23 Small Towns And Cities In Sardinia You Will Truly Enjoy

There are many lovely cities in Sardinia. Of course, as I was born and raised here, I know so many of them. I love visiting the ones I know, and I love discovering new ones. And I am happy to share my favorite ones with you.

Despite being a rather large island, only about 1.6 million people live in Sardinia, the majority around the main hubs of Cagliari and Sassari, and the rest scattered in some lovely small towns and villages, which have retained their original character and work hard to protect their culture and traditions. 

A famous summer destination thanks to its incredible beaches and clear waters, Sardinia is worth visiting throughout the year.

Regardless of the time of your visit, you should explore at least a couple of the nicest cities in Sardinia. Colorful, perched on the hills, facing the Mediterranean sea, offering unique experiences, you will definitely enjoy them. 

In this post, I highlight the most interesting and beautiful cities and towns in Sardinia.

Good to know: In Sardinia, many places are technically ‘comuni’. In this guide, I use city for larger hubs and town for smaller bases you can explore on foot.

Towns And Cities In Sardinia (Quick Guide)

Sardinia has a few main cities that work well as travel bases, and dozens of small towns that are best explored as day trips or short stays.


For a first trip, and if you are only spending a week or so in Sardinia, choose one main base and add 2–4 towns depending on your route.

• Best all-round base: Cagliari, best for first timers, food, history, and transport connections.
• Best base for the northwest: Alghero, nice beaches, and Catalan heritage.
• Best base for beaches: Olbia / Emerald Coast area, great for island hopping.
• Best for culture & slower travel: Oristano or Nuoro. Oristano is ideal for west-coast beaches and archaeology.
• Best towns: mix coastal villages with one inland stop.

From these cities, you can easily reach many of the smaller towns listed below.

Best Towns In Sardinia By Travel Style

Best Coastal Towns

• Villasimius
• Bosa
• Stintino
• Carloforte
• Cala Gonone
• Santa Teresa Gallura

Best for History & Culture

• Cagliari
• Pula
• Oristano
• Cabras
• Iglesias
• Nuoro

Best Inland & Mountain Towns

• Orgosolo
• Gavoi
• Fonni
• Laconi
• Sadali

Best for Food & Wine

• Cagliari
• Alghero
• Serdiana
• Sant’Antioco

Best Cities In Sardinia

Cagliari 

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is one of the largest cities in Sardinia, and by Italian standards, a relatively undiscovered place. It’s a welcoming, beautiful city that is still very much local. On any given day or night, most of the people you will see in the streets, in a bar, or at a restaurant are locals.

You need at least three days in Cagliari to visit the main attractions, more if you want to explore the city’s hidden gems.

Places you should not miss in Cagliari include:

• The Roman Amphitheater – close to the historic center of town.
• The historic district of Castello – here you’ll find the well-curated Museum of Archeology (one of the best museums in Sardinia), the two watchtowers, and the Cathedral.
• Bastione di Santa Croce and Bastione di Saint Remy – great spots for sunset views.
• Poetto Beach – one of the best beaches in Cagliari, perfect for sunbathing and swimming, a lane for running or biking, and lots of bars and restaurants.
• Molentargius Nature Park – a nesting place for pink flamingos.
• Sella del Diavolo – the promontory that surmounts Poetto Beach, perfect for a hike.

Check out my post, Great Things To Do In Cagliari, for more things to see and do.

Sassari – one of the most underrated cities in Sardinia

Too often overlooked, Sassari is the main financial and cultural center in the north of the island. It is a sophisticated place that not many tourists visit. My sister used to live there, I regularly visit, and each time I find a place that is lively, with a nice historical center and some beautiful churches. 

These are the main attractions in Sassari:

• Piazza d’Italia – a very large square bustling with people any day of the week.
• San Nicola di Bari Cathedral.
• Park of Monserrato – a bit outside of the city center.
• Museo G. A. Sanna – a great art collection.
• Cavalcata Sarda – a parade in traditional costumes and one of the best festivals in Sardinia, it takes place in May.
• Candelieri – another festival, which takes place every year on 14 August. It’s a parade of massive wooden candles carried along the streets (on shoulders) to express gratitude to the Virgin Mary, who saved Sassari from the plague.

My Short Guide To Sassari share more tips for visiting this delightful city.

