Things to do in Elmas
Things to do in Elmas, home of Cagliari airport: the Romanesque Santa Caterina church, flamingos on the Santa Gilla lagoon and local feasts.
We are gathering the first experiences for this area. Check back soon, or tell us about an operator you know.
Elmas is home to Sardinia's main airport, a few kilometres from Cagliari on the shores of the Santa Gilla lagoon. For most travellers it's just an arrival point, but it's worth a stop: there's a small Romanesque gem surrounded by old pilgrims' cottages, and a lagoon where pink flamingos feel at home. It suits anyone with a few hours before or after a flight, birdwatchers, and travellers looking for a handy base for southern Sardinia.
What to see in Elmas
Santa Caterina di Semelia
The town's treasure is this small Romanesque church linked to the Victorine monks and mentioned in a papal document as early as 1079. It keeps its original timber roof, floor and threshold, and stands in a courtyard lined with cumbessias, the little houses where pilgrims once stayed during the feast.
San Sebastiano and the centre
The parish church of San Sebastiano is the main modern place of worship. In the centre you'll find Casa Asquer, the historic home of the family of that name, and Piazza Suella, the heart of town.
The airport and its history
Mario Mameli civil airport shares the site with a military airfield with a long past: in 1927 the pioneering flights of Francesco De Pinedo and Italo Balbo stopped here.
Things to do in Elmas
The best thing to do is explore the Santa Gilla lagoon (the Stagno di Cagliari), a precious wetland where you can watch pink flamingos, herons and many other species: bring binoculars and a camera, especially in spring and autumn. Elmas is also a perfect base for visiting Cagliari by train or driving to the southern beaches. If you have an evening flight, fill the day with an excursion or organised activity: discover the experiences offered by local operators below.
History
The area has been frequented since the Neolithic and the Nuragic age, followed by a Punic settlement and a Roman way station. In the Middle Ages the village of Semelia, on the lagoon shore, belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari; nearby, in 1324, the Battle of Lucocisterna marked the Aragonese conquest. When Semelia was abandoned, people moved to Villa del Mas, source of today's name (in Sardinian Su Masu). A municipality from 1839, it became part of Cagliari in 1937 and regained independence in 1989. On 26 October 1946 a flood of the Rio Matzeu struck the town hard.
Food and shopping
The cooking reflects the nearby lagoon: fish such as grey mullet and eel, alongside hearty Campidano dishes, fresh pasta and almond sweets.
Festivals and traditions
- San Sebastiano, on 20 January, with a great bonfire where local food is shared with the faithful.
- Santa Caterina, three days of celebrations starting on Whit Monday, in the courtyard of the Romanesque church.
Nearby
- Cagliari, about 10 minutes away.
- Assemini, the ceramics town.
- Saline Conti Vecchi, on the lagoon shore towards Macchiareddu.
- Sestu and Decimomannu, with its Roman bridge.
Getting there and when to go
The airport is within the municipality; Cagliari port is about 15 minutes away. Elmas lies on the SS 130 and on the railway, with Elmas and Elmas Aeroporto stations linked to Cagliari. Spring and autumn are best for birdwatching; Pentecost for the Santa Caterina feast.
FAQ
Is Elmas worth a visit before a flight?
Yes: Santa Caterina and the lagoon take a couple of hours, minutes from the terminal.
Where can I see flamingos near Elmas?
In the Santa Gilla lagoon, right next to the town.
Is Elmas a good base for Cagliari?
Yes, thanks to the train and fast roads that reach the centre in minutes.
