Roman era. Admire them as you enjoy a coffee.

  (20 Via Costituzione. Tel. 070 680 315) This lively bar frequently hosts gigs by local bands as well as DJ events. Come on a Wednesday for hot salsa rhythms from Brazil.

  (86 Viale Trieste. Tel. 070 275 431 ) This disco bar has a vibrant party atmosphere. Expect people dancing on the tables to international and Italian pop music.

The delicious foods of Sardinia can be bought from Il Germoglio. All the products are of very high quality (S'Atra Sardigna, 2 Via San Benedetto).

On a sunny day at lunchtime the bars on Poetto Beach are a meeting point for the people of the city. Grab a sandwich, meet the locals and enjoy the sun.

Go for a walk at the Bastione di San Remy at the southern tip of the beautiful Old Town. From the huge terrace you can enjoy a marvellous view of the city and the port.

The town of Carloforte, on the small island of San Pietro, celebrates tuna season with a street festival that includes food stands and live bands (29 May-1 June).

 – The World Wildlife Fund has set up a reserve for Corsican red deer in the beautiful forest area of Monte Arcosu, near Capoterra. Only 25 kilometres from Cagliari, it's ideal for hiking and mountain biking. You can also see many other species of animals and plants.

A phenomenon known as 'blood rain' can occasionally be observed in Cagliari, when rain leaves a layer of red dust on cars and streets. The dust is sand from the Sahara Desert, brought across the Mediterranean by the wind.