There are many great things to do in Sardinia, and to be honest, a month would not be enough to take in all that the island has to offer. It’s a real pity that many skip Sardinia when traveling to Italy.
Of course, I am a local, and I am probably biased, but I think Sardinia is the most beautiful island in the world, with an incredible variety of landscapes and an impressive range of activities for any kind of traveler.
Sardinia is a wonderful place to explore in any season. Visit Sardinia in the summer, and you will find the most beautiful beaches and the clearest waters you will ever see.
Come in the spring, and it will be all about the hikes, Sardinia’s incredible archaeological sites and the quaint little towns. Visit Sardinia in the winter months, or in the fall, and you will have so many festivals to pick from and delicious traditional food to gorge on.
My post Why You Should Visit Sardinia In The Winter highlights what to do in Sardinia in the off-season (and trust me, there’s lots to pick from).
Curious to discover the best things to see in Sardinia, and the best things to do? Continue reading as I select all the unmissable activities.
Do you need help planning your Sardinia trip? Get in touch for a consultation and join my Facebook group.
What To Do In Sardinia – Quick Overview
Sardinia is best explored by choosing one or two main bases (depending on how long you are staying) and adding day trips depending on your interests.
Here’s my quick overview of what to do in Sardinia, and where to base yourself on the island:
- Best bases for first-timers: Cagliari or Alghero.
- Best beaches & boat trips: Gulf of Orosei/Baunei coast or La Maddalena Archipelago.
- Best food & wine: Cagliari and Alghero for restaurants, Emerald Coast and Serdiana for wines.
- Best culture & villages: Oristano, Cagliari and Sassari for festivals, Barbagia and central Sardinia for quaint small towns.
- Best road trips: North-west and west coasts.
Are you visiting Sardinia soon? These are the tours that you should not skip while on the island:
17 Wonderful Things To Do In Sardinia
Enjoy the beaches
Sardinia is famous for its beaches, so you can’t skip them! In the summer time, you can spend hours basking in the sun, swimming in the clear Mediterranean waters, and just relaxing.
In the off-season, Sardinian beaches become perfect places for walking, running, biking, skating, and even for a picnic. Visiting one of the many beaches is also one of the best things to do in Sardinia with kids. Our beaches are perfect places for quality time with children, and there are many that are dog-friendly!
In Cagliari, we love hanging out at Poetto beach, where we enjoy going for lunch, for a quick coffee, and for a walk any time the sun is out (and actually, even when it rains).
Most beaches in Sardinia are free, but there are also some protected beaches that you must book in advance and for which you have to pay a small fee, such as La Pelosa in Stintino, Cala Goloritzé in the Baunei Coast, and Punta Molentis in Villasimius (near Costa Rei).
We also have some beautiful secluded beaches that are never crowded, even in the peak summer months, and that are ideal if you want a quieter experience.
I have written extensively about the beaches of Sardinia. My post, The Best Beaches In Sardinia, is a selection of my favorite beaches around the island. You should also read guides on The Best Beaches In North Sardinia and The Best Beaches In South Sardinia, depending on where you are basing yourself for your trip.
Go sailing (or on a boat tour)
Wind blows throughout the year in Sardinia, so it is an ideal destination if you enjoy sailing. You will find several harbors scattered around the island and a plethora of bays where you can dock to relax.
If you don’t have your own boat, opt for a chartered sailboat that comes inclusive of personnel, so all you have to worry about is putting on sunblock.
The most popular places for sailing are Sardinia’s smaller islands, such as Maddalena Archipelago and Asinara Island in the north of Sardinia, and San Pietro and Sant’Antioco Island, with their lovely fishing villages (Calasetta is a real gem).
In the south, Villasimius is a great spot for a boat tour along the coast.
You don’t even have to get out of Cagliari for a fantastic boat trip – many guided tours go all the way to the lovely Cala Pira.
If you just want a quick boat tour rather than a full sailing trip, I have some recommendations for you.
Try this 7-hour Maddalena Archipelago boat tour – it’s a very popular tour to a paradisiac place, and it’s very budget-friendly. You will hop around the islands of the national park and swim in their pristine waters. They even have options for tours departing from the mainland in Palau. Just remember to book in advance as these tours are very popular!
If you spend some time in the Baunei Coast (which we refer to as the Gulf of Orosei locally), there’s this fantastic Baunei Coast boat tour that takes you to beaches that are impossible to reach otherwise, such as Cala Mariolu or Cala Biriala.
If you are in Cagliari, you can go on this sunset sailing tour around the Devil’s Saddle. It includes apertif drinks too and gives you a unique perspective of the city.
Explore Cagliari
Despite its size, Sardinia doesn’t have many big cities. The biggest one is Cagliari, and even then, you can consider it at most a medium-sized city, but one for which even D. H. Lawrence expressed appreciation.
Cagliari has four historic districts – La Marina, Stampace, Castello and Villanova. Located in the city, you will find archaeological sites (yes, inside the city: my favorite ones are the Roman Amphitheater and Tuvixeddu Necropolis), beautiful churches, and – for things to do in Sardinia when it rains – some of the best museums on the island.