Alghero – one of the most charming cities in Sardinia

Alghero is one of the most popular cities in Sardinia and a fantastic tourist destination.

The main city of the Riviera del Corallo (Coral Riviera), this small Catalan enclave on the northwestern coast of Sardinia was founded in the 11th century by the Genoese. It was then conquered by the Catalans in 1353, and all its inhabitants had to move to the nearby Villanova Monteleone. In 1720, the city fell to the Savoy. 

Here are some unmissable things to do in Alghero:

• A walk along the bastions of Alghero (together with Capo Caccia, one of the best sunset spots in Sardinia), and around the cobbled alleys.
• Check out the shops selling coral jewelry.
• Visit the Cathedral of Alghero.
• Check out Alghero beaches – my top recommendations are Le Bombarde or Il Lazzaretto. If you want a more local one, head to Mugoni. 
• Go to the Neptune Caves – some boat trips from Alghero reach that, or if you are up for the challenge, walk down the 600+ steps of the Escala del Cabirol.
• Visit Nuraghe Palmavera – one of the best-kept nuraghe in Sardinia, and Anghelu Ruju Necropolis, one of Sardinia’s prime examples of Domus de Janas.
• Wine tasting at Sella e Mosca winery.

Make sure to read my posts, Best Airbnbs In Alghero and Best Alghero Hotels for information on accommodation in the city, and What To See And Do In Alghero for more tips to plan your visit.

Olbia

Olbia is often seen as the gateway to northeastern Sardinia, thanks to its airport and ferry port, but it’s more than just a transit hub. While many travelers pass straight through on their way to the Emerald Coast, Olbia is worth at least a short stop for its history, the relaxed atmosphere, and its strategic location.

Olbia is compact and walkable, with a pleasant historic center and good restaurants, while still offering quick road access to some of Sardinia’s most famous coastline.

These are the best things to see and do in Olbia:

• Basilica of San Simplicio – the city’s most important Romanesque church.
• Archaeological Museum – displays shipwrecks and finds from Olbia’s ancient port.
• Corso Umberto I – main pedestrian street with cafés and shops.
• Explore the many beaches near Olbia.
• Boat trips to Tavolara Island – easily arranged from the harbor. You can also visit Molara Island, one of the best spots for snorkeling in Sardinia.
• Wine tasting at one of the many wineries in Gallura.

Olbia also makes an excellent base if you want easy access to the Emerald Coast, for a fraction of the prices you’ll find in Porto Cervo.

My guide, Best Things To Do In Olbia, is the best read to plan your visit. I also have a post on the Best Accommodation Options In Olbia.

Oristano

Oristano is one of the lesser-visited cities in Sardinia, with a small yet lovely historic center that’s pleasant for a walk, and some excellent restaurants that serve some of Sardinia’s best specialties.

These are some of Oristano’s top attractions:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta – The city’s main church, rebuilt in Baroque style.
• Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea – Oristano’s central square, dedicated to one of Sardinia’s most important historical figures.
• Antiquarium Arborense Museum – One of the best small museums in Sardinia.
• Tower of Mariano II – The last remaining medieval tower from the city walls.
• Sartiglia – one of the most thrilling carnival festivals in Sardinia, it’s been taking place since the 13th century.
• Tharros Archaeological Site – A Phoenician–Roman coastal ruin close to San Giovanni di Sinis, at easy driving distance from Oristano.
• Sinis Peninsula beaches – Including quartz-sand beaches like Is Arutas and Mari Ermi, among the most distinctive in Sardinia.

Make sure to read my post, The Best Guide To Oristano, for more things to do.

Nuoro

Together with Oristano, Nuoro is one of the lesser-visited cities in Sardinia. Located at 550 meters (1,804 feet) above sea level, this is one of the main cultural centers of the island, culturally active and focused on the protection of the island’s traditions and identity. 

This is the hometown of Grazia Deledda, Nobel Prize Winner for literature in 1926.

It goes without saying that many places to visit in Nuoro are linked to its cultural roots. Here are some of them:

• Museo del Costume – The most important museum in the city, dedicated to Sardinian traditional dress, textiles, masks, and festivals. Essential for understanding Sardinia’s culture and history.
• MAN Museo d’Arte Provincia di Nuoro – A respected contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions and a strong focus on Sardinian artists.
• Birthplace of Grazia Deledda.
• Mount Ortobene – Rising above the city, this forested mountain offers panoramic views, hiking trails, and the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
• Caffè Tettamanzi – a literary café established in the late 19th century, a place for coffee and spotting local life.

