Sardinia (Sardegna in Italian), Italy’s second-largest island after Sicily, beckons with a raw, untamed beauty that sets it apart. Imagine a landscape where a rugged coastline dramatically meets the crystal-clear embrace of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, turquoise, cobalt, and cerulean waters lap against shores that range from powdery white sand to dramatic rocky cliffs. For many Italians, Sardinia represents a vacanza da sogno, a dream vacation. Yet, surprisingly, for many travelers outside of Europe, this captivating island remains a relatively undiscovered gem, waiting to be explored.
Beyond the allure of its breathtaking beaches, Sardinia reveals a captivating interior. Here, you’ll find ruggedly scenic landscapes, archaeological sites that whisper tales predating even the grandeur of Rome, world-class museums showcasing the island’s rich history, and cities that proudly preserve their historical cores. Immerse yourself in the traditional culture and folkways, and you might momentarily forget you’re still in Italy. The 11 Best Things to Do in Sardinia, Italy encompass this diverse tapestry of experiences, promising an unforgettable journey.
Here’s a curated guide to some of the top things to see and do on this Mediterranean island of wonders:
1. Embark on a Scenic Drive Along Sardinia’s Most Beautiful Highway
To truly unlock the secrets of Sardinia, renting a car is highly recommended. Maximize your vehicular freedom by dedicating time to experience the Strada Panoramica SP71. Italy designates its national scenic byways as strada panoramica, and the SP71 highway, tracing the southernmost tip of Sardinia, is an exceptionally rewarding detour.
A roughly 45-minute drive south from Cagliari, the island’s capital, will lead you to the turnoff for the SP71 towards the charming town of Chia. This scenic road spans only about 16 miles, but it’s advisable to allocate at least a couple of hours to fully appreciate its splendor, allowing ample time for spontaneous stops along the way. Discover hidden coves along the route, perfect for an intimate and secluded beach experience. Be sure to follow the signs indicating the Faro Capo Spartivento, which will guide you to a short but rewarding hike leading to a lighthouse. From this vantage point, prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Mediterranean expanse.
2. Discover the Colorful Charm of Bosa
For those who yearn for the beauty of the Cinque Terre or the allure of the Amalfi Coast, but prefer a more tranquil and less crowded experience, Bosa presents an idyllic alternative. This picturesque seaside town, nestled along the Temo River, boasts colorful houses cascading down rolling hills, reminiscent of its more famous mainland counterparts. However, due to Bosa’s relative remoteness, it remains refreshingly free from the overwhelming influx of tourists.
The pastel-colored houses, reflected in the shimmering waters, create postcard-perfect scenes at every turn. Ascend to the top of the Castello di Serravalle, a medieval castle perched atop a hill overlooking the town, for a truly panoramic vista of Bosa and its surroundings. While it requires a two-hour drive north from Cagliari, Bosa’s strategic location places you closer to other captivating gems in the island’s northern region. Exploring this town should be included in your The 11 Best Things to Do in Sardinia, Italy.
3. Explore Cagliari’s Historic Castello Neighborhood
Your Sardinian adventure will likely begin in Cagliari, the island’s vibrant capital city, steeped in over 5,000 years of history. The heart of Cagliari lies within the walls of its imposing hilltop citadel, the Castello neighborhood. Here, a labyrinth of narrow, winding medieval streets awaits exploration. Discover the comprehensive archaeological museum, showcasing Sardinia’s rich past. Climb the defensive towers, some of which offer knockout panoramic views of the coastline. Marvel at the ornate 13th-century Duomo di Cagliari, the city’s cathedral. Just a short walk outside the old city walls, you’ll find remnants of Roman and Carthaginian ruins, testaments to Cagliari’s layered history. Conclude your exploration with leisurely pit stops in the area’s cozy bars, restaurants, and shops, making for a perfect way to spend an afternoon and evening immersing yourself in the city’s unique atmosphere.
4. Indulge in Luxury on the Costa Smeralda
Sardinia’s "Emerald Coast" rivals the French Riviera as an undisputed playground for Europe’s elite, attracting a significant number of Russian oligarchs and their opulent mega-yachts. The summertime action centers around Porto Cervo, a haven of breathtakingly expensive waterfront villas, bronzed and beautiful figures, all-night discos, and ever-present paparazzi hoping to capture the latest escapades of Italian politicians or film stars. If you seek a vacation experience worthy of celebrity status, the Costa Smeralda is the destination to choose.
