style in travel sardinie

Sardinian Style: What to Wear in Sardinia

• Post author: villas-sardinia
• Post category: Sardinia Information
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Sharing is caring!

What to Wear in Sardinia: Your Ultimate Guide to Fashionable and Practical Outfits for your Island Adventure

Get ready to embrace the essence of Sardinian style and elevate your fashion game for your upcoming island adventure . From sun-drenched beaches to charming cobblestone streets, this Mediterranean paradise offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. And what better way to fully immerse yourself in the Sardinian experience than by dressing the part?

In this ultimate guide, we will take you on a sartorial journey, showcasing fashionable and practical outfits that will not only make you look effortlessly chic but also keep you comfortable throughout your explorations. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant markets of Cagliari or indulging in a sun-soaked day at Costa Smeralda , we have curated a collection of versatile ensembles that perfectly capture the spirit of Sardinia.

So, pack your suitcase with confidence and let’s discover the secrets of Sardinian style together, one stylish outfit at a time.

Understanding the Climate and Culture of Sardinia

Before diving into the world of Sardinian fashion, it’s essential to understand the unique climate and culture of this stunning island.

With its Mediterranean climate, Sardinia enjoys long, hot summers and mild winters. The island boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it the perfect destination for sun-seekers. However, it’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, especially during the shoulder seasons. Be prepared for sudden bursts of rain or cool breezes, even when visiting in the summer months. As for the culture, Sardinia is known for its rich history and traditional customs .

The island’s close-knit communities take pride in preserving their heritage, which is reflected in their clothing and fashion choices. The locals embrace a laid-back and effortlessly stylish approach to dressing, favouring natural materials and timeless silhouettes.

Key Elements of Sardinian Fashion

To truly embody the spirit of Sardinian style, it’s essential to embrace the key elements that define the island’s fashion scene. Sardinian fashion is characterized by its emphasis on comfort, practicality, and elegance.

The locals prioritize clothing that allows them to move freely and comfortably, while still exuding a sense of sophistication. Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk are favoured for their breathability and ability to withstand the island’s warm climate.

When it comes to colours, Sardinians often gravitate towards earthy tones, such as sandy beige, olive green, and warm terracotta. These hues not only complement the island’s natural landscape but also provide a versatile foundation for creating stylish outfits.

Must-have Wardrobe Essentials for a Sardinian Adventure

When packing for your Sardinian adventure, it’s important to choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Here are some must-have wardrobe essentials that will ensure you’re prepared for any occasion:

• A lightweight linen dress : A breezy linen dress is a staple in every Sardinian’s wardrobe. Opt for a midi or maxi length in a neutral shade, such as white or beige. This versatile piece can be dressed up with sandals and statement accessories for a night out, or dressed down with sneakers for a casual day of exploring.
• Flowy trousers : Flowy trousers made from breathable fabrics like linen or silk are perfect for staying comfortable in the Sardinian heat. Choose a pair in a vibrant colour or a fun print to add a touch of personality to your outfits. Pair them with a simple tank top or a lightweight blouse for an effortlessly chic look.
• A straw hat : Protecting yourself from the sun is crucial when spending time outdoors in Sardinia. A stylish straw hat not only adds a glamorous touch to your outfit but also shields your face from harmful rays. Opt for a wide-brimmed hat in a neutral colour to complement any ensemble.
• Comfortable sandals : With its stunning beaches and picturesque villages, Sardinia calls for comfortable footwear. Invest in a pair of strappy leather sandals that provide both style and support. Look for designs with cushioned soles and adjustable straps for maximum comfort during long walks.
• A lightweight cardigan : As mentioned earlier, the weather in Sardinia can be unpredictable, especially in the evenings. A lightweight cardigan or a linen blazer will come in handy when the temperature drops. Opt for a versatile colour like beige or navy that can be easily paired with different outfits.