The historic center is just pleasant to explore, with all the narrow, colorful alleys. The city is on the hills, so there are many places for stunning views, including at sunset (more about that in a bit).
Outside the center, Cagliari has fantastic beaches (Poetto is the most famous one) and a few hiking trails (ie the one around the Devil’s Saddle) that grant you beautiful views of the coast.
The capital of Sardinia is also a great base for day trips around the south of the island, with places like Su Nuraxi and the Giara Plateau less than one hour away.
Cagliari is also a fantastic destination for foodies, as there are lots of excellent restaurants and bars – I have written about them extensively as I love eating out.
But there’s more. One of the top things to do in Sardinia is birdwatching, and Cagliari is a great destination for that, as it’s a nesting place for pink flamingos and many other species of birds. The best place to see them is Molentargius Nature Reserve. You can easily get there by bus from the center of town (it’s just at the back of Poetto Beach).
Of course, you can explore independently, but a tour may be a good idea as the guide will know all the best spots to see the magnificent birds.
While I am a local of Cagliari, I take tours here all the time so I can tell you which ones you should take when you visit.
First of all, there’s this e-bike tour that goes to Molentargius Nature Reserve that’s perfect for active travelers and nature lovers. Don’t worry, the bike ride is really easy.
Another tour I love is this Cagliari Underground Tour – it’s one of the best things to do in Sardinia to discover the many layers of its history, including the most recent WWII history.
Finally, there’s this boat tour that goes around the Devil’s Saddle. It includes stops for swimming and an aperitivo, and magnificent sunset views.
My posts, The Best Things To Do In Cagliari and How To Plan A Long Weekend In Cagliari, share more local knowledge and insights into the capital city of Sardinia.
Check out other cities in Sardinia
For more interesting things to see in Sardinia, don’t skip Sassari, the second biggest city on the island and home to a fantastic art museum (Museo Sanna) and a few well-preserved churches, such as the Duomo.
The bonus? Sassari is still completely off the beaten track, so visiting is one of the most unusual things to do in Sardinia.
Another smaller city that you should consider visiting is Nuoro, where you will find a great ethnographic museum that will give you plenty of insights into the history and culture of the island, as well as a well-curated museum of modern art (MANN).
It’s also the best place to base yourself if you want to experience the Autunno in Barbagia, Sardinia’s prime fall festival.
Finally, there’s Alghero, a small Catalan enclave in the north-west of the island. It’s a nice place to visit in the summer, when you can enjoy the many beautiful beaches and the many restaurants that offer al fresco dining, but there’s more to it.
Here, you can go for a walk along the city’s bastions for breathtaking sunset views over Capo Caccia.
You can find many easy day trips from Alghero, to visit the nearby Neptune’s Caves, the Palmavera Nuraghe, the Anghelu Ruju Necropolis (one of Sardinia’s prime Domus de Janas), and opt for a wine tasting experience at Cantine Sella e Mosca (more about wine tasting in a bit).
I have written a lot about Alghero, but if you only have time to read one post, I recommend this Long Weekend In Alghero Itinerary which will guide you through the city’s many sights.
Pop by the small towns and villages
While in Sardinia, make sure to also pay a visit to some of the most scenic small towns and coastal villages. There are many more than I can possibly write about, but here are the ones you should not miss:
Bosa – By far the most scenic small town in Sardinia (and one of the prettiest villages in Italy), with colorful building facing the river, and Malaspina castle (one of the most impressive castles in Sardinia) dominating the village and proving to be the perfect place to admire it from above. There are some lovely beaches and hiking trails nearby.
Castelsardo – Dominated by the Doria castle, which dates from the 12th century, this hilltop village is right on the sea and is a fantastic backdrop for incredible photos. You won’t find many beaches (just tiny coves) but you’ll be at short driving distance from the famous Costa Paradiso.
Fonni – The highest village in Sardinia, Fonni is located at 1,000 meters (3, 280 feet)above sea level and famous for its murals, and close to some of the best hiking trails in Sardinia. Go there for unique traditions and to taste some excellent local food (they have the best pani carasau bread!).
Orgosolo – For more unique things to do in Sardinia, head to Orgosolo, a lesser-known town that very few foreign tourists visit. It’s famous for the many (very political/social) murals that adorn the walls of most of the buildings. It’s one of the villages of the Autunno in Barbagia festival.
Calasetta – Founded in 1769, Calasetta was entirely devoted to traditional activities such as tuna fishing. That’s still a big part of the economy today, but you should visit to check out the impressive museum of contemporary art (one of my favorite museums in Sardinia), and the many beautiful beaches and coves.
San Sperate – Known locally as the museum village for the many murals and sculptures scattered around town, San Sperate remains unknown to foreign tourists. The best place to visit is by far the Giardino Sonoro, a park of sounding stones carved by the famous late Sardinian artist Pinuccio Sciola.
Visit some unique archeological sites
Scattered around Sardinia, there are many interesting the archeological sites. This is the only place in the world where you will find nuraghe (nuraxi in the Sardinian language). They date from 1900 and 730 BCE. They had defensive functions and had villages around them.