5. Unravel the Mysteries of Nuragic Culture at Barumini
From approximately 1500 BCE to the Punic Wars in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, the Nuragic peoples reigned as the dominant culture on the island. Their legacy endures in the form of over 7,000 nuraghi, distinctive beehive-shaped stone fortresses surrounded by smaller hive-shaped buildings and, often, a defensive wall. The most impressive example of an extensive Nuragic village is Su Nuraxi at Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated about an hour north of Cagliari. Exploring this site offers a fascinating glimpse into Sardinia’s ancient past.
6. Ride a Gommone in the Golfo di Orosei
The "hidden" beaches, coves, and grottoes of the Golfo di Orosei, located on the island’s central-east coast, are renowned for their unparalleled scenery. The most efficient and enjoyable way to access these secluded treasures is by gommone, or zodiac raft, which can be rented at either Cala Gonone or Marina di Orosei. As you cruise along the coastline, you might encounter dolphins frolicking in the raft’s wake. Your journey will include stops at several different beaches, providing opportunities to swim in waters so clear and blue they defy adequate description.
7. Stroll Along Alghero’s Seafront and Descend Into Neptune’s Grotto
Located on the northwest coast, Alghero boasts 13th- to 16th-century seaside ramparts that face Spain, a testament to its past as a vassalage of the Crown of Aragon. A small percentage of the population still speaks Algherese Catalan, a dialect more closely related to Spanish than Italian. Take time to explore Alghero’s pretty, well-preserved centro storico (historic center) before venturing to Neptune’s Grotto (Grotto di Nettuno), a spectacular stalactite sea cavern accessible by boat or via a 654-step rock-cut staircase, the Escala del Cabirol.
8. Immerse Yourself in Sardo Traditions in Nuoro
Nestled in the rugged, mountainous interior, the city of Nuoro and its surrounding province serve as a bastion of indigenous Sardinian folkways, encompassing everything from sheepherding to traditional costume, music, dance, and rituals. Nuoro’s excellent ethnographic museum provides insights into these traditions, but the experience is best enhanced by visiting smaller towns like Mamoiada, Oliena, or Orgosolo, famous for its contemporary murals that adorn the buildings, reflecting political and social commentary. The region also offers some of the island’s best hiking opportunities, with nuraghi, prehistoric tombs, springs, and caves dotting the rocky landscape, alongside encounters with sheep, donkeys, and goats.
9. Savor Cannonau, Bottarga, and Carasau
Like every region of Italy, Sardinia takes immense pride in its culinary heritage. No trip to Sardinia is complete without sampling the local food and wine. Don’t leave without trying cannonau, a hearty red wine crafted from grenache grapes, or vermentino, an acidic, citrusy white wine. Thin, crispy carasau bread is a staple on every restaurant table, and some variation of spaghetti alla bottarga (made with mullet roe) is a prevalent item on most menus. If fish eggs aren’t to your liking, try culurgiones, pasta pockets stuffed with potato and ricotta. Sardinian cheeses lean towards sharp pecorino or, for the truly adventurous, casu marzu, a sheep’s cheese containing live maggots. Complete your meal with a glass of sweet mirto, a liqueur derived from myrtle berries.
10. Explore the Seaside Ruins of Nora or Tharros
The ancients, like us, valued waterfront property, as evidenced by the archaeological sites of Tharros, near Oristano, and Nora, near Cagliari. These cities date back to at least 1,000 BCE and were inhabited by Nuragic peoples, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans, each leaving their indelible mark. Both sites are partially submerged underwater, offering a unique glimpse into the past. Keep an eye out for colonies of pink flamingos near Nora. Just outside Tharros, make a stop at the exquisite 6th-century Church of San Giovanni di Sinis, one of the oldest churches on the island.
11. Escape the Crowds on Asinara
If the summer beach crowds become overwhelming, consider island-hopping to Asinara National Park, located northwest of Porto Torres. Here, you’ll find a handful of accessible beaches, along with opportunities for hiking, bike rentals, and bird watching. You can even arrange accommodation at the one basic hotel within the park. Try to spot one of the albino donkeys indigenous to the island, as well as feral horses, goats, pigs, and perhaps even the occasional mouflon, a wild, horned sheep. Access to the island and park is limited, so you’ll need to book passage with an authorized boating company. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Sardinia away from the crowds, a perfect ending to The 11 Best Things to Do in Sardinia, Italy.
