Beautiful, safe, and welcoming, a dazzling light, with several historic neighborhoods, such as Stampace, and a city center that has recently reconnected with the sea after the new waterfront project. A city with the mildest climate in Italy, where you can find 5-star hotels as well as boutique hotels ("an expression of the taste of those who created them"), traditional markets, such as San Benedetto, now relocated to a temporary structure ("where any day feels like a major event"). And then there's the cuisine: in recent years, there has been a great deal of excitement in the capital's restaurant scene, with creative cuisine that combines traditional flavors and foods with personal touches. Cagliari is conquering the United States, Great Britain (and Italy): Condé Nast, the renowned luxury travel magazine (publisher of Vogue and Vanity Fair) celebrates the capital and its wonders with three issues in the Italian (Condé Nast Traveller), English (Condé Nast Traveller), and American (Condé Nast Traveler) versions. A result of the passionate work of Milanese journalist Sara Magro, who, with a reportage of restaurants, historic neighborhoods, hotels, and markets, perfectly describes the city, far removed from (tourist) clichés. "Because this is the spirit of Condé Nast Traveller," she explains.
A great showcase for Cagliari around the world.
Condé Nast Traveller is an international brand, and its goal is to tell the story of not only famous places like Venice and Florence, to name just a few. But also of other lesser-known destinations that possess a unique authenticity, even stronger than others. Maddalena Fossati, head of content at Condé Nast Traveller, cares deeply about Italy; she's also one of the promoters of Italian cuisine's candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it's thanks to her that we discover under-reported Italian cities that are far removed from clichés.
Why Cagliari?
I discovered it recently. Gianmario Marras, a dear island photographer friend of mine, always talked about it. 'You have to go there,' he said, 'they really know how to live well there.' I came, and I was blown away.
From what?
From the quality of life and the climate: for someone living in Boston, for example, but also for someone like me living in Milan, Cagliari is extraordinary. The waterfront designed by Boeri exudes a sense of welcome that many other cities lack. And then those new high-end hotels—Palazzo Boyl, the Doglio, the Tirso—have raised the bar for hospitality, which has cascaded throughout the city. They've created spaces for people, all people, to enjoy: this is a very modern concept of hospitality, with extraordinary potential.
She describes the city and its traditions also through the lens of food.
"Because here, too, I found passionate traditions worth discovering. Like the "pizzetta cagliaritana," a one-of-a-kind dish, which Cagliari residents eat for breakfast at the bar with their coffee. A different identity, not a souvenir."
And what else?
Luigi's work with tuna, and more, is particularly noteworthy, as is the Gaijin project, which, drawing on its owner's passion for Japan, has transformed Sardinian cuisine with extraordinary experimentation. Or Casa Clat, another example of high-level hospitality and innovative techniques applied to produce.
She writes that in Cagliari “they know how to enjoy life”.
"It's absolutely true. When I was there last year, the city was hosting a beautiful and extraordinary exhibition on Berlinguer, with an archive and documentation that would send chills down your spine. And then there's the city that allows you, all year round, thanks to its mild climate, to enjoy an aperitif at the Bastione di Santa Croce with that breathtaking view of the city, or at Poetto. The people of Cagliari truly know how to enjoy life."
How did you convince your American and English colleagues, perhaps more accustomed to more famous places, to talk about Cagliari?
All Condé Nast publications are global, meaning the various local markets share content. When we talked about Cagliari, the idea immediately caught on. After all, our mission is to also feature lesser-known destinations, and we do so even during the less touristy months. And that's why Condé Nast Traveller, with its Cagliari feature, will remain in Italy until spring. Because we are reliable guides; we take people through our stories to authentic places that are always worth seeing. And Cagliari is one of them.