There are more sites than I can possibly mention in this post, but these are some of the ones you should consider visiting during your trip to Sardinia:
Su Nuraxi – Located in Barumini, a 45-minute drive from Cagliari, Su Nuraxi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best example of a nuraghe. You can only visit on guided tours that depart every 15 to 30 minutes from the ticket counter. Pair your visit with the nearby Giara Plateau to spot the famous “cavallini della Giara,” tiny wild horses that only live in Sardinia.
If you don’t wish to drive, you can consider this guided tour from Cagliari that visits both sites and includes transportation.
Nora ancient city – Located in Pula, a 45-minute drive from Cagliari, Nora was founded by the Phoenicians. The Romans conquered it in 238 BC. Visit to walk ancient Roman roads and to see beautiful mosaics.
Nora is easy to reach if you have your own car. If you don’t, consider this guided tour that includes transportation and a live guide and has glowing reviews.
Tharros – This site is in the Sinis Peninsula close to Oristano, and much like Nora it shows the layered history of Sardinia and the many dominations the island was under. It faces the sea, so you’ll have stunning views during your visit.
Fordongianus Roman baths – This is one of the best Roman sites in Sardinia. Here, Romans built a spa system where they could draw the local thermal springs known to have curative powers. Today, you can visit the archeological site but you can also enjoy the nearby thermal baths.
Go to a Fairy’s House or a Giant’s Tomb
You can see Domus de Janas, which we often call “fairies’ houses”, and Giants’ Tombs – funerary mausoleums that date back to around 7000 years ago – all over Sardinia.
My favorite Giants Tomb is S’Ena e’ Thomes: you will find it close to the village of Oliena, in Sardinia’s Barbagia region. It’s actually on private property, but the owners of the field have graciously opened the gates to visitors.
I have written an in-depth guide to The Giants of Sardinia, where I talk about the Mont’e Prama Giants and the many giants’ tombs in Sardinia.
Beautiful domus de janas are equally found across the island. In Sedini, you’ll be able to spot Sardinia’s most famous one, but one of the easiest ones to visit is Anghelu Ruju Necropolis, which is just outside of Alghero, on the other side of the road of Cantine Sella e Mosca.
My guide to Domus De Janas in Sardinia will guide you to the best-preserved fairy houses you can see during your trip.
Check out the Sardinian mines
For more unusual things to do in Sardinia, head to one of the many archeological mines found on the island. Indeed, Sardinia is packed with mines that are no longer in use – these are mostly scattered in the region of Sulcis, near the villages of Buggerru and Nebida.
If you want to see a mine that is completely off the beaten path, consider going to Ingurtosu where you’ll see the remains of the Bressey Lavery. It’s actually on the way to Piscinas Beach, one of the wildest and most isolated beaches in Sardinia – that’s actually how I discovered it.
Another gorgeous mining site that’s free to visit is the Laveria Lamarmora in Nebida. You can explore the site, and then continue on a coastal hike that takes you all the way to Masua Pan di Zucchero Beach.
The most scenic mine, however, is Porto Flavia which is close to the beautiful small cove of Masua Pan di Zucchero. It was built between 1923 and 1924, and it served as a harbor for the nearby mines. It is open year round but can only be visited on guided tours.
You can rent a kayak from the beach of Masua Pan di Zucchero and paddle all the way to the Pan di Zucchero island and stop to admire Porto Flavia from the sea on the way back. Make sure to take a go-pro with you as you will want to take photos!
My post The Best Archeological Mines To Visit In Sardinia guides you to the ones that can be visited.
Or the caves
You will find many caves scattered around Sardinia, each of them special in its own way.
Neptune’s Cave near Alghero can be reached by boat or via the Escala del Cabirol, a 654-step staircase that offers impressive ocean views (and it’s a great workout). Once you get there, you will join a guided tour that lasts about one hour. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Sardinia, so expect crowds if you go in the summer months.
Bue Marino and Fico Caves are close to each other and can only be reached by boat from Cala Gonone, in the scenic Gulf of Orosei in eastern Sardinia. They used to be inhabited by the sea oxen (bue means oxen in Italian). Sadly, the animals no longer live there (presumably extinct in this part of the Mediterranean), but the caves remain gorgeous to visit.
Other beautiful caves include Grotte Is Zuddas, in Santadi in the south of Sardinia, and the Grotta di Janas, thought to be home to janas, half-fairy and half-witches mythological creatures.
I have written a guide to the Best Caves To Visit In Sardinia that you may want to check to decide which one to visit.
Go in search of hidden churches
If you are a fan of small, Romanesque style churches (but not only) that sprout in the middle of nowhere, you will be in for a treat as there are several in Sardinia.
I am a massive fan of Santa Maria di Sibiola, located in the countryside just outside Serdiana. This is the church where my parents, my sister and pretty much all members of my family get married. It dates from the 10th century.
But there are more churches that deserve a visit.
Right next to Serdiana, in the heart of Dolianova (a delightful small town), there’s San Pantaleo church, which houses a beautiful retable. I also love San Simplicio church in Olbia and San Lussorio church in Fordongianus (it’s beautifully immersed in the countryside).
