Enjoy the best places to visit in Sardinia and explore this iconic island in style. Perfect for families, couples and friends, Sardinia is an island that caters for all. Find out about our top tips and tricks for your visit and enjoy the perfect holiday.
Best places to visit in Sardinia: nature
Sardinia is an island in Italy that boasts a range of jaw-dropping scenery. From raw coastline to pristine beaches, it’s no wonder it is such a popular destination for holidaymakers. Take in some amazing nature reserves and wildlife along the way and enjoy your time in the serene setting of Sardinia.
Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara
Sardinia is great for a lot of reasons, not least its natural beauty. So a great place to start in our list of best things to do in Sardinia is at Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara. Located on a small island off the north coast of Sardinia, it’s a magical place to visit. Set in 51 square km, you’ll find beautiful isolated beaches, Mediterranean vegetation, and a raw and rocky coastline.
Also known for its native albino donkeys, there’s so much to love about this national park. You can only reach the island via boat from either Porto Torres, which takes about 1h 15min, or Stintino, which takes around 45min. Now a paradise for day-trippers and hikers, this island’s history is more ominous, with it having been home to a maximum-security prison back in the 1970s.
There are some great hiking trails on the island, which are marked for ease of use. During the walks, you’ll also be able to enjoy medieval ruins and derelict buildings that convey the park’s rich history. This is a great place to visit for families, too, with there being an abundance of nature for all ages to enjoy. The best time to visit the island is during spring or autumn, so that you can avoid the intense summer heat.
Molentargius Nature Reserve
Another of the best places to visit in Sardinia if you want to be at one with nature is Molentargius Nature Reserve. Located east of Cagliari, it’s a great place to escape from the urban bustle of the capital city. Once an old salt works, this nature reserve was turned into a wetland where wildlife, such as migrating birds, flourish during the winter months. Some of the most famous visitors to these wetlands are the pink flamingo, which are a sight to behold once they take to the air.
One of the best ways to enjoy this park is using a bicycle, with there being some great paths for you to use. To get to the park, you can jump on the number 3 bus from Cagliari, which takes in the region of 25min. Due to the wetlands being a prime location during the winter months, this is when we recommend visiting.
Best places to visit in Sardinia: sightseeing
The perfect place to visit for people of all ages, Sardinia has a range of popular sightseeing hotspots for people to enjoy. Whether it’s natural phenomenon such as sea caves or ancient buildings, you’ll love the attractions on offer.
The Neptune Caves
One of the best things to do in Sardinia is visit the popular sightseeing attractions, with the Neptune Caves being one of our top suggestions. You’ll find this natural wonder close by to Alghero, and it’s reachable either by boat or on foot. Whilst the caves are 4 km long, there is only a small portion of it that is open to the public. Arguably the best sights inside the caves are stalactites and stalagmites, which can be found in abundance.
There is even a lake that can be seen in the caves, which makes for a great picture opportunity. To reach the caves, you can either take a boat from Alghero or Porto Conte or walk down (and back up) the 654 steps carved into the cliff. It’s worth noting that you’ll have to pay for a guided tour to enter the caves, which costs about €13 (£11.10) and lasts approximately 45min. This tourist hotspot is best seen in the dry months, when the seas are calmer and the steps aren’t slippery, so anytime between spring and autumn should be good.
Nuraghe Su Nuraxi
Nuraghe Su Nuraxi is also one of the best things to do in Sardinia for sightseeing. A rock structure from the Bronze age, it’s assumed that it was used as a watchtower and for sacred rituals. There are many Nuraghe in Sardinia, but one of the most popular is that of Su Nuraxi. Located near Barumini, it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts a central tower, four side towers and a small village.
You can reach Su Nuraxi in about 12min on foot from Barumini, which in turn is about a 2h 20min journey from Cagliari on bus number 9001. This is a great activity not only for history lovers but also for the family, with there being an enchanting feel around the historical site. It’s important to note that you can only access the archaeological site with a guided tour, which is included in the ticket price of about €14 (£12).
Best places to visit in Sardinia: beaches
Get your flip-flops and swimwear at the ready and head to one of Sardinia’s many beautiful beaches. Whether it’s the north or south of the island, you’ll be able to find a great place to soak up the sun and take a dip.
Spiaggia del Principe
One of the best things to do in Sardinia throughout the hotter months is visit one of the beaches, with Spiaggia del Principe being high on our recommendation list. Located in the north of the island, around a 30min drive from Olbia, it’s considered one of the most popular beaches in Sardinia. Offering white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in paradise from the moment you set your eyes on the sea. The beach itself is divided into two parts, with a rock formation carving its way through the centre of the sand.
The beach offers great amenities, too, so you can enjoy a whole day by the coast. You’ll be able to access free parking (which is about an 800-metre walk from the beach), beach chairs and umbrellas. There is also a small snack bar that offers lunch, ice creams and drinks. Our tip for the best time to visit is during the summer, but beware that it can get very busy, so it’s suggested that you arrive early to get a good spot.
You should also look to take your snorkel, with there being an array of marine life that swims in the shallow, clear water. Add to that a rocky backdrop with Mediterranean vegetation and you’ll be all set for a great day out.
Spiaggia Su Giudeu
Another of the best places to visit in Sardinia for beach fun is Spiaggia Su Giudeu, which is located in the south of the island. You can reach this beach in under 1h by car from Cagliari or around 1h 15min on bus line 129. Whilst the beach offers turquoise waters and golden sand, like many of the island’s beaches, this is a great beach for those looking for a more alternative beach day. With several reefs making this a great snorkelling spot and a big swell meaning it’s ideal for surfers, this beach has made a great name for itself.
Other activities that you can do at Spiaggia Su Giudeu include windsurfing, kayaking and hiking, which makes this a top location for sporty people. However, don’t let the talk of surfing and water sports put you off if you’re travelling with your family. There are some great swimming areas where the water is calmer, for less confident swimmers and younger children. You’ll also find a restaurant at the beach, so you can refuel at lunch for the rest of the day.
Best places to visit in Sardinia: towns
Some of the best places to visit in Sardinia are the cities and towns on the island. From the capital city to smaller urban settings, there’s so much to explore in this ancient land.
Cagliari
Cagliari is one of the best places to visit in Sardinia if you want to visit the island’s towns and cities. Being the capital city, Cagliari caters for a selection of interests. One of the most iconic things to do in the city is explore the San Remy Bastion, which can be reached by climbing from Piazza della Costituzione. A fortress that was built in the 19th century to defend the Castello Quarter and the cathedral, it’s one of the most popular attractions the city has.
If you’re after more history, then you can then visit Museo Archeologico Nazionale, which is a short walk from the bastion. Here, you’ll be able to take in some amazing artefacts from Punic, Greek and Roman times. For some peace and quiet away from the crowds, you should check out Orto Botanico, which is a beautiful garden that offers views out to the Roman amphitheatre. Alternatively, if you want to delve into local life, you should head over to San Benedetto Market, where you can taste the island’s freshest produce in an authentic setting.
Oristano
Another popular city on the island is Oristano, which is definitely worth a visit and is one of the best places to visit in Sardinia. Begin your trip at Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, which is an impressive church that was built in the early 11th century. If you’re travelling with young kids, then a great way to keep them entertained is to visit Parco Paleontologico Dinosardo, where they can enjoy the playground and the dinosaur models.
Oristano is a great place to visit throughout the year, with there being different benefits depending on the season you choose. In the summer, the obvious benefit is the glorious beaches close by. However, during February, the Sartiglia Festival takes place, which is only held in this city. With carnival-like celebrations, traditional horse-riding competitions and much more, you won’t want to miss this fascinating event.
A supplement to this festival is the Sartiglia Museum, which can be found in the centre of the city. Inside you’ll be able to find out about the history of the grand event and the main rituals and facts that are good to know.
Best places to visit in Sardinia: best of the rest
The list of best places to visit in Sardinia wouldn’t be complete without our final two destinations. From the iconic island of Sant’Antioco to the unmistakable peak of Punta Giglio, there are so many unmissable activities that you will want to add to your itinerary.
Sant’Antioco Island
Some of the other best places to visit in Sardinia include the nearby islands, such as Sant’Antioco. With a bridge connecting the mainland of Sardinia to the island, you can get there by car in about 1h 15min from Cagliari. The island offers a range of great activities, such as Sant’Antioco City, which has a beautiful port and beachfront for you to enjoy. The city also has Sant’Antioco Basilica, which is a 5th-century church, and an archaeological museum, where you can enjoy a range of artefacts found on the island.
Elsewhere in Sant’Antioco is the beach resort of Maladroxia, which has a collection of great restaurants and bars. For family fun by the beach, head to Coa Quaddus Beach, where you can enjoy great views over the ancient fortified tower of Torre Canai. Another beach that is worth visiting on the island is Cala Sapone Beach, where you can hire a pedalo or kayak to explore the waters. Sant’Antioco Island is great fun throughout the year; however, if you want to make the most of the beaches, you should consider going in the summer.
Punta Giglio
Last but not least on our list of best places to visit in Sardinia is Punta Giglio. Located in Porto Conte National Park, Punta Giglio encloses the bay of Ponte Conte alongside Capo Caccia. The limestone peak is a popular tourist spot and is a great place for a memorable photo. To get to the top of the peak, you’ll need to do a moderate hike, with there being tour guides available for a reasonable cost.
You’ll need to pay roughly €3 (£2.50) to enter the park, but the nature and wildlife on offer make this admission fee more than worth it. Throughout the national park, you’ll be able to follow explanatory plaques, too, which help guide you through the park and its history.