By incorporating these key wardrobe essentials into your suitcase, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any adventure that Sardinia has in store for you.

Dressing for Different Activities in Sardinia: Beach, Hiking, Exploring Cities

Sardinia offers a diverse range of activities, from sunbathing on stunning beaches to hiking through rugged mountains and exploring charming cities. Here are some outfit ideas for different activities you might partake in during your Sardinian adventure:

Beach : When it comes to beachwear, Sardinians prefer a simple yet elegant approach. Opt for a chic one-piece swimsuit or a classic bikini in a flattering cut and a vibrant colour. Pair it with a lightweight kaftan or a linen cover-up for when you want a break from the sun. Don’t forget to bring a stylish beach bag to carry your essentials, along with a woven straw mat for lounging on the sand.

Check out our guide to the top 10 beaches in Sardinia

Hiking : Sardinia is a hiker’s paradise , with its diverse landscape and breath-taking trails. Dressing appropriately for hikes is essential to ensure comfort and safety. Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics for your activewear, such as breathable leggings and a moisture-wicking top. Layer up with a lightweight jacket or a windbreaker in case the weather changes. Don’t forget to wear sturdy hiking shoes and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Exploring Cities : Sardinia’s cities are a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning architecture. When exploring cities like Cagliari or Alghero , opt for a stylish yet comfortable ensemble. A flowy midi dress paired with comfortable sandals and a crossbody bag is the perfect combination of fashion and practicality. Add a lightweight cardigan or a linen blazer for when you enter air-conditioned buildings or if the weather turns cooler. Don’t forget to accessorize with a pair of sunglasses and some statement jewellery to complete your city-chic look.

Tips for Staying Fashionable and Practical in Sardinia

While embracing Sardinian style, it’s important to keep in mind a few tips to ensure you stay fashionable and practical throughout your island adventure:

• Layering is key : As mentioned earlier, the weather in Sardinia can be unpredictable. By layering your outfits, you can easily adapt to changing temperatures and environments. Lightweight cardigans, linen blazers, and scarves are perfect for layering and can be easily removed or added as needed.
• Accessorize wisely : Accessories can elevate even the simplest outfits. Opt for statement pieces like oversized sunglasses, colorful scarves, or bold jewelry to add a touch of personality to your look. However, keep in mind that Sardinian style favors a more minimalist approach, so choose your accessories wisely and don’t overdo it.
• Invest in quality footwear : With all the walking and exploring you’ll be doing in Sardinia, investing in quality footwear is essential. Look for comfortable yet stylish sandals or sneakers that will keep your feet happy throughout the day. Avoid wearing heels or uncomfortable shoes, as they will hinder your ability to fully enjoy your adventures.
• Stay true to your personal style : While it’s fun to embrace the local fashion when traveling, it’s important to stay true to your personal style. Adapt the Sardinian aesthetic to suit your preferences and comfort. Experiment with different silhouettes, colors, and patterns, but always dress in a way that makes you feel confident and authentic.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to navigate Sardinia’s fashion scene with ease, staying fashionable and practical at the same time.

Where to Shop for Sardinian Fashion

If you’re looking to incorporate some authentic Sardinian fashion into your wardrobe, there are plenty of places to shop on the island. Here are some recommendations:

• Local markets : Sardinia is home to vibrant markets where you can find unique clothing, accessories, and handmade crafts. Visit markets like San Benedetto Market in Cagliari or Mercato Civico in Alghero to discover local designers and artisans. Check out this list of best flea markets in Sardinia on TripAdvisor.
• Boutiques and concept stores : Sardinia boasts a growing number of boutiques and concept stores that showcase the work of local designers. Explore neighborhoods like Marina District in Cagliari or Via Carlo Alberto in Sassari to find hidden gems and support the local fashion industry.
• Designer outlets : If you’re looking for high-end designer pieces at discounted prices, head to designer outlets like the Luxury Outlet in Olbia or La Reggia Designer Outlet in Sassari. Here, you’ll find a wide range of luxury brands and designer labels.
• Online platforms : Many Sardinian designers and brands have embraced e-commerce, making it easier than ever to shop for their creations online. Check out platforms like Etsy or local fashion websites to discover unique pieces that can be delivered straight to your doorstep.