Then, there are Santa Maria in Monserrato, close to Cagliari; Santa Trinità di Saccargia, in Codrongianus (north of Sardinia); Sant’Antonio Abate, in Orosei.
And if you don’t want to leave Cagliari, we have plenty of churches in the capital city too. Of course, you have to visit Santa Maria Cathedral and Bonaria Church, but I also recommend checking out Sant’Anna in the heart of the Stampace district.
My post, The Most Beautiful Churches In Sardinia, highlights the ones you should visit during your trip.
Go to a festival
From traditional ones to the most contemporary ones, Sardinia is a wonderful festival destination, and you will have something to keep you entertained just about in any season.
May 1st in Sardinia is synonymous with Sant’Efisio, a parade which has been taking place each year since 1657 to celebrate the saint who helped Sardinia get rid of the plague. The statue of the saint is paraded through the streets of Cagliari, along with people dressed in the traditional costumes of a selection of towns and villages in Sardinia.
The statue is taken to the tiny Saint Efisio church in Nora, 50 km (31 miles) from Cagliari, from where the saint makes its way back to Cagliari on May 4th for more celebrations.
A similar parade in costumes and horses takes place in Sassari, also in May – it’s called Cavalcata Sarda, but contrary to Sant’Efisio, this one has no religious connotations.
Sa Sartiglia is only one of the many carnival festivals that take place in Sardinia. It is celebrated in Oristano and is an incredible, adrenaline-filled show of horses and knights racing to hit a star target hanging in the street, all in traditional costumes and masks.
Another popular carnival festival is that of Mamoiada, where you can spot the infamous mamuthones, captivating masks that during the celebrations perform propitiatory rituals.
Religious festivals you may want to attend include I Candelieri, celebrated in Sassari each 14th of August; San Simplicio, every May in Olbia; and the Corsa degli Scalzi, on the first weekend of September in the Sinis Peninsula.
The most adrenaline-filled festival is by far S’Ardia, held every 6th and 7th July in Sedilo, a 45-minute drive from Oristano. This is a massive horse race meant to represent the battle of the Milvian Bridge, during which Emperor Constantine the Great defeated Maxentius in 312 AD.
If religious festivals are not your thing, don’t worry, as there are plenty more. Food and wine festivals are very popular in Sardinia.
Autunno in Barbagia is a series of events taking place throughout the fall (autunno) in the villages of the Barbagia region, to celebrate traditional food, wine, and culture.
Calici Sotto Le Stelle takes place each summer and is all about wine – it is held traditionally in Jerzu, but it takes place in other places too. For example, last summer they held it in Serdiana, just outside the beautiful Santa Maria di Sibiola church.
Girotonno takes place every June in Carloforte, in San Pietro Island, and celebrates tuna fishing, so as you can imagine, lots of tuna eating is involved.
Finally, one of the most fun things to do in Sardinia is attending Time in Jazz, a music festival taking place each August in the mountains around Berchidda and directed by world-famous trumpet player Paolo Fresu.
Looking for more festivals in Sardinia? My post, The Best Events And Festivals In Sardinia, will guide you through the ones you should not miss, by season.
Shape up with some watersports
Sardinia is a fabulous destination for practicing all sorts of water sports. The island is very windy, so there is always a beach with great waves for surfing and kitesurfing. Of course, not all beaches are suitable, and surfing on the island really depends on the way the wind is blowing, so don’t come here in the summer and expect to go surfing wherever you please.
To help you pick a surfing spot, I wrote a guide on Where To Go Surfing In Sardinia. It explains the best beaches for that, including the lesser-known ones. I also have a guide on The Best Kitesurfing Spots In Sardinia.
What if the wind isn’t blowing, though? In that case, you can rent a SUP to go around, or even join a SUP expedition to go from one beach to another. There are SUP tours in Cagliari that are suitable for all levels.
One of the top things to do in Sardinia with kids is snorkeling. The water is very clear, so it’s easy to do – you can bring your own gear and just swim off the shore, or join a guided snorkeling tour such as this one in Tavolara and Molara Islands for a fantastic experience.
Last but definitely not least, you can go diving in Sardinia. There are various good spots for that in Sardinia – the most popular ones are the area of Villasimius and San Pietro Island in the south, and Asinara Island in the north.
Go on a road trip around the island
I always recommend renting a car to anyone visiting Sardinia. Of course, I say this because it is the most convenient way to move around – we do have public buses and trains, but they aren’t the most efficient way to travel if you have limited time.
But there are more reasons for renting a car other than mere convenience. Indeed, Sardinia is a fantastic destination for a road trip. There are so many scenic roads in Sardinia that you will often find yourself stopping for views. Whether you have a knack for windy mountain roads or for coastal views, the island is full of surprises.
I have written an extensive Guide On Car Rental In Sardinia, and I have even written My Top Tips For Driving In Sardinia – both will be helpful resources for your trip. And if you are looking for a good car rental company, head to Discover Cars. It’s a comparison site where you’ll find the best rates.
