Which are the best places to visit in Sardinia?

Find out which are the best places to visit in Sardinia, an island of immense beauty and a vast historical and cultural heritage. The region offers an incredible variety of breathtaking landscapes, from the white beaches of the Costa Smeralda to the evocative villages of the hinterland, not to mention its many smaller islands.

This magical land has so much to offer: a millennia-old history, ancestral rites, and traditions to be protected like the most precious of treasures.

An ideal destination in every season

For trekking lovers, Sardinia offers one of the most demanding routes in Italy: the Selvaggio Blu, in Baunei. It is a roughly seven-day route (here summarised as a seven-hour stage) featuring sections of climbing and via ferrata. There are no refreshment points and it does not pass through inhabited centres. You can arrange for supply drops, luggage transport from stage to stage, and waste collection. You must carry your own food and water, and you sleep in camp. The greatest difficulty is not only the technical aspect, but the remoteness and isolation of the route.

Also challenging, though less demanding than the Selvaggio Blu, is the crossing of the Gulf of Orosei, with the same starting and arrival points but a shorter total duration: five days instead of seven.

Sardinia: more than just the sea

The island offers endless travel opportunities and can satisfy every kind of visitor, even the most demanding. Nature lovers will find countless hikes and mountain walks, such as the trails leading to Monte Limbara and through the wild areas of Ogliastra.

If you are passionate about history, you cannot miss the many archaeological sites, including the spectacular UNESCO site Su Nuraxi di Barumini. It is an extraordinary example of Sardinia’s cultural heritage, as are the Giants’ Tombs of Nuraghe Losa or the Tomb of the Queen in Arzachena.

For true connoisseurs, Sardinian cuisine offers typical specialties such as pane carasau, pane frattau, seadas, culurgiones, burrida, pasta with clams and bottarga, malloreddus alla campidanese, and porceddu (roast suckling pig). It would almost take an encyclopedia to list all the regional dishes and local delicacies. Cheeses and wines, plus the perfume and aroma of myrtle, turn every trip into a journey through all five senses – and through the heart, which learns to appreciate the true essence of the Sardinian soul.

The folk heritage is immense: traditional music and dance, village festivals, and unique carnival traditions. Many of these aspects are preserved and narrated in small, fascinating museums, such as the Museum of Banditry in Aggius or the unusual Museum of Sa Femina Agabbadora in Luras.

15 must-see places in Sardinia

Sardinia is often described as a corner of paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. Choosing the single most beautiful spot is almost impossible: this land will leave you speechless in many different ways. Here are some of the places you really shouldn’t miss.

15. Giara di Gesturi and Nuraghe di Barumini

The Giara di Gesturi is a basalt plateau in central-southern Sardinia: a wide area of woodland, meadows, Mediterranean scrub, and ancient geological formations. Here you can see wild horses grazing freely in a truly evocative landscape. The area is famous as the natural habitat of the “Cavallini della Giara”, the last wild horses of Europe.

Su Nuraxi di Barumini is one of the largest and most ancient megalithic sites on the island and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of Sardinia’s most important archaeological attractions. The nuraghe structure consists of a central tower with three superimposed chambers (18.60 m high), built between the 17th and 13th centuries BC using basalt blocks. Dating back about 5,000 years, this “stone giant” fully embodies the culture and ingenuity of Sardinia’s ancient inhabitants. Walking through the nuragic settlement, you feel as if you are travelling back in time, surrounded by millenary stories and ancient rituals.

14. The La Maddalena Archipelago

The La Maddalena Archipelago is one of the most beautiful places in Sardinia, and not just in summer. It is a group of islands off the north coast that takes its name from the largest of them: La Maddalena. Just 2 km from the mainland, the archipelago is part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. In addition to La Maddalena, the main islands are Caprera, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Razzoli, Spargi, and Budelli, plus many smaller islets.

The turquoise waters surrounding the islands are one of the main attractions and offer some of the best diving sites in Europe, with an extraordinary marine biodiversity.

Within the National Park, numerous trails can be explored independently or with authorised guides. Picturesque paths follow the jagged coastline, revealing breathtaking views of pristine bays, white sandy beaches, and white cliffs. Not to be missed is the “Cetacean Sanctuary”, an area favoured by marine mammals for breeding.