Make sure to read my post, A Quick Guide To Nuoro, for more unique attractions in the area.

Best Small Towns In Sardinia

Serdiana 

I have a soft spot for Serdiana as my mom is from there, and I visit all the time. This is one of the smallest towns in Sardinia, about 20 km (12.4 miles) from Cagliari, which you can easily visit on a day trip from the capital.

Serdiana is a great place to visit to try Sardinian wines. While small, it’s home to some of the best wineries in Sardinia.

These are some of the top attractions in Serdiana:

• Argiolas Winery – a great place for wine tasting. You can also try their newly opened restaurant right across the street.
• Cantine Pala and Audarya – two more excellent wineries in Serdiana.
• Cantine Aperte-Wine Day – the dates change every year, but it’s a great wine festival.
• Santa Maria di Sibiola church – a countryside Romanesque church that dates from the 13th century.
• Su Stani Saliu – a saltwater pond where pink flamingos live and nest.

Make sure to also read my post What To See And Do In Serdiana for more details.

Good to know: Right next to Serdiana, and easily visited on the same day, you will find Dolianova, where you will find the impressive 13th-century San Pantaleo Church, one of the prettiest churches in Sardinia, an important winery (Cantina Sociale di Dolianova), an oil mill and an oil museum, and one of the most famous cheese factories in Sardinia.

Villasimius

Villasimius is one of the most popular small towns in Sardinia, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and protected marine environment. Located about an hour’s drive east of Cagliari, it works well as both a short stop or a longer beach-focused stay.

The town itself is small and low-key, with a relaxed center full of restaurants, gelaterie, and small shops.

These are my recommendations for things to do in Villasimius:

• Visit Villasimius beaches – Villasimius is home to some of the best beaches in southern Sardinia, such as Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis (one of Sardinia’s protected beaches), Porto Sa Ruxi, and Campulongu.
• Explore the Capo Carbonara Marine Area – this is one of the best spots for diving in Sardinia, and a great place for boat tours too.
• Walk to coastal viewpoints – my favorite is the old Spanish watchtower above Porto Giunco.
• Visit the Old Fortress – near the marina, you’ll find historic coastal defences and a small harbour area where you can watch fishing boats come and go.

My posts, A Local’s Guide To Villasimius and Best Hotels In Villasimius, will help you plan your visit.

Good to know: Costa Rei is a mere 15-minute drive from Villasimius and home to even more beaches such as Cala Pira, Cala Sinzias, and Cala di Monte Turno.

Pula

*Contributed by Daniel James of Urban Abroad

When looking for small towns in Sardinia, be sure to head over to Pula. It’s easy to visit on day trips from Cagliari, and it can be a pleasant base for a southwestern Sardinia holiday.

In the summer months and especially in August, Pula is by far one of the most popular meeting places for many locals and tourists visiting the island. During the low season (from October through the winter), though, you can expect the area to be almost shut down. However, this is no reason not to visit.

These are the main attractions in Pula:

• Nora Archaeological Site – Pula’s biggest highlight and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sardinia. These well-preserved Phoenician and Roman ruins sit right by the sea and include mosaics, a theater, and ancient streets.
• Pula historic center – small, colourful, and walkable, with cafés, restaurants, and a lively evening atmosphere in summer.
• Church of San Giovanni Battista.
• Spiaggia di Nora – a sandy beach next to the archaeological site, ideal for swimming after sightseeing.
• Spiaggia di Santa Margherita di Pula – a long stretch of coastline with multiple access points, backed by pine forest.
• Laguna di Nora – a peaceful lagoon area near the ruins, sometimes home to flamingos.

Check out my post, A Complete Guide To Pula, Sardinia, for more information on this lovely town.

Carloforte – one of the most colorful towns in Sardinia

Carloforte is the only town on the island of San Pietro, and one of my favorite places in South Sardinia: I go there any time I can. It has Ligurian and Tabarkine (Tabarka is a Tunisian island) roots, and locals speak a language that’s different from the language of Sardinia.

The village is a maze of beautiful alleys and colorful buildings that resemble more a Ligurian town than a Sardinian one – which is intriguing.