Go hiking or climbing
You will have plenty of chances to get close to nature in Sardinia. There are many excellent hiking trails on the island that go through the forests and the mountains, as well as coastal ones. There’s something for any difficulty level.
You can opt for technical hikes that require a guide (it’s always best to ask locally for those), or easy trails suitable for the entire family.
Among my favorite hikes, there’s the one that goes around the Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) in Cagliari. That’s right: you don’t even have to get out of town to enjoy a hike. It’s a moderate trail that will grant you great views of the coast below.
I also love the Strada Romana hike. The trail starts in Pinus Village, a 45-minute drive from Cagliari, and it’s easy to follow.
Gorropu Canyon is a great area for hiking. This is the deepest gorge in Europe. There are many trails of varying difficulty you can pick from (I like the Sa Barva Bridge trail, it’s not too challenging). Some depart from Dorgali, others from Urzulei – they are on opposite sides of the canyon. Gorropu is also one of the best places to go climbing in Sardinia.
The best long-distance coastal trail is by far the Selvaggio Blu, a challenging 6-day hike mixed with some canyoning that goes to some of the most isolated beaches on the Baunei Coast.
Asinara Island is another great hiking (as well as biking) destination, with a multitude of trails around the island.
For guidance on the best trails on the island, you will want to read my post Where To Go Hiking In Sardinia.
Eat
One of the best things to do in Sardinia is to eat. As food is very regional in Italy, don’t come here expecting to find dishes such as lasagne or carbonara on the menu. We have our own dishes here, and I promise you they are delicious.
These are some of the dishes you need to try during your trip:
Culurgiones – Our version of ravioli (but better), they are made with potatoes and cheese. Beware: each village (or rather, family) has its own recipe, and each of them claims it is the best.
Malloreddus – A tiny kind of pasta (mistakenly called “ghocchetti sardi” in Italy, though it’s not even remotely similar to gnocchi). It cooks very al dente and is served with a sauce made with tomatoes and Sardinian sausage, and a sprinkle of pecorino cheese.
Fregola – In Cagliari, we eat this sort of large cous cous with clams and in a brothy sauce.
Porceddu – Sardinia’s most acclaimed meat dish is a slow-roasted suckling pig. If you are interested in trying it, find a good agriturismo and book your meal in advance, as it takes hours to cook!
Bottarga – Known as Sardinia caviar, it’s made with dried mullet or tuna eggs. It’s usually eaten with bread, butter, or oil and a drop of lemon; used grated on pasta or used in other recipes. You will even find it on pizza occasionally – that’s how much we love it here.
Sardinian cheese – From pecorino to casizzolu, from casu marzu (Sardinia’s infamous “rotten cheese”) to milder cheeses, Sardinia is a land of cheese. Make sure to try at least one during your trip.
My post, The Best Sardinian Food You Need To Try, guides you to many more dishes you can try during your trip to Sardinia.
The best places to fully appreciate traditional Sardinian food are agriturismi – rural restaurants often also having rooms, where Sardinian dishes are prepared from scratch using solely locally sourced ingredients.
To learn how to make the best Sardinian dishes at home, you could consider joining a cooking class. Pasta-making classes like this one will be held in a local’s home – usually a grandma will be teaching you how to make the best one!
If you want to try the food, but don’t feel like cooking it, then it’s best if you take a guided food tour. I recommend this wine tasting and food tour in Cagliari that includes lots of tastings of local specialties.
Drink Sardinian wine (or beer)
Sardinia is packed with great vineyards where you can go on wine tasting tours to learn about the wine-making process.
I am a fan of Cantine Argiolas, a winery in Serdiana, the small town where my mom is from, just 20 minutes by car from Cagliari. If you are in Alghero, consider going to Sella e Mosca, the largest winery on the island.
You should also make sure to try Nepente di Oliena, a strong red Cannonau wine that is perfect paired with pork dishes or Sardinia’s strong pecorino cheese.
And for the best Vermentino (Sardinia’s signature white wine), head to the Gallura region. My favorite winery there is Surrau. They run excellent wine tasting experiences.
My posts A Guide To Sardinian Wines and The Best Wineries In Sardinia will guide you through the best varietals to try and where to try them.
To make the most of local wines, you may want to consider a wine tasting experience. This wine tasting tour in Alghero is one of the most popular on the island.
If you don’t love wine, worry not. Sardinians are actually massive beer drinkers. Our local beer is Ichnusa – though we now have many craft beers too. And Sardinia’s liquor of choice is mirto, made of myrtle berries.
Enjoy a glorious sunset in Sardinia
Finally, one of the top free things to do in Sardinia is to admire a glorious sunset. Depending on where you base yourself, Sardinia will gift you with incredible light.
These are my favorite sunset spots on the island:
Alghero Bastions – The view of Capo Caccia from the Bastions is simply stunning.
Masua Pan di Zucchero – You get to see the sun disappear behind the islet.
S’Archittu – Located on the west coast of Sardinia, this massive rock arch is a locals’ favorite place to plunge into the clear waters, but also a fantastic sunset spot.
