Sardinia - what to see on holiday?

Sardinia holidays - what you need to know

Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a great destination for a beach holiday, but it would be a shame to limit yourself to the hotel and the nearest beach. The island is large and diverse, with plenty of places worth planning a separate trip to.

Before you travel, it is best to choose a specific part of Sardinia that you are eager to explore. Journeys between the north and south of the island can take several hours, so it is better not to try to see everything in just a few days.

Where is Sardinia? Is Sardinia part of Italy?

Sardinia lies in the Mediterranean Sea, west of the Italian Peninsula and south of Corsica. It belongs to Italy but has the status of an autonomous region.

This matters because Sardinia has a forceful local identity. You can see it in the cuisine, language, traditions and architecture. It is not “another Italian island”. Sardinia has a completely different atmosphere from Rome, Venice or Tuscany.

Sardinia weather

Sardinia has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and sunny, while winters are mild. The most popular time for a holiday is from June to September, when the weather is ideal for beach days and boat trips.

If you do not like the hottest temperatures and biggest crowds, consider May, early June, September or early October. It is a good time for sightseeing, walks, nature trips and trekking.

In July and August, it is worth planning activities in the morning or late afternoon. In the middle of the day, the beach, a swim in the sea or a rest in the shade are usually the best options.

Already have your hotel and flights but need ideas for what to do once you are there? Check out excursions in Sardinia and choose attractions that suit your holiday style.

Sardinia airports

Sardinia has three main airports:

• Cagliari-Elmas - best if you are planning to stay in the south of the island,

• Olbia-Costa Smeralda - convenient for north-eastern Sardinia and Costa Smeralda,
• Alghero-Riviera del Corallo - a good choice for the north-western part of the island.

Choosing the right airport matters a lot. If you land in Cagliari, but your hotel is near Olbia, you need to allow for a long journey. Before booking your flight, check exactly where your accommodation is and which attractions you want to visit.

Which is better: Sardinia or Sicily?

It is a common question, but the answer depends on your travel style.

Sardinia is better if you dream of beautiful beaches, boat trips, bays, clear water, and a more relaxing holiday. It is a great choice for anyone who would like to combine beach time with a few excursions.

Sicily will appeal more to those who want to spend more time exploring cities, landmarks, ancient ruins and volcanic landscapes. It has more major historical attractions and a more urban feel.

What to see in Sardinia?

Sardinia has many interesting cities and towns. Some are ideal for a short walk, while others can serve as a base for a few days. Below you will find places worth adding to your holiday itinerary.

Cagliari - the island’s capital

Cagliari is Sardinia’s largest city and the capital of the island. For many people, it is their first introduction to Sardinia, especially if they fly into the south.

The most interesting part of the city is Castello, the historic district set on a hill. It is worth wandering through its narrow streets, seeing the cathedral, viewpoints and old walls, which offer great views of the city, port, and sea.

In Cagliari, make sure to visit the Marina district, with its restaurants, bars and local atmosphere. If you want a break from sightseeing, head to Poetto Beach. It is a long urban beach popular with both tourists and locals.

Olbia - northern Sardinia

Olbia is an important port and airport city in north-eastern Sardinia. The city itself is not as picture-perfect at Alghero or Bosa, but its location is very practical.

It is a good base if you want to explore Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, the beaches of north-eastern Sardinia or take a boat trip towards the La Maddalena Archipelago.

In Olbia, it is worth strolling along the main street, Corso Umberto, stopping at local restaurants and using the city as a convenient starting point for further trips.

Alghero - “Little Barcelona”

Alghero lies on Sardinia’s north-western coast. It is often called “Little Barcelona” because of the Catalan influences visible throughout the city. It is one of the most atmospheric places on the island.

Alghero is best explored on foot. The old town has narrow streets, stone town houses, restaurants, small shops and defensive walls by the sea. It is especially pleasant in the evening, when the city settles into a slower rhythm, and the restaurants begin to fill up.

Alghero is also a good base for visiting Neptune’s Grotto and Capo Caccia. If you are planning to explore north-western Sardinia, it is worth staying here for at least 1–2 days.

Porto Cervo - the Emerald Coast

Porto Cervo is a well-known resort on Costa Smeralda, the Emerald Coast. The area is associated with luxury, a marina, yachts, boutiques and elegant hotels.

You do not need to spend your entire holiday here, but it is worth visiting for a walk. Porto Cervo shows a different side of Sardinia - more exclusive and polished. It is best to combine your visit with a drive around the nearby beaches or a tour of Costa Smeralda.

Bosa - pastel-coloured houses

Bosa is a charming town in north-western Sardinia. It is well-known for its colourful, pastel-coloured houses along the Temo River. Malaspina Castle rises above the town and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Bosa is quieter than the popular resorts. It is worth coming here for a walk, coffee, photos and slow-paced sightseeing. It is a good place if you want to see a more intimate side of Sardinia, less focused on a typical beach holiday.

Bosa is best explored without rushing. Walk along the river, climb the castle hill, and get lost for a while in the streets of the old town.

Stintino - a beach resort

Stintino is a resort that attracts visitors mainly because of La Pelosa Beach.

It is beautiful, but very popular during the season. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, it is best to arrive early in the morning or outside the peak season. It is also worth checking the current beach access rules in advance, as popular places may have visitor limits or require reservations.

If you aim to get to know Cagliari, Alghero or the ancient ruins better, choose a tour with a local guide. It is a convenient way to see more without having to plan the entire route yourself.

Sardinia attractions - what is worth visiting?

Sardinia is not just cities and beaches. The island has caves, national parks, canyons, islands, ruins, and places best discovered on day trips.

Neptune’s Grotto

Neptune’s Grotto is one of Sardinia’s best-known attractions. It is located at Capo Caccia, near Alghero. Inside, you can see an underground lake, stalactites, and stalagmites.

You can reach the grotto by boat from Alghero or walk down the steps carved into the rock. The staircase is scenic, but it requires a reasonable level of fitness, especially on hot days.

It is good for people who enjoy unusual places and want to see Sardinia from a more spectacular side. Before you go, it is worth checking the opening hours and weather conditions, as boat trips may be cancelled when sea conditions are poor.

La Maddalena Archipelago - the Italian Maldives

The La Maddalena Archipelago is a place that appears on most postcards from Sardinia. Turquoise water, pale beaches, small islands and bays make a boat trip around this area one of the most popular excursions on the island.

Boat trips most often depart from northern Sardinia, including the area around Palau. The itinerary usually includes stops for swimming, beach time and admiring the islands from the boat.

The phrase “Italian Maldives” sounds impressive, but in this case, it is easy to see where it comes from - the colours of the water really are striking.

Gola Su Gorropu Canyon

Gola Su Gorropu is one of the deepest canyons in Europe - its vertical walls reach up to 400 metres.

The route requires more preparation than an ordinary city walk, so it is an attraction for active travellers. In summer, you need to be especially careful with the heat and bring enough water.

Gola Su Gorropu is worth choosing if you want a break from the beaches and would like to see Sardinia’s rugged, rocky side. It is an impressive place, but it is best approached with good judgement and proper preparation.

Gennargentu National Park - mountains in Sardinia

Sardinia is mainly associated with beaches, but its interior is mountainous, wild, and far less obvious. Gennargentu National Park shows a wholly different side of the island.

This is a place for people who enjoy nature, trekking and quieter regions away from the resorts. You can see mountains, valleys, traditional villages and landscapes that are very different from coastal Sardinia.

The ancient city of Tharros

Tharros is located on the Sinis Peninsula on Sardinia’s west coast. It is an important archaeological site, beautifully situated by the sea.

The ruins, columns, and coastal views create a place that will appeal to both history fans and people looking for interesting photo spots. Tharros is best combined with exploring the Sinis Peninsula and the beaches of western Sardinia.

What to do with children in Sardinia?

Sardinia can be a great destination for a family holiday. You just need to choose the right sightseeing pace and attractions.

The best options with children include:

• beaches with a gentle entry into the water,
• shorter boat trips with swimming stops,
• walks around towns such as Bosa, Alghero or Cagliari,
• easy-to-reach viewpoints,
• water parks in Sardinia (e.g. Aquadream, BluFan, Diverland).

Boat trips are also a good idea, but it is worth choosing an itinerary that is not too long or tiring. For younger children, a full-day trip with several stops can be enjoyable, but only if the pace is not too intense.

Sardinia beaches

Beaches are one of the reasons tourists choose Sardinia. The island has both wide sandy beaches and small coves hidden between rocks. Some are easy to reach by car, while others are best seen on a boat trip.

1. Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) - is located on the island of Budelli in the La Maddalena Archipelago. It is famed for the pink shade of its sand, created by tiny fragments of shells and marine organisms. It is protected, so it should not be treated like an ordinary place for sunbathing. Likewise, it is worth seeing during a boat trip around the archipelago while respecting the rules designed to protect nature.
2. La Pelosa - near Stintino is one of Sardinia’s best-known beaches. Pale sand, shallow water and a view of the tower make it look like something from a holiday brochure. The beach is beautiful, but do not expect to have it to yourself in July and August. It is best appreciated outside the peak season or in the morning.
3. Spiaggia di Tuerredda - lies in southern Sardinia and is one of the most beautiful beaches in this part of the island. It has pale sand, clear water and a bay sheltered from the open sea. It is a good choice if you are staying around Cagliari, Chia or Pula. The beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the water, but it can also get crowded during the season.
4. Cala Mariolu - one of the gems of the Gulf of Orosei. It is surrounded by pale rocks, and the water is an intense turquoise colour. The beach is often visited on boat trips along Sardinia’s east coast.
5. Spiaggia Piscinas - shows a completely different side of Sardinia. It is a wide, wild beach known for its huge dunes and more rugged landscape. It does not have the resort atmosphere found in the north of the island.

Sardinia excursions

Sardinia is a great destination for excursions. Even if you are spending your holiday at a hotel, it is worth planning at least one day beyond the immediate area.

The most popular excursion ideas include:

• a boat trip around the La Maddalena Archipelago - for anyone who wants to see turquoise water, islands and bays,
• Neptune’s Grotto and Capo Caccia - a good choice if you are staying around Alghero,
• cruise to Villasimus - discover one of the most spectacular landscapes of the southern Sardinian coast,
• a guided tour of Cagliari - if you want to get to know the island’s capital better,
• a trip to Nora or Tharros - for anyone interested in history,
• trekking in Gennargentu or Gola Su Gorropu - for active travellers.

Summary - Is Sardinia worth visiting?

Sardinia is an island with plenty of possibilities. You can spend your holiday on the beach, but you can also explore cities, caves, ancient ruins, mountains and small islands.

For a first trip, it is worth choosing one part of Sardinia and planning your sightseeing around it. If you are staying in the north, La Maddalena, Costa Smeralda, Alghero, Stintino and Neptune’s Grotto are suitable options. If you pick the south, focus on Cagliari, Nora, Tuerredda and trips towards the western or south-eastern coast.

Most importantly, do not try to see everything at once. Sardinia is best enjoyed when you have time for the beach, a walk around a town, a boat trip, local food and a moment with no plans at all.