These are my recommended things to do in Carloforte (and San Pietro Island):

• Explore Carloforte Old Town – walk the historic center to see pastel-coloured buildings, narrow lanes, and small squares lined with cafés and seafood restaurants.
• Discover tuna fishing traditions – Carloforte is famous for its tonno rosso (bluefin tuna) cuisine. Visit during late spring (typically in June) for the Girotonno Festival, or simply enjoy traditional tuna dishes in local restaurants. The best ones only serve tuna when in season.
• Visit the beaches – My favorite ones are La Bobba, Guidi, and La Caletta.
• Boat tour around the island – boat trips circle San Pietro Island, reaching caves, cliffs, and inaccessible coves. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate the island’s rugged coastline.
• Drive the coastal roads – don’t miss Capo Sandalo, the westernmost point of Sardinia, for incredible sunset views.

Make sure to read my posts, A Complete Guide To Carloforte And Isola Di San Pietro and Best Places To Stay In Carloforte, for more tips.

Sant’Antioco 

Sant’Antioco is one of the prettiest small cities in Sardinia. You will find this town of no more than 12,000 people on the island that has the same name, the biggest in the region of Sulcis. You can get there by car as it is linked to the mainland by an isthmus, and it can be visited on day trips from Cagliari.

Sant’Antioco was a Phoenician-Punic colony. But, as many other places in Sardinia, it became a Roman City.

These are some of the things to do in Sant’Antioco:

• Explore the historic center of Sant’Antioco.
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Sant’Antioco – here you can learn about the island’s Phoenician and Roman past.
• Check out the Basilica of Sant’Antioco Martire – this is Sant’Antioco’s most important church.
• Discover the Phoenician–Roman tophet – it’s an important archaeological site just outside the town center.
• Spend time at the beaches – my favorite ones are Maladroxia and Coaquaddus, but I also recommend checking out the Arco dei Baci, a unique rock formation.
• Visit local workshops producing traditional byssus silk.

I have a Complete Guide To Sant’Antioco that you can read for more information.

Calasetta

Calasetta is one of the most charming towns in Sardinia, located on Sant’Antioco Island, one of the islands of Sardinia. It was founded 1769 and much like Carloforte it has a strong influence from Liguria and the Tunisian island of Tabarka.

The town is lovely – white buildings, colorful balconies, flowers, and narrow alleys make it simply picture perfect.

These are the top attractions in Calasetta:

• Walk through the small historic center – it has whitewashed buildings and a relaxed, Mediterranean feel.
• Check out the MACC – Calasetta’s museum of contemporary art.
• Visit the Church of San Maurizio – it’s a simple church reflecting the town’s Ligurian heritage.
• Spend time at Spiaggia Grande – it’s the main sandy beach just outside the town.
• Visit the Torre Sabauda – it’s an 18th-century coastal watchtower overlooking the sea.
• Spot the Mangiabarche lighthouse outside of town – it’s one of the most scenic lighthouses in Sardinia.

My post, What To See And Do In Calasetta, shares more tips on how to make the most of this small town.

Seulo

Seulo is a small mountain village in central Sardinia and one of the communities included in Sardinia’s Blue Zone, the area known for exceptional longevity. Life here moves slowly, shaped by strong social ties, traditional food, daily walking, and close contact with nature—all factors commonly linked to the long, healthy lives of its residents.

Seulo sits in a rugged, forested part of the island, surrounded by deep valleys, limestone cliffs, and rivers. It’s not a place for sightseeing in the classic sense, but rather for travellers looking to experience authentic inland Sardinia, far from the coast and mass tourism. It truly is one of Sardinia’s hidden gems.

These are some of the main attractions in and near Seulo:

• Sa Stiddiosa – one of the most impressive waterfalls in Sardinia, it can be reached via a hike.
• Su Stampu ’e Su Turrunu – a dramatic natural limestone arch just outside the village.
• Grotte Is Janas – prehistoric rock-cut tombs (Domus de Janas) in the surrounding countryside.
• Traditional village center – for observing everyday life in a Blue Zone community.

Santu Lussurgiu

*Contributed by Margherita of The Crowded Planet

Most people think about small cities in Sardinia and picture picturesque coastal towns, forgetting there’s a world of cool small towns and villages in the mountains of Sardinia. One of my favorites is Santu Lussurgiu, in the heart of the volcanic Montiferru region in the province of Oristano, which is also fun to visit if you are in Sardinia in winter.