Via Santa Croce, Cagliari – A gorgeous terrace in the Castello District of Cagliari, from where you can see the sun setting over the roofs of Stampace.
I have written a post on Where To See The Sunset In Sardinia that is the perfect guide for the most romantic ones.
Things To Do In Sardinia – Quick Comparison
| Experience | Best Area | Best Time | Car Needed | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Famous/Protected beaches | North & South coasts | May–Sept | Yes | Often |
| Boat trips | East coast | June–Sept | Yes | Yes |
| Archaeology | West & South | Year-round | Yes | No |
| Village life | Central Sardinia | Spring/Fall | Yes | No |
| Hiking | Central & East | Spring/Fall | Yes | No |
| Wildlife & lagoons | South & West coast | Spring | Yes | No |
Choose Your Sardinia Base
If you’re not sure where to focus for your Sardinia trip, use this quick guide:
- Beaches + easy logistics: South Sardinia (Cagliari, Villasimius, Chia).
- Iconic coves & boat trips: East coast (Santa Maria Navarrese or Cala Gonone) and Maddalena Archipelago.
- Towns, food & slower travel: West coast (Oristano, Bosa, Alghero)
- Luxury beaches & short drives: Emerald Coast (Olbia area)
- Hiking & traditions: Central Sardinia (Nuoro, Orgosolo, Seulo) and the Ogliastra region (Baunei, Dorgali, and Cala Gonone).
Practical Planning
Do you need a car in Sardinia?
Public transportation works well within Sardinia’s largest cities (Cagliari, Sassari, Olbia, and Alghero), but unless you stay in a city and take guided tours, you will need a car. Most beaches and smaller towns require a car.
I recommend using Discover Cars for car rental in Sardinia. It’s a third-party booking site that allows you to compare the prices of various car rental providers and pick the best one for your needs.
My Guide to Renting a Car in Sardinia will help you pick the best car for your travel needs. I also recommend reading my Guide to Driving in Sardinia for a smoother trip.
How many days do you need?
Sardinia is a big island, and you can’t possibly explore all of it in a short trip. Here’s what I recommend:
- 3–4 days: ideal for a city break (Cagliari or Alghero). In the summer season, you can also visit a nearby beach. From Cagliari, you can see the beaches of Costa Rei, Villasimius, and Chia on a day trip; whereas from Alghero, you can go to La Pelosa.
- 7 days: one to two bases, best if no more than a one-hour drive from each other.
- 10–14 days: ideal for a road trip around the island (change base every 2 or 3 nights).
My post, How Many Days Do You Need In Sardinia?, will help you decide how long to stay.
Where should first-timers stay?
If it’s your first time in Sardinia, as a local, I find that Cagliari (in the south of Sardinia) or Alghero (in the north-west) offer the best balance of access, food, and day trips.
FAQs on Traveling To Sardinia
Yes, Sardinia is worth visiting even if you don’t plan on renting a car. If you’d rather move around Sardinia using trains or public buses, I recommend picking cities like Cagliari or Alghero and joining guided group tours for your day trips. You won’t need a car to explore within the city.
Besides its beaches, Sardinia is best known for its culture, history, food, and landscapes, many of which are unlike anywhere else in Italy. Here are the main things Sardinia is famous for beyond its beaches:
Ancient history and archaeology – Sardinia is home to thousands of nuraghi, prehistoric stone towers found nowhere else in the world, as well as Phoenician and Roman sites such as Nora and Tharros.
Strong local traditions – From village festivals and religious processions to distinctive masks and costumes, many traditions are still lived rather than performed for visitors.
Longevity and the Blue Zone – Several small towns in Sardinia are part of the world’s Blue Zones, where people are known for exceptional longevity linked to lifestyle, diet, and social ties.
Distinct cuisine – Sardinian food is very different from mainland Italian cuisine, with dishes based on bread, pecorino cheese, slow-cooked meats, seafood, and local wines like Cannonau and Vermentino.
Wild inland landscapes – Mountains, forests, gorges, and plateaus dominate the interior, offering hiking, pastoral scenery, and remote villages.
Languages and identity – Sardinian is a recognized minority language with several local variants, reinforcing a strong sense of regional identity.
For first-time visitors, Sardinia is best enjoyed by keeping things simple and well-paced. The island is large, distances are longer than they look, and the highlights are spread out.
Here are my best tips to get the most out of a first trip:
Choose one main base rather than moving every night – Cagliari and Alghero are the easiest starting points, with good transport, food, and day trips.
Combine beaches with culture – Mix time at well-known beaches with historic towns, archaeological sites, or inland villages.
Do one boat trip – Ideally along the east coast (Gulf of Orosei) or in La Maddalena Archipelago, but Villasimius and Cagliari also offer great boat tours.
Visit at least one historic site – There are lots to pick from: Nora, Tharros, or a nuraghe (Su Nuraxi is the most famous one).
Sardinia is a very family-friendly destination, especially if you focus on easy beaches, short drives, and outdoor activities. For a trip with kids, the key is to mix sea time with low-stress sightseeing.
