Il Giardino Segreto

Mauricio and Silvia made us feel like friends by the time we left. They’re kind, helpful hosts, and staying at Il Giardino Segreto feels a bit like being in their home. They live there and have been welcoming guests for 20 years. The setting gives you a sense of everyday Cagliari, in an old historic building off a small courtyard. The rooms are on the small side, but clean and well appointed. We had a minor problem with the AC cutting out; Mauricio quickly worked out what was wrong, and we were able to fix it. Courtyard parking is available for an extra payment, though space is very tight because of the historic layout. It’s still much easier than looking for a spot. Just outside the old town but right among things, the location is quiet and only a two-minute walk from a main street lined with restaurants and bars. Cagliari, the capital of Sardegna, is a lively university city. The old town climbs a hill, with narrow cobbled streets and interesting buildings. Don’t miss the Flamingos in the coastal lagoons, the vineyards near Dolianova, or the beaches, especially west of the city.