Cagliari, the island's Chief Town, can be defined as a Metropolitan City since it forms one single urban area with the surrounding towns, some of which count a surprising number of inhabitants.

The metropolitan area of Cagliari consists of:

• the town of Quartu Sant'Elena lies just a few km. from the centre of Cagliari and has approx. 70 thousand inhabitants. In the historical town centre visitors can admire the "Sa Domu e' Farra" House-Museum and the splendid Medieval churches of Santa Maria di Cepola and San Pietro del Ponte.
  
  
• the town of Quartucciu has approx. 10,500 inhabitants and is rich in archaeological sites, among which we particularly recommend the "Nanni Arru" Nuraghe in San Martino.
  
  
• the town of Sinnai, with its approx.15,000 inhabitants, is famous throughout the world for its production of artisan baskets, as well as for its wonderful woods and splendid beaches.
  
  
• Dolianova, with its 8,500 inhabitants, is noted for its food and wine, and, in particular, for its production of fine table wine and olive oil. Visitors must not miss the Cathedral of San Pantaleo (built between 1150 and 1289), a beautiful example of Romanesque-Pisan architecture.
  
  
• Serdiana has 2,300 inhabitants and is noted for its vineyards and natural beauty, in particular the Lagoon of "Su Stani Saliu", which hosts the splendid pink flamingos and numerous other species of birds.
  
  
• Pula lies about 30 km. west of the Chief Town and is very popular among visitors because of its marvellous beaches and the fascinating archaeological site of Nora. The coastline stretching towards Santa Margherita di Pula boasts a series of extraordinary beaches, including the splendid Chia beach, near which visitors will find the ruins of the Phoenician City of Bithia.
  
  
• Further along the coast from Pula, visitors will come across Teulada, a town which has Medieval origins, where they can admire the two beautiful churches of La Madonna del Carmelo and San Francesco.