Here are my top recommendations for visiting Sardinia with children:
Pick child-friendly beaches with shallow water and soft sand – best found in Villasimius, Costa Rei, Chia, and La Maddalena.
Stay in one base to avoid long travel days. Coastal towns with services and walkable centers work best for families. The best ones are Villasimius, San Teodoro, and Budoni.
Take a shorter boat trip, ideally half-day rather than full-day, to keep it manageable for younger children.
Visit easy archaeological sites, like Nora or Tharros, where ruins are open-air and close to the sea.
Explore nature without long hikes, such as coastal paths, lagoons with flamingos, or forested picnic areas.
Use water parks or organized activities in family-friendly summer resort areas if you need a break from sightseeing.
Final Considerations
As you can see, there are many things to see in Sardinia. However, Sardinia is not a place to rush: distances here are longer than you’d expect, landscapes change dramatically from coast to interior, and some of the most rewarding moments come from slowing down rather than chasing highlights.
The island offers a fantastic mix of beaches, ancient history, traditional villages, and wild landscapes, often within a short drive of each other.
You can spend one day exploring archaeological sites or inland towns, and the next swimming in clear water or walking coastal paths. This variety is what makes Sardinia so special, especially if you like combining nature with culture.
Let me stress once again that, for a first trip, you will be better off choosing one area (or two, depending on how long you are staying) and exploring it well. You won’t be able to cover the entire island in just one trip.
Sardinia rewards curiosity, flexibility, and time—whether you’re drawn by its coastline, its food, or its strong local identity.
What are the things to do in Sardinia that you are most looking forward to?
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I find it a bit cold, but most people still swim in June! This post may be a good read for you https://strictlysardinia.com/sardinia-sea-temperature/
I just finished reading all the lovely information you gave. I have a question about travelling in Sardenia in June. Is the ocean water really warm enough to swim during June. I live in Southern California and love ocean swimming!
Thanks!
Hello! I am not completely sure I understand your request – I will try to answer, but if this is not what you are looking for feel free to send me an email at [email protected] and I will see how I can help.
You can definitely join guided day trips in Sardinia – for example, there is a guided tour that goes from Cagliari to Nora. Likewise, there are many guided day tours in Bologna too (I was just there last weekend!). Together with Kelku and Arasole, we offer two guided tours of Sardinia but the first one departs in October – you can see it at https://strictlysardinia.com/strictly-sardinia-tours/cagliari-in-depth/ – perhaps, what we could do is put together an itinerary for you if you wish, but as it would be a private tour, I’d need to see what your requirements are before I can give you a quote. If that’s the case, send me an email so we can give you a quote.
Hello Claudia…been reading your lovely posts.
We are returning to Sardinia for our 4th visit since 1983…and most recently in September 2019 before Covid. Visited in North (Olbia and other towns) and South (Cagliari and nearby towns) Sardinia, visiting the adjacent gorgous islands.
Love the beaches in September and eating many delicious meals.
We are coming in September again for 3 weeks, with 5 days in Corsica via Moby return ferry…starting in Nora and driving North and then South to Cagliari, again visiting many beaches & restaurants.
Our question, is it possible to join “small group” tours starting in Nora and as we move around Sardinia…we try to avoid big crowds and stay in a smaller intimate groups, as Italo/Canadian seniors.
Also, after Sardinia, same question for 10 day tour of Bologna area, from Tassara thru Parma, Modena, Cento, Verona, San Moreno areas of/close to Reggio Emilgia….ending up in Milano,
Can we simply drive up to cheese, vinegar, prosciutto, vineyard (agritourismo) tours
and join small groups….of course, with a fee.
Grazie.
Love Italy.
Anthony (Nino) e Loretta
Sardinia is not like the Greek islands where there are cats everywhere. You can stay on the main island – Sardinia – and be fine.
I will be in Sardania in the month of October. I am very highly allegic to cats. Which islands do you recommend not to go.
Hello! I don’t know all the cities you are planning to visit, but if you navigate my site under All Topics, then Visit Sardinia, then accommodation, you will find a list of posts about the best places to stay in many many places around the island. I hope it helps!
Hi Claudia,
I loved your article is well informed and gives me many ideas! I’m landing into Cagliari and I’m planing to stay for 7 days. I would love to see the must of Sardinia.
Where do you think is best to stay for 2-3 nights in each city (except Cagliari as we will stay there for the first 2 nights) which will be easier for us to drive around the must places without spending too much time on driving ?Thank you in advance for your advices 🙂
There are a few gluten free restaurants and pizzerie in Cagliari, and most places will have gluten free options for pasta and bread, and a selection of meat and seafood dishes, or even vegetarian and vegan dishes which are all naturally gluten free. If you are celiac, the issue is contamination though. In that case, you may want to enquire before going. I have a friend who is gluten intolerant who has no issues here in town, and one who is celiac and she eats regularly at normal restaurants, but orders meat / fish dishes.
How easy is it to find local gluten free meals and food options in Sardenia (for someone who is celiac)?
Have you read my post Easter in Sardinia?
