Sardinia is a beautiful island located off the coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and rugged coastline. Visitors can explore the island’s charming towns and villages, which offer a unique blend of Italian and Spanish cultures, or relax on the island’s beautiful beaches. Sardinia is also home to a range of ancient ruins and archaeological sites, including the Nuragic complex of Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is also famous for its delicious local cuisine, which features fresh seafood, lamb, and traditional Sardinian pastas.
Official tourism website:
https://www.italia.it/en/sardinia
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The Best Places to Visit in Sardinia
Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda is a stretch of coastline in north-eastern Sardinia known for its clear turquoise water, white-sand beaches and luxury resorts. Developed in the 1960s with the support of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the area became an international destination for yachting and high-end tourism. Porto Cervo serves as its main centre, featuring marinas, boutiques and restaurants. Despite the development, much of the coastline retains attractive coves and granite landscapes.
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Maddalena Archipelago
The Maddalena Archipelago is a group of islands located off the north-eastern coast of Sardinia between Sardinia and Corsica. The area forms a national park known for its clear water, granite rock formations and numerous small beaches. The largest island, La Maddalena, is connected by bridge to Caprera, where Giuseppe Garibaldi spent his final years. Boat trips are a common way to explore the surrounding islands and secluded coves.
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Alghero (Old Town)
Alghero is a historic coastal town on Sardinia’s north-western coast. Founded in the Middle Ages and later ruled by the Crown of Aragon, it retains strong Catalan cultural influences. The old town is enclosed by well-preserved sea walls and contains narrow streets, churches and small squares. Nearby coastal scenery includes cliffs, beaches and the famous Neptune’s Grotto sea cave at Capo Caccia, which can be reached by boat or a long cliffside staircase.
La Pelosa Beach (Stintino)
La Pelosa Beach is one of Sardinia’s most famous beaches, located near the town of Stintino on the island’s north-west coast. It is known for its shallow, crystal-clear water and fine white sand, which give the sea a striking turquoise colour. The beach faces the small island of Piana and the 16th-century Torre della Pelosa watchtower. Due to its popularity and fragile ecosystem, visitor numbers are regulated during the summer months.
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Cala Mariolu
Cala Mariolu is a small beach located along the Gulf of Orosei on Sardinia’s eastern coast. It is known for its clear turquoise water and distinctive shoreline made up of smooth white pebbles rather than sand. Surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, the cove is typically reached by boat from nearby ports such as Cala Gonone, or by hiking routes through the Supramonte mountains. The area is also popular for swimming and snorkelling.
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Nora Archaeological Park
Nora Archaeological Park is an important ancient site located on a peninsula near the town of Pula in southern Sardinia. Originally founded by the Phoenicians and later developed under Roman rule, it contains the remains of temples, baths, houses and a well-preserved Roman theatre. Mosaics, streets and harbour structures reveal the layout of the former city, which was once a significant trading centre in the western Mediterranean.
Cagliari
Cagliari is the capital and largest city of Sardinia, located on the island’s southern coast. Its historic centre, Castello, stands on a hill overlooking the harbour and contains medieval walls, towers and the Cathedral of Santa Maria. The city developed under successive Phoenician, Roman, Pisan and Spanish rule, leaving a varied architectural heritage. Nearby Poetto Beach stretches for several kilometres and forms one of the main recreational areas.
La Maddalena
La Maddalena is the largest town in the Maddalena Archipelago, located off the north-eastern coast of Sardinia. Founded in the 18th century, it developed as a naval base and maritime centre. The town has a small historic centre with colourful buildings, piazzas and a harbour lined with cafés and shops. It serves as the main gateway for exploring the surrounding islands and beaches within the Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
Su Nuraxi is the best-known example of a Nuragic archaeological site in Sardinia, located near the town of Barumini in the island’s south. Built around the 16th century BC, the complex consists of a central stone tower surrounded by additional towers and defensive walls. It formed the centre of a large prehistoric settlement. The site provides important evidence of the Nuragic civilisation and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Bosa
Bosa is a small historic town on Sardinia’s western coast, located along the banks of the Temo River. Colourful houses line the riverfront, while the hill above the town is dominated by the medieval Malaspina Castle. The historic centre contains narrow streets, churches and traditional buildings. Bosa has long been known for fishing, wine production and lace-making, and remains one of the island’s more distinctive small towns.
Gola Su Gorropu
Gola Su Gorropu is a dramatic limestone canyon located in eastern Sardinia between the Supramonte mountains and the Gulf of Orosei. Often described as one of Europe’s deepest gorges, its towering cliffs rise more than 400 metres in places. The canyon can be reached by hiking trails from nearby villages such as Urzulei and Dorgali. The area is known for its rugged scenery, rare plant species and challenging trekking routes.
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Cala Gonone
Cala Gonone is a coastal town on the eastern side of Sardinia, located along the Gulf of Orosei. Originally a small fishing village, it has developed into a base for exploring the surrounding coastline and mountains. The harbour offers boat trips to nearby beaches and sea caves, including Cala Luna and Grotta del Bue Marino. The town also provides access to hiking routes within the Supramonte region.
Sant’Antioco
Sant’Antioco is an island and town located off the south-western coast of Sardinia, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The settlement has ancient origins, with remains from Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman periods. Its historic centre includes catacombs, archaeological sites and the Basilica of Sant’Antioco, dedicated to the island’s patron saint. The surrounding coastline features small beaches, fishing communities and areas known for traditional tuna fishing.
Castelsardo
Castelsardo is a picturesque town located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, known for its beautiful medieval center, historic castle, and stunning sea views. Visitors can explore the town’s winding streets and charming alleyways, visit the beautiful cathedral, or enjoy stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.
Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo is a beautiful seaside town on the Costa Smeralda, known for its luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and high-end shopping. Visitors can enjoy a range of water sports, including sailing and snorkeling, or simply relax and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine on one of the many beautiful beaches.