By exploring these shopping destinations, you’ll have the opportunity to bring a piece of Sardinian fashion back home with you, allowing you to continue embracing the island’s style long after your adventure ends.

Sardinian Brands and Designers to Watch Out For

Sardinia is home to a plethora of talented designers and brands that are making waves in the fashion industry. Here are a few names to watch out for:

• Antonio Marras : Known for his romantic and whimsical designs, Antonio Marras has gained international recognition for his unique approach to fashion. His collections are inspired by Sardinia’s rich history and traditional craftsmanship, resulting in stunning and ethereal pieces.
• Diana Gallesi : Diana Gallesi is a Sardinian designer who specializes in creating sophisticated and elegant womenswear. Her designs are characterized by their attention to detail, impeccable tailoring, and timeless silhouettes. From chic dresses to tailored separates, Diana Gallesi’s creations are a must-have for any fashion-forward woman.
• Sardinia Street Style : Sardinia Street Style is a local fashion blog that captures the essence of Sardinian street fashion. From stylish locals to fashion events and emerging trends, this blog provides a glimpse into the vibrant fashion scene of the island. Follow their social media accounts for daily style inspiration.

These are just a few examples of the many talented designers and brands that call Sardinia home. Keep an eye out for their creations and support the local fashion industry during your visit.br/>

Sardinian Style Inspiration from Local Influencers and Celebrities

To truly immerse yourself in the world of Sardinian fashion, draw inspiration from local influencers and celebrities who effortlessly embody the island’s style. Here are a few names to follow for style inspiration:

• Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert : Born in Sardinia, Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert is a renowned fashion editor and influencer known for her bold and eclectic style. Her Instagram account is a treasure trove of fashion inspiration, showcasing her unique approach to dressing and her love for vibrant colors and prints.
• Chiara Ferragni : Though not originally from Sardinia, Chiara Ferragni, the Italian fashion influencer and entrepreneur, frequently visits the island and showcases her stylish outfits against the backdrop of its stunning landscapes. Follow her on social media to see how she effortlessly combines comfort and fashion during her Sardinian adventures.

By following these style icons, you’ll gain valuable insights into the world of Sardinian fashion and discover new ways to incorporate the island’s style into your own wardrobe.

Conclusion: Embracing Sardinian Style for Your Island Adventure

In conclusion, Sardinian style is a beautiful blend of comfort, elegance, and practicality. By understanding the climate, culture, and key elements of Sardinian fashion, you can curate a wardrobe that perfectly captures the spirit of this Mediterranean paradise.

Whether you’re lounging on the beach, hiking through scenic trails, or exploring the vibrant cities, embrace versatile outfits that allow you to move freely and express your personal style. Remember to layer your clothes, choose quality footwear, and accessorize wisely to stay fashionable and practical throughout your Sardinian adventure.

Shop at local markets, boutiques, and online platforms to support Sardinian designers and bring a piece of the island’s fashion home with you. Draw inspiration from local influencers and celebrities to infuse your outfits with the essence of Sardinian style.

So, pack your bags with confidence and embark on an island adventure where fashion and practicality go hand in hand. Sardinia awaits you, ready to be discovered one stylish outfit at a time.

You Might Also Like

Discover the Fresh and Nutritious Vegetables of Sardinia

The Fruits of Sardinia – A Sweet Story

Nudist Beaches in Sardinia: Baring it All Under the Mediterranean Sun

Leave a reply cancel reply.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

Learning From Sardinia, Where Locals Live La Dolce Vita Longer Than Anyone Else

By Lilah Ramzi

I’ve come from the isle of Manhattan, where clocks tick on New York minutes and anxiety hums in the streets. I’ve landed in Sardinia, a Mediterranean island (outsized only by Sicily) where stress feels out of place among the mountains, verdant with maquis, and blue waters that shift in color like an ombré of indigo. Regarding time, everyone seems to have an abundance of it—Sardinian lives are the longest in the world ; the island has nearly 10 times more centenarians per capita than the U.S.