Among the archipelago’s highlights are the Pink Beach of Budelli, the granite rocks of Caprera, the crystal-clear waters of Spargi, and the wild charm of Razzoli with its historic lighthouse. The fauna and flora of the Park represent a true treasure trove of biodiversity, making it one of Sardinia’s most evocative destinations.

13. The Bay of Chia

If you are looking for beaches that will take your breath away, you will find plenty in the Bay of Chia: many are characterised by turquoise, crystal-clear waters, fine sand, and shallow seabeds perfect for children. The beaches are framed by sand dunes up to 30 metres high.

Among the main beaches of Chia:

• Spiaggia di Su Portu – on the left side of the promontory dominated by the Chia Tower; on the right side stretches the long sandy beach of Sa Colonia.
• Sa Colonia, Campana, and Su Giudeu – three spectacular beaches following one another along about 3 km of coastline. Behind Campana, in the late afternoon, you can enjoy an aperitif with seafood specialties prepared with fresh local fish.
• Cala del Morto – a small cove nestled between the larger and better-known beaches of Monte Cogoni and Campana Dune, with clear water that shifts between blue and emerald green.
• Cala Cipolla – the smallest beach in Chia: a narrow tongue of golden sand, with limpid sea and dunes backed by Mediterranean vegetation and a pine and juniper wood.
• Capo Spartivento – around 6 km of coastline with long white sandy beaches, secluded coves, dunes, and headlands rich in Mediterranean scrub.
• Spiaggia di Tuerredda – on the Capo Spartivento promontory, 5 km from Chia and 58 km from Cagliari. Its intense blue, Caribbean-style waters and ultra-fine white sand make it love at first sight. Though unspoilt, it also offers two beach clubs with bars and restaurants open until evening.

12. Gulf of Orosei

The Gulf of Orosei, about 30 km long, lies on the central-eastern coast of the island. Wild and unspoilt, it features rugged cliffs, white beaches, and crystalline waters.

The gulf is surrounded by high mountains and numerous natural caves that can be explored by land or sea. The most famous is the Grotta del Bue Marino, a magnificent karst system extending over 70 km inland, named after the Sardinian term for the monk seal.

The gulf is home to some of Sardinia’s most famous coves: Cala Goloritzè, Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine, and Cala Biriola, many of which can only be reached by sea or via demanding hiking trails. The effort is abundantly rewarded by their beauty.

You can explore the Gulf of Orosei on an organised boat trip with local operators, admiring its beaches and caves in one of the most spectacular settings in the Mediterranean. The area is also renowned worldwide for trekking, climbing, and free climbing, in a mosaic of colours and pristine nature.

11. Alghero

Located on the north-western coast, Alghero offers a wealth of fascinating sights. Also known as “Barceloneta” (“little Barcelona”), the city has preserved many aspects of its Catalan heritage, which is still alive in local culture and language. Catalan is still spoken here, alongside Sardinian and Italian.

Alghero is also the home of precious red coral, fished from its depths, celebrated in the city’s Coral Museum, which tells the story of this refined local craft.

Some must-see highlights:

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria – a 16th-century cathedral, one of the city’s main religious buildings, with impressive interiors and side chapels such as those of San Carlo Borromeo, the Souls in Purgatory, and San Filippo Neri.
2. Church of Santa Barbara – beautifully restored after years of neglect, with a particular charm stemming from the many sacred decorations and images adorning altar and walls.
3. Le Bombarde Beach – a sandy beach in the famous Riviera del Corallo, a few minutes from Alghero. Surrounded by volcanic rocks covered in dense Mediterranean scrub, it is lapped by clear, calm waters with a thousand reflections and shallow seabeds. The sea off Alghero is known for being relatively sheltered and calm, even when the mistral wind blows strongly.

10. Bosa

The historic town of Bosa, in the province of Oristano, is full of charm. The first image that captures the eye is the historic district of Sa Costa, with colourful houses climbing the slopes of Serravalle Hill, topped by the 12th-century Malaspina Castle.

Sa Piatta is the flat, more modern area, where you can admire 18th-century buildings such as Palazzo Don Carlo and Casa Deriu, now a museum.

