Excursion A foodie's walking experience tour at Cagliari
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
A captivating sensory journey through the flavors and history of Cagliari, this walking tour begins with a shuttle bus transfer to exit the port. It offers the opportunity to explore two of the city’s most iconic historic districts: Marina and Stampace.
The route passes through the lively port area and into the Marina district, a historic gateway to Cagliari known as the "City of the Sun." This vibrant neighborhood, with its maze of narrow streets, was once home to artisans, fishermen, and port workers. Today, it represents the beating heart of the city, evoking memories of travelers from the past, such as D.H. Lawrence and Honoré de Balzac.
The first stop in Marina highlights the city’s maritime tradition with dishes such as “Burrida”, a quintessential Cagliari specialty made of marinated dogfish walnuts, and vinegar. This is accompanied by the exquisite “Orziadas”, fried sea anemones paired with a glass of white wine. The tasting also includes crostini topped with pecorino cream and “Bottarga”, Sardinia’s renowned "caviar," whose salty taste and distinctive aroma evoke the depths of the island’s seas.
The walk continues through the heart of Marina district, passing the charming Piazzetta Santo Sepolcro, before reaching the Stampace district. Known as the most authentic of Cagliari’s historic quarters, Stampace is home to some of the city’s most cherished traditions, particularly the devotion to Saint Efisio. The district offers a taste of Sardinia’s agro-pastoral legacy through an assortment of cured meats and cheeses and the main course to the experience: the delicious “Pan’frattau”, a dish that reflects the island’s rustic traditions. Celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor, this is a Sardinian treasure: layers of “Carasau” bread absorb the essence of tomato sauce, while a poached egg and Pecorino cheese add richness and texture. Its humble origins have evolved into a celebrated culinary delight, offering a perfect balance of flavors that capture the heart of Sardinian heritage.
The experience concludes back in Marina district with a tasting of traditional Sardinian desserts, accompanied by coffee, tea, or cappuccino. Among the desserts are “Amaretto”, an almond pastry with a crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful center, and “Pardula”, a delightful ricotta-filled pastry infused with saffron and lemon zest.
This tour seamlessly combines history, culture, and gastronomy, offering an authentic taste of Cagliari while exploring its most emblematic districts on foot.
Points of interests
points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Walking Tour, Piazzetta Santo Sepolcro, Piazza Yenne, Chiesa di Sant’Efisio (external) 3 tastings of traditional cuisine in 3 different venues