I stayed on Costa Smeralda —a stretch of land untouched until the ‘60s when the Aga Khan (the leader of Nizari Muslims) developed the beautiful coastline into a yacht-friendly billionaire’s paradise with some of the world’s most expensive real estate. A perch atop a Costa Smeralda cliff offers Dolce & Gabbana perfume-ad views for miles, but the best vantage point is actually enjoyed by boat. From here, you can take in the “Emerald Coast” in all its glory—12 miles of rocky shorelines that drop off to secluded white sand beaches before picking back up again to hoist homes painted in pastel colors borrowed from the sunset—or a Missoni knit (the Missoni’s compound is famously located nearby). The most iconic structure is a pale pink hotel; the Aga Khan-built Cala di Volpe , which has hosted the Italian elite and royal yacht-set for decades—but don’t ask the tight-lipped staff for names. On Costa Smeralda, life is certainly the most comfortable on the island, but throughout, there’s a relative ease in the air.

By Christian Allaire

The landscape of Sardinia is paradisiacal, but it doesn’t have the “no bad days” ease of a tropical island. Mastic trees gnarled with age and ruins (more than 7,000 “beehive tombs,” or Nuraghes, tower throughout the island) suggest a hard earned wisdom. And if a view of the Mediterranean wasn’t enough to lure Sardinians out of the house, the weather surely will. Year round, the average temperature fluctuates ever so slightly; from the capital of Cagliari, the winter months average out to 50 degrees and push 80 degrees in summer. Getting picked up at the airport, I asked my driver what I needed to see on Costa Smeralda ; he listed three different beaches. Other island habitués offered the same delightfully limited options.

Most Sardinian attractions are alfresco activities—wandering the steep hills of the capital of Cagliari or the bohemian art haven of San Pantaleo , where, every Thursday, Italianate antiques and the island’s traditional woven textiles line the narrow streets that undulate in the mountainous landscape. There’s also Neptune's Grotto , the otherworldly stalactite cave, and Gennargentu National Park , where intrepid hikers can reach the highest point on the island, passing lakes and gorges on trails lush with the wild pink peonies. Even nightlife on the island takes advantage of mother nature: beach clubs pump music over the sound of crashing waves, and Costa Smeralda’s famous Ritual club is set in a ruinous castle on a mountainside where unkempt gardens evoke Mrs. Havisham’s lair, and you can dance beneath the stars.

Being outdoors is in the island’s DNA. An agriculture-driven society meant generations of Sardinians shepherded lambs in the central region, while those along the coast were fishermen—catching spider crab, tuna, and of course, sardines. These are essential components of their Mediterranean diet, which is doused in olive oil and heady with aromatic herbs. Days are cut short by apertivo cocktail hour, or sometimes a drink earlier— one Sardinian centenarian attributed her longevity to, “two fingers width of red wine, and no more, at lunchtime every day.”

Flavors lean towards the herbal and the tangy, sometimes underseasoned to give way to natural flavors. Quintessential Sardinian dishes include lamb slow-cooked in fennel, and spit-roasted suckling pig flavored with sage and bay leaves. There’s a heavy Spanish influence, as Sardinia fell under Spanish and Catalan rule for several hundred years (Catalan is still a recognized language on the island). And there’s plenty of seafood and pasta (this is Italy, after all). Ravioli is filled with local ewe’s milk ricotta, and tagliolinis are served with catches of the day. All meals begin with Pane Carasau , a wafer-thin flatbread served with twigs of rosemary, and end with mirto di sardegna, a myrtle-leaf liquor sweetened with berries.