Fantastic information Claudia. Can you suggest the best place to be in during Easter time. We are planning a 5 day trip April this year. Which place would be good to travel from Germany. Will the water be too cold to get in at that time.
Most good restaurants list allergens in the menu. Gluten is unfortunately very common, but rice dishes are common and many restaurants now have gluten free pasta. If it’s an allergy, they should be ok as most places will have options. If your friend is actually celiac, you’d need somewhere that is gluten free to avoid contamination. Soy is not common. The best way to go is to check the menu for allergens and in any case ask the waiters – prepare yourself a little card with words in English / Italian and symbols if necessary.
We are visiting in october and have someone with us that is allergic to gluten, soy, sunflower and tree nuts.
Do you have any ideas to help us with allergies and dealing with restrictions in restaurants?
Alghero – it has an airport too.
Hi love this but I’m so confused as to where I want to stay as I’d love a old town marina beach area all mixed into one with fabulous food,shops etc but travelling alone so prefer to stay near to olbia airport I would love your advice.
Definitely get in touch for a customized itinerary. You can use my Sardinia holidays planning page to review my services and pick whichever you think is the most suitable!
Hey, thanks for the useful information.
I’m bringing my kids over at the end of July. Any recommendations? Things to do and places to eat!
Thanks in advance.
Ricky
I have a post on renting a car in Olbia (just input “renting a car in Olbia” in the little search lens at the top of the page) that will explain everything!
Dear Claudia,
Thank you for your great article. Very helpful.
I’m traveling to Sardinia this Friday (flight to Olbia) and wondering whether it’s best to get a rental car at the airport or downtown. Airport seems pricy, but I don’t know of any (local) rental companies down town.
What do you think?
Love to hear from you. Thank you in advance.
Wouter
Hello Lukas, my email can be found in my About Me page, in my Work With Me page and it’s all over my Sardinia Holidays Planning page. You can access each of these pages easily from the menu bar. San Teodoro is a great place to visit for beaches, nightlife etc. I have a dedicated post to San Teodoro you can read. I also have a specific post about Cala Brandinchi, one about Tavolara, one about Molara. You could spend the second part of your holiday in La Maddalena. I have a dedicated post about that too! 🙂 I hope this helps!
Hi Claudia, your article is great thank you. Very helpful.
If i may ask, I’m flying to and from Olbia next week. I am staying for 10 days, and i was looking for the most stunning beaches (mainly coming for the beaches). I have shortlisted St Teodoro due to having read and seeing some lovely white sand beaches such as La Cinta. Can i please get your opinion? We are a youngish (late 20s) couple looking for some nice area with shops/restaurants and some bars with some very pretty beaches, what area would you say we should visit/stay please? (Either in St Teodoro or a different part) where are the most beautiful beaches please? We are thinking of dividing our time between 2 places, any ideas please? Within 2h of Olbia airport if possible. Really appreciate any feedback, and is there a way to send a private email? You mention you do a planning service, would love to possibly hire you.
Many thanks.
Hello Franc, thank you for leaving a comment. I do offer a Sardinia Holidays Planning service if you are interested. I have a dedicated page on this site which clarifies what the service is about. Feel free to read it and get in touch 🙂
Hi
We are planing to visit Sardinia at the end of June. Landing in Cagliari, rent a car and drive over Sardinia to nord and have a flight from Olbia to Bruxeles. We prefer to visit picturesc historic and natural places, not packed turist one. Please for suggestions.
Franc and Ajda Gracia Golob
That’s the idea!
Your article makes me want to go there this summer! Thank you Claudia.
Depends on where you are flying out!
Thanks for the info Claudia. We will be going to Sardegna end of July, for 1 week. We would like to spend a couple of nights in 3 main locations. 1 of them would be Cagliari since that’s where we will be landing. What other 2 locations would you suggest please? 😊 thank you
Hello! Thank you for commenting. Make sure to read my post on the best agriturismo in Sardinia, and the one on the best time to visit in Sardinia. Not sure if by Mart you mean to say “March” or “May” so I can’t answer your question. To find the post, use the lens / search bar.
Please can you recommend some good agritourism for sleep and eat ?
And we are planing to come in end of Mart , what kind of weather can we expect?
I am looking forward for your answers 🙂
Best regards,
Zdravka
Thank you for your comment Adrian. October can actually be a bit of a hit and miss in Sardinia when it comes to beach weather. Some years, we go to the beach and even swim well into mid October; other years, September already starts getting chilly. The good news is that there is plenty to do other than the beach, anyways – so you may want to come!
Hi Claudia, thank you for all the information. I will be in Florence in September next year for a few months and will be celebrating my 60th birthday in October. Will the Sardinian weather be OK for swimming and suntanning at that time of year? I’m thinking of flying to Caglieri and spending a few day there and then driving to some other places. Cheers ?
Of course!
Thank you for a beautiful page of information on sardinia???
I don’t know of any!
Amazing!! Thanks for all the information. ? Any speak easy restaurant in the northern part of Sardinia or recommended vineyard tour with gastronomic dining/view? Looking for very unique type of experience while I’m there.
Glad you found it useful!
Fantastic information thank you!