Bosa is renowned for coral craftsmanship, traditional textiles, embroidery, and basket weaving. Artistic highlights include the Malaspina Castle with the Church of Nostra Signora di Regnos Altos, noble palaces with decorated facades, and charming squares opening onto cobbled alleys.

At the town’s entrance, heading about a kilometre south along the Temo River, you reach San Pietro extra muros, the oldest Romanesque church in Sardinia.

Bosa is also famous for its carnival, one of the most distinctive on the island, combining traditional masks with the allegory of modern carnival celebrations.

9. Neptune’s Caves (Grotte di Nettuno)

The Grotte di Nettuno are among the most spectacular sites on Sardinia’s western coast, just a few kilometres from Alghero, beneath the cliffs of Capo Caccia.

They are counted among the largest marine caves in Europe and are absolutely worth visiting at least once. Inside, two large chambers feature towering limestone columns rising to the ceiling, surrounded by intensely turquoise water that creates a dazzling play of light and colour.

Access by land is via the famous Escala del Cabirol (“Staircase of the Roe Deer”): 654 steps cut into the rock, overlooking the sea and leading down to the cave entrance. In summer, the caves can also be reached by sea with daily boat trips from Alghero’s tourist harbour.

8. Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo

The Costa Smeralda stretches for about 50 km across the provinces of Sassari and Olbia-Tempio up to Arzachena. It is famous for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and Mediterranean scrub.

Porto Cervo, a hamlet of Arzachena, is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. This “architectural jewel” blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. In winter, the resident population is very small, but in summer it becomes one of the most famous hubs of international jet-set life: yachts, celebrities, footballers, events, and nightlife. The Piazzetta delle Chiacchiere is considered the symbol of Costa Smeralda’s social life, lined with exclusive boutiques.

In the same spirit, Emerald Cruises Freedom and similar operators offer day cruises to explore the wonders of this coastline, immersing yourself in the scents, colours, and sounds of the sea.

7. Carloforte

Carloforte, on the island of San Pietro, is a destination of unique natural beauty, with stunning white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. It has all the charm of an ancient fishing village and is an oasis of peace and tranquillity.

Wandering through its narrow streets, you can admire fine examples of local architecture. Particularly striking are the fortifications overlooking the bay, the romantic sunsets from the small harbour, and the San Vittorio Tower, a defensive outpost to the south of the town.

At the Museum of the Sea and Tonnara, you can learn about the traditional tuna fishery and see how local fish products are prepared, as well as admire a collection of historic armour.

For more active visitors, Carloforte is also famous for diving: its clear waters allow you to explore wrecks and discover rich marine life on the seabed.

6. Cagliari – historic quarters and sea

Cagliari, the regional capital, is rich in history and culture, with countless points of interest. Here is a suggested starting point for a classic itinerary you can then personalise:

1. Cattedrale di Santa Maria – a Romanesque cathedral in the heart of the city centre, with a splendid statue of the Virgin Mary (14th century) and 17th-century frescoes.
2. Bastione di Saint Remy – built at the end of the 19th century as a monumental staircase topped by a triumphal arch, leading to a covered walkway and a large panoramic terrace overlooking the harbour.
3. Casteddu (Castello district) – the most scenic historic quarter, perched on the highest part of the city; ideal for romantic walks with sweeping views.
4. National Archaeological Museum – dedicated to the archaeology of Sardinia, with artefacts from the Nuragic, Phoenician, Roman, and later periods.
5. Torre dell’Elefante – a medieval tower in Piazza Costituzione, originally built as a defensive structure. It takes its name from the bronze elephant statue placed at its summit.
6. Poetto Beach – a long sandy stretch on the Gulf of Angels, from the rocky spur known as the Sella del Diavolo to the Margine Rosso near Quartu Sant’Elena. Nicknamed the “Beach of the Hundred Thousand” for the huge summer crowds.
7. Molentargius–Saline Regional Park – accessed from the seafront, this protected area is famous for its pink flamingos and rich birdlife, best discovered on guided tours.
8. Marina Piccola – at the foot of the Sella del Diavolo, offering a splendid view of the gulf and moored boats.
9. MUACC – University Museum of Contemporary Arts and Cultures – a young but important institution of the University of Cagliari, created to preserve and promote contemporary art.
10. Torre di San Pancrazio – another medieval tower built under Pisan rule between the 13th and 14th centuries, originally part of the city’s defensive system, with a beautiful view over Cagliari.

5. Asinara Island

The Island of Asinara, in the north-west of Sardinia, is an unmissable destination. It offers spectacular views, crystal-clear waters, and endless opportunities to explore its beaches and wild landscapes.

From a natural perspective, Asinara is a true paradise. The environment hosts a rich native flora and fauna, including endemic species such as the Asinara wildcat and the famous white donkeys. You can take guided hikes along mountain paths or relax on unspoilt beaches like Cala d’Oliva and Cala Reale.

For adventure lovers, Asinara offers sailing, snorkelling, and diving. Boat trips provide a more leisurely way to get to know the island.

Asinara also has a fascinating recent history: you can visit the former maximum-security prison, where several high-profile criminals were held. Judges Falcone and Borsellino stayed here for a period for security reasons. The prison was closed in 1998, and in 2002 the island became a National Park. There are also old fortresses and coastal towers that bear witness to centuries of history.

4. Villasimius

Located in south-eastern Sardinia, Villasimius is a splendid seaside destination with sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and pristine nature – ideal for a relaxing yet culturally rich holiday.

Not to be missed:

• The Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara, extending for about 25 km of coastline, rich in wildlife and underwater life.
• Simius Beach – soft white sand and transparent sea.
• Santa Giusta Beach, with characteristic rocks emerging from the water.
• Spiaggia del Riso, near the town, recognisable by its unusual “grain-shaped” pebbles.
• On the eastern side, the famous Porto Giunco, with the Notteri lagoon behind it, habitat of pink flamingos and other rare bird species.

Among the island’s main coastal defensive works, the Fortezza Vecchia stands proudly, dating back to the period of Spanish rule.

Villasimius also offers cultural highlights, including the Archaeological Museum, rich in artefacts from the Roman and Nuragic periods found in the area.

3. Tavolara Island and Capo Coda Cavallo

Tavolara is a small but impressive island off the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, part of the municipality of Olbia in Gallura. It is a massive limestone and granite mountain rising straight from the sea, with sheer cliffs and striking colour contrasts between the green of juniper, rosemary, and mastic, and the blue and emerald of the surrounding waters.

Its coastline is dotted with inlets, caves, and natural pools, and from the highest peaks you can enjoy breathtaking views.

Nearby Capo Coda Cavallo is another natural wonder, protected as a marine area and rich in biodiversity. Here you will find white sandy beaches, small coves, islets, lagoons, and endless shades of blue. Whatever the wind, you can usually find a sheltered, calm spot. Under the surface, a whole other world awaits, perfect for snorkelling and diving.

2. Sinis Peninsula and Tharros

Discover the magic of the Sinis Peninsula, one of Sardinia’s fourteen peninsulas, in the Gulf of Oristano on the island’s west coast. It offers spectacular scenery with bays, cliffs, and fine sandy beaches.

Tharros, in the municipality of Cabras, is an important archaeological site: an ancient port city once frequented by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Arabs. Here you can admire Roman ruins, including a temple dedicated to the sun god and an evocative theatre, which today hosts performances and cultural events.

From Sinis, you can take boat trips to uninhabited islands such as Isola Piana and Isola di Mal di Ventre, where unspoilt nature takes centre stage. Numerous trails are ideal for hiking and walking, discovering sea caves and secluded beaches.

Nearby, restaurants and agriturismi offer delicious local dishes of Sardinian food and wine tradition.

1. Costa Verde and Marina di Arbus

The Costa Verde and Marina di Arbus are among the most fascinating destinations in Sardinia.

The Costa Verde stretches roughly between the area of Oristano and Arbus, revealing all its natural beauty: long, wild beaches, rock formations, cliffs, and lagoons. It is an ideal place to reconnect with nature in peace and silence.

Marina di Arbus, south of Iglesias, is one of the main tourist areas of southern Sardinia. It is known for its spectacular rocks and golden sands, with some of the most impressive seascapes in the region. The area is rich in wildlife and forms part of a protected natural area of great importance.

From prehistoric sites to wild coasts, from sacred traditions to unforgettable food, Sardinia is a destination that can truly offer everything: nature, culture, adventure, and deep authenticity.