If all this sounds indulgent, shaving years off your life rather than coating them on, consider that here, foods are locally sourced. Farmers also employ age-old techniques that would be considered organic to the Whole Foods-set, but to the people of the island, it’s just how things are done. For standout meals, Restaurant Cala di Volpe serves an amazing supper with none of the pretension you’d expect to find at the legendary hotspot. Think bass fish filets and boiled potatoes with dill and many of the aforementioned specialities. Porto Cervo’s Il Pescatore is also worthy of all its buzz (and recently refurbished). Come for the view of bobbing yachts in the picturesque port (you can also play a game of guess-the-yacht-owner, though there’s an app for that; “a Sardinian dating app,” a local quips) and stay for the superb pasta with clams.

And though a trip to the isle doesn’t guarantee one or two bonus years added to your life, you might say vacations here at least feel longer. My five days on the island (though I’d recommend at least a week, and do rent a car) was restorative, and enough to give me a taste of the Sardinian way of (long) life. Scientists attribute their longevity to a combination of nature vs. nurture, with the latter the more dominant factor. Areas with comparable life expectancies (scientifically dubbed the Blue Zones) like Okinawa, Japan ; Nicoya, Costa Rica ; and Ikaria, Greece enjoy a magic combination of weather, fresh food, and physical activity that lead to good health. But leave it to the Italians to outdo them all by living just a tad longer. With the Italian commitment to living the good life, is it really that surprising that la dolce vita lasts the longest?

The Ultimate Guide to Sardinia

When it came to our Italy honeymoon, Kenny and I knew we’d want to live la dolce vita on The Amalfi Coast, but we also craved a little adventure – somewhere we hadn’t been before and had only seen dreamy photos of (photos that always  looked too good to be true). The island of Sardinia. This relatively unknown jewel of the Mediterranean intrigued us big time, especially since no one we knew had even been there before. What WAS this hidden gem of an island tucked between Spain and Italy?! We had to find out. 

Although Sardinia has long been a favorite summer destination for the European jet-set and yachty crowd, few people outside of Europe know it exists (which is probably how the Italians want to keep it, LOL). Famous for its gorgeous beaches and sparkling, crystal-clear azure waters, and ravishing natural beauty, Sardinia has it all. It’s a little like if Spain, Italy, and the British Virgin Islands had an island baby. 

The culture here on Sardinia is Italian at its core, but more rustic and stripped back. Though it’s highly sought-after by the world’s elite, it’s actually not glitzy and glam in the least (at least not when comparing it to somewhere like Capri ). No, Sardinia is more rustic, more naturally beautiful, and highly understated. The people here don’t come to be seen, or be a part of the scene, they come to get away, to have a nice vacation with their loved ones. It seemed like to us, sometimes people go to a place like Capri or a Positano to show off a little, whereas you go to a place like Sardinia for yourself.

The people who come to Sardinia are hardly ever first-timers. They summer here, every year , and honestly, I’m pretty jealous of them. Sardinia is a paradise island that grabs your heart and blows your mind, and makes you want to return year after year.

So let’s get to the Ultimate Guide to Sardinia so you guys can plan your trip!

Where is the best area to stay in Sardinia?

Firstly, what many people don’t realize when planning a trip to Sardinia is that Sardinia is the second largest island in Italy and in the Mediterranean (!!!). It’s HUGE.

On the north-east coast, Costa Smeralda is known for its crowd of billionaire jet-setters and all the best beach clubs and hotels. But the mountainous mainland disguises pretty villages, too. If we had more time we might have considered a road trip from North to South (which can take up to 5 hours), but, for a honeymoon and the trip we were looking for, it was nice to base in the Costa Smeralda. 

copyright @JetsetChristina

The Best Hotels in Sardinia

Where to stay in Costa Smeralda

Villa Del Golfo

Villa Del Golfo is a great low-key, super cute home base in a great area of Sardinia. We toyed with the Uber-bougie Cala di Volpe (where we did get lunch one of the days to see what it was all about) but are definitely glad we went with the (slightly) less expensive hotel (but bigger, nicer room – definitely upgrade your room at this hotel to one of the pool rooms !) since Sardinia is more about exploring and less of a destination where you’re spending all the time at the hotel! 