The town is surrounded by forests and located on a hilltop, with beautiful views all around.

These are some of my favorite things to do in Santu Lussurgiu:

• Walk through the historic center – it’s a maze of narrow stone streets, archways, and well-preserved medieval houses.
• Visit the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
• Explore the Church of San Pietro del Crocifisso – it’s a rural sanctuary just outside the village.
• Learn about the town’s famous carnival tradition, Sa Carrela ‘e Nanti, one of the most distinctive in Sardinia.
• Visit local artisan workshops – especially those producing traditional knives and metalwork.
• Drive to nearby waterfalls and natural springs in the countryside (ie San Leonardo Siete Fuentes).
• See a performance of cantu a tenore – a traditional Sardinian type of polyphonic singing that is also included in the UNESCO immaterial heritage list.
• Experience village life at a slower pace, especially outside the summer season

You can visit Santu Lussurgiu as a day trip from Oristano, or stay a bit longer (I recommend sleeping at Antica Dimora del Gruccione).

Fonni

Fonni is is located at the foothill of the Gennargentu mountain chain, at 1000 meters (roughly 3,281 feet) above sea level.

This means that when the rest of the island is suffering from the heat, the air in Fonni is nice and pleasant. On the other way though, winter is a serious thing here, and you may get snowed in if you visit even in March. In fact, this is Sardinia’s only ski resort. 

These are the best attractions and things to do in Fonni:

• Walk through the historic center – you’ll see stone houses, murals depicting pastoral life, and quiet streets typical of highland Sardinia.
• Visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Martiri – this is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in central Sardinia. Other churches to visit are the late-Gothic church of San Giovanni Battista, and the oratory of St. Michele, home to an underground sanctuary.
• Hike on Mount Bruncu Spina – this is Sardinia’s second-highest peak after Punta La Marmora, with trails and panoramic views.
• Visit the Gennargentu National Park area – it’s ideal for nature walks and wildlife spotting.
• Visit the Museum of Pastoral Culture – it’s located in a 19th-century building and will give you a good idea of what life used to be like here not so long ago. 
• Attend traditional festivals and religious processions – the most important one is Autunno in Barbagia.
• Discover local food specialties – among them mountain cheeses, pane carasau (Sardinia’s crispy flatbread), and the local version of Savoiardi cookies.

My Useful Guide To Fonni provides more ideas on activities in this interesting small town.

Mamoiada

One of the most famous small town of the Barbagia region of Sardinia, Mamoiada has a compelling carnival. It’s a sacred ritual that has been preserved for centuries. It has its own masks, too. The best are the mamuthones, who wear sheepskin and beastly black wooden masks, and the issohadores.

These are the best places to visit in Mamoiada:

• Museum of Mediterranean Masks – here you can learn about the Mamuthones and Issohadores and their role in local rituals.
• Center of Mamoiada – to see murals and traditional stone houses.
• Local wineries producing Cannonau di Sardegna – it’s one of the area’s most important products. I recommend Sedilesu winery for a tasting experience.
• S’Eredadu Domus de Janas – one of the most impressive sites in the area.

Don’t forget to read my post, What To See And Do In Mamoiada, for more information.

Orgosolo – one of the most unique towns in Sardinia

Also located in Barbagia, about 20 km (12.4 miles) from Nuoro, Orgosolo is famous for the many murals that make it look like an open-air museum. They are now part of its cultural heritage. Murals portray all sorts of scenes – from daily life to cultural events to political messages, usually of protests. Most of them were painted in the 1960s. 

Although the city had a reputation for banditry, it is one of the most welcoming small cities in Sardinia.

These is what to see and do in Orgosolo:

• Walk through the village to see the famous political and social murals painted on houses and public buildings.
• Take a guided excursion into the Supramonte mountains surrounding Orgosolo.
• Learn about pastoral culture.
• Attend local festivals and events celebrating Sardinian traditions – Orgosolo is one of the towns in Sardinia that celebrates Autunno in Barbagia.
• Use Orgosolo as a base to hike the Gorropu Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in Europe.
• Listen to the Canto a Tenore (Polyphonic folk singing). 

Check out my post Where To Find The Best Street Art In Sardinia (Including Orgosolo Murals). I also have An Exhaustive Guide To Orgosolo that you should read.

Bosa – one of the prettiest towns in Sardinia

Bosa is the most charming and colorful small town in Sardinia. You can visit on day trips from Alghero, but I recommend spending a night or two to take in the lovely atmosphere. 

No more than 8,500 live in this town located along the banks of the Temo River. It was founded during Phoenician times and prospered during the time of the Roman Empire. But the Middle Ages, when it was regularly plundered by the Arabs, were not good times – which is why the castle on the hill was built.

Here are my recommendations for things to do in Bosa:

• Climb up to Malaspina Castle – it’s one of the prettiest castles in Sardinia, and from there, you get panoramic views over the town, river, and coastline.
• Walk along the Temo River – it’s the only navigable river in Sardinia.
• Explore the medieval district of Sa Costa – it’s where you can see the steep lanes and colorful buildings.
• Visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
• Stroll along the Bosa Marina promenade and spend time at the nearby beach
• Drive along the scenic coastal road between Bosa and Alghero – it’s one of the most scenic drives in Sardinia.
• Visit local artisan shops producing traditional leather goods and textiles – you should also visit the former tanneries that were opened by the Savoy in the 19th century.
• Spend a day at Cumpultittu Beach – or check out Cane Manu, a fun swimming spot.
• Enjoy Malvasia di Bosa wine in local bars and wineries.
• Take a boat or kayak trip on the Temo River.

Make sure to read my post What To See And Do In Bosa Sardinia for more ideas on local attractions and activities.

Cuglieri

Cuglieri stands in a place where, in the 2nd century BCE, there was the Roman settlement of Gurulis Nova. It is just a 30-minute drive from Bosa, perched on the hills, overlooking the sea, and the views from it, and even of it as you approach it by car, are simply splendid. 

These are my recommended activities in Cuglieri:

• Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria ad Nives – it’s the first minor basilica in Sardinia.
• Enjoy panoramic views – the best ones are from the upper parts of the village, overlooking the surrounding hills.
• Hike to see the Cascata a Mare di Capo Nieddu – it’s a unique waterfall that falls directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
• Visit the nearby waterfalls of S’Abba Frisca – these are seasonal, and they are located in the Montiferru area.
• Drive to the beaches of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri and S’Archittu – they are known for dramatic limestone formations.

Don’t forget to read my post, A Useful Guide To Cuglieri, to learn more about this small town.

Stintino

Contributed by Pauline of BeeLoved City

Located in the north west of Sardinia, Stintino is home to one of the most famous beaches in Sardinia – La Pelosa. You will recognize it very quickly, thanks to the tower emerging from the water, the Torre della Pelosa.

But visiting La Pelosa isn’t the only thing to do in Stintino. Here are other attractions you should consider:

• Walk around the small harbour area and the old fishermen’s village.
• Visit Stintino’s other beaches – Le Saline and Ezzi Mannu are both stunning.
• Spend time at La Pelosetta, a quieter beach near the tower of La Pelosa.
• Take a boat trip to Asinara National Park – it’s one of the most impressive places to visit in Sardinia. Once there, make sure to visit the ruins of Fornelli Prison and Cala d’Oliva village and prisons.
• Watch the sunset from Capo Falcone viewpoints.
• Enjoy seafood-based cuisine in local restaurants.

My post, A Short Guide To Stintino, shares even more information about this unique coastal town.

Castelsardo

*Contributed by Pauline of BeeLoved City

Castelsardo is a picturesque town ideal for visitors who want to get both panoramic views and history. This small town sits right on top of a cliff and will remind you of Rocamadour, in South West France, but facing the beautiful Mediterranean sea: absolutely stunning.

Castelsardo has always held a very strategic position, and that’s why it became so important through the centuries.

These are some of my recommendations for places to visit and activities in Castelsardo:

• Walk through the medieval historic center – climb the steep lanes of the old village.
• Visit the Castello dei Doria – it’s perched at the top of town with panoramic views over the Gulf of Asinara.
• Explore the Museum of Mediterranean Weaving inside the castle – it’s dedicated to traditional basketry.
• Visit the Cathedral of Sant’Antonio Abate – then admire the views from the cathedral terrace, one of the best viewpoints in town.
• Walk along the seafront promenade in the lower part of town.
• See the Elephant Rock (Roccia dell’Elefante) – it’s a natural rock formation just outside Castelsardo.
• Spend time at nearby beaches – the best ones are Lu Bagnu and Marina di Castelsardo
• Browse local artisan shops selling handmade baskets and crafts.
• Enjoy seafood and traditional dishes in restaurants overlooking the sea – the best restaurant is by far Il Cormorano.

Make sure to read my Quick Guide To Castelsardo for more information.

Santa Teresa di Gallura

Santa Teresa di Gallura is a small town of no more than 5,000 people that’s located right in front of the Bonifacio Strait. It’s one of the main towns of the Gallura region, home to gorgeous beaches and providing easy access to La Maddalena Archipelago via boat tours. It’s also a departure point for the ferry to Corsica.

It was founded in 1808 by King Vittorio Emanuele I of Savoy, where there once was the village of Longosardo. He named it after his wife, Maria Teresa.

These are some fun things to do in Santa Teresa di Gallura:

• Visit Rena Bianca beach – this is the town’s main beach, known for white sand and clear water.
• Walk around the historic center – it’s particularly relaxing on a summer evening.
• Explore the Longonsardo Tower – this is a Spanish-era watchtower with views over the coastline and Corsica.
• Take a boat trip or ferry to Bonifacio in Corsica for a day trip.
• Visit Capo Testa – it’s famous for its wind-shaped granite formations and coastal trail, and a fantastic sunset spot.
• Visit the Valle della Luna – it offers dramatic landscapes, and it’s another great sunset spot.
• Spend time at Cala Spinosa – it’s a small cove perfect for snorkeling.
• Enjoy seafood and Gallura-style dishes in local restaurants – the one you need to try is the Zuppa Gallurese.

I have A Complete Guide To Santa Teresa Di Gallura, as well as a post on the Best Places To Stay In Santa Teresa Gallura, that you can read for more information.

Baunei

Baunei is a small town of the Ogliastra region of Sardinia, and one of the best access points to the secluded beaches of the Gulf of Orosei: many hikes depart from the beautiful Golgo Plateau right above the village.

What many people don’t know is that Baunei and the Ogliastra region of Sardinia are blue zones, one of the few areas of the world where people tend to live longer than average.

These are some unmissable activities in Baunei:

• Hike the Selvaggio Blu route – it’s one of Sardinia’s most challenging long-distance hikes.
• Visit the Golgo Plateau – it’s known for karst landscapes, sinkholes, rural scenery, and lots of wildlife.
• Explore Su Sterru – it’s one of Europe’s deepest sinkholes, located near the Golgo Plateau.
• Take a boat trip along the Baunei coast to reach Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine, and Cala Luna.
• Hike to Punta Salinas for bird’s eye view of Cala Goloritzé.
• Try culurgiones – one of the most popular dishes in Sardinia, they are from the Ogliastra region.
• Shop for traditional crafts – Sa Naccara produces and sells in filigree, a traditional way of threading metals (mostly gold and silver); Sa Brocca makes traditional ceramics, and Tessere is a textile lab.

My post, A Useful Guide To The Gulf of Orosei, will help you plan your trip to the region. I also have a detailed post about the Sardinia Blue Zone that you should read.

You should also read my post Can You Get Paid To Move To Sardinia?

Cities vs Towns In Sardinia (Quick Comparison)

FAQs on Cities In Sardinia

Final Considerations on Cities In Sardinia

As you can see, there are many lovely towns and cities that you can visit in Sardinia, wherever you decide to base yourself on the island.

Some places – like Serdiana and Dolianova – are so small and close to Cagliari that you can visit them both on the same day, as a day trip from the capital city. Others – like Alghero or Sassari – require a bit more time.

Either way, my recommendation if you are visiting Sardinia is to travel slowly and to remember that less is more. Give yourself plenty of time to linger and appreciate the beautiful places you will be visiting.

Further Readings

Make sure to read my other posts about Sardinia:

• What You Should Know Before Traveling To Sardinia
• 9 Sardinian Mines You’ll Enjoy Visiting
• Best Things To Do In Sardinia
• A Wonderful 10 Days In North Sardinia Itinerary
• The Most Captivating Castles In Sardinia
• Cagliari Nightlife: A Guide To Cagliari Best Bars
• The Most Beautiful Beach Resorts In Sardinia
• How To Visit La Lavanda Di Elvio, Sardinia’s First Lavender Field
• Where To Take The Best Pictures Of Sardinia
• A Short Guide To Sennori, Sardinia