Villa del Golfo was super cute and felt like home! The service was great. They are not located directly on the beach but you don’t really need to be in Sardinia since all the best beaches aren’t hotel beaches! They also helped us get an amazing vespa rental for our whole trip, delivered right to the front of the hotel, which was a FAB way to see the island ( you can also opt for an electric car ). You will definitely need some way to get around the island whether it’s a car or a vespa!

This hotel is located in the cute Canggione neighborhood and there were lots of restaurants within walking distance!

Check rates for your dates here

Baglioni Puntaldia Sardinia

This hotel just opened (after we went!) and it’s a Leading Hotel of the World, and I have no doubt INCREDIBLE! I would definitely look into it now that it’s open for a luxury hotel in Sardinia . The 78 spacious suites and rooms are all bright and modern, furnished in a minimal style. All rooms have a balcony or a terrace, which either overlook the garden or the sea. Read more about the hotel & check rates for your dates here.

Photo via Excellence Magazine

Cala Di Volpe

If you’re looking for the most ritzy, glam hotel in all of Costa Smeralda, you’re looking for Cala di Volpe . Located right by some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia (with transport from the hotel available), plus there’s a delicious Matsuhisa on site (my fav sushi in the world!). Hotel Cala di Volpe is surrounded by a lush, green Mediterranean landscape. The resort has excellent sports and spa facilities and a stunning private beach. And parking is free for your rental car.

Hotel Pitrizza, Porto Cervo

The Pitrizza is a welcoming hotel offering beautiful views over the crystal-clear sea of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. Enjoy an impeccable service in a refined, inviting establishment. The best part of this hotel is that it’s right on the beach, a 10-minute drive to Porto Cervo town. The rooms are elegant and Sardinian, with furnished terraces and marble bathrooms, and some rooms have private pools and hot tubs and 24-hour butler service (these are the rooms I’d recommend at this hotel!!!) 

Do you need a car to get around Sardinia?

In short, yes, you need SOME sort of transportation to get around. It is a HUGE island and everything is far apart from each other. We opted to uber from the airport (not cheap, around 80-100 euros), but then rented a vespa for the rest of the time, which was much more fun, and less expensive, than relying on taxis for everything. You can also rent a car! If you decide to stick to taxis, you’ll realize how expensive it is very quickly – just one taxi to one beach was going to cost us 70 euros one way. 

What should we do in Sardinia?

The best things to do in sardinia.

Take a boat ride round the Maddalena Islands

The Maddalena Islands are a MUST on any trip to Sardinia. This stunning archipelago was easily the highlight of our trip, and maybe even the whole honeymoon! Take a boat tour with this company that we used! They set us up with an amazing lunch AND aperitifs, and endless prosecco and Sardinian wine and beer! They took us around to a bunch of the best spots and it was just the most relaxing, best day. Could not recommend it more. 

Go Beach-Hopping Around the Island

There are so many beaches to see on the Costa Smeralda, and even more if you’re willing to drive further down to the middle of the island. We stuck to what was nearby and had the best time! I’d recommend stopping at a market and stocking up on some sodas, snacks, rosé and supplies (this is very common in Sardinia as some of the more remote beaches don’t have restaurants) and heading to Cappricioli Beach first. There are five different beaches at Cappricioli so check them all out and then plop down at one. Warning, it can definitely get crowded here so go early and on a weekday!

After, head to more beaches. Some other favorites are Spaggia Rena Bianca, Spaggia di Cala Coticcio, Porto Istana

The Best Beach Club to base at for a day in Sardinia

We loved White Beach Club at Liscia Ruja and found it to be the perfect place to base for the day. The lunch is pricey here but really good (Kenny’s fav of the trip!) It’s a scene of yachties and billionaires, for sure. And White Beach Club was a little snobby (make a reservation before you go!) but it was a fun day!

Nikki Beach Sardinia

There’s also Nikki Beach Sardinia, which we didn’t get to during our trip but is supposed to be a fun scene too! (It’s one of my favorites in St. Tropez !)

Where to Eat & Drink in Sardinia

Agriturismo La Colti – an AMAZING dinner spot and super authentic, full of locals. We loved this place. Very meat-heavy so not a good place for vegetarians. Probably our most memorable meal in Sardinia.

Brezza Di Mare – just a walk down the street from Villa Del Golfo – this place was INCREDIBLE. Order the mustard-encrusted tuna & a bottle of Sardinian wine. We loved this place so much we went twice.

Cala Di Volpe – possibly the best bellini of my life at lunch here. There’s a very fancy, very pricey price fixe lunch or you can sit at the bar area and have drinks/less expensive lunch items!

La Randa – for authentic Italian cooking in a cute little neighborhood restaurant, look no further.

Is Sardinia family-friendly?

DEFINITELY! While it’s romantic for couples, it is VERY family friendly and we saw a ton of adorable families having the time of their lives throughout our trip.

Is Sardinia good for a honeymoon?

Yes yes and yes! Sardinia is an ideal honeymoon location because it’s adventurous, but relaxing! 

What to wear in Sardinia

Wearing the Tortola beach dress in size Small

Obsessed with these sunnies . They do free easy returns so I love this site for trying and buying new sunglasses !

Kenny rocking the Nauti Lobster swim trunks and the Sol Searcher white beach linen shirt!

I also wore The Seychelles bikini a TON on this trip – it matches the water so well!

What other questions do you guys have about Sardinia? Leave them in the comments!

And check out these related blog posts here:

What to Wear Postpartum - Cute and Comfy Outfit Ideas for New Moms on Maternity Leave

The Best Men's Crochet Shirts, Textured Shirts & Woven Knit Polos

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

RELATED POSTS

The Most Romantic Hotels to Honeymoon in Italy

Our 10-day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary – the Amalfi Coast & Sardinia!

The Ultimate Jetset Santorini, Greece Travel Guide

Love this post! We’re headed here in two weeks for our honeymoon and this was both super helpful and got me even more excited! I reached out to the boat company right away – looks stunning. Thank you!

Danielle Keller

Hi Christina! Planning a trip to italy. How many days were u there? How many days do u feel u need? Was driving around on a Vespa the whole time annoying after a while or no?

LEAVE A COMMENT Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Destinations A-Z

This Italian Island Has Tranquil Villages, Stunning Beaches, and Luxury Hotels — Here's How to Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to plan the perfect vacation on Sardinia.

Sardinia's famous Costa Smeralda, a 12-mile stretch of dreamy shoreline along the northeast, attracts travelers looking to immerse themselves in la dolce vita. And really, with its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rugged coastline, ancient archaeological sites, and fascinating culture and traditions, who could blame them? The Mediterranean island truly does have it all.

Sardinia is the second-largest island in Italy after Sicily and is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The island spans 9,305 square miles (or slightly larger than the state of Vermont) and is home to about 1.64 million people. The closest land to Sardinia is another island, Corsica, which is only about eight miles north. Sardinia lies 125 miles from the coast of mainland Italy and about the same distance from the shores of Northern Africa.

The island — with its idyllic mountains and tranquil villages, giving way to bustling resort towns along its rocky coastline — offers an abundance of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you want to bask in the sun, take in the breathtaking views, or taste the local culture, the island will leave a lasting impression on you.

How to Get to Sardinia

Visitors can either fly to one of the three main airports in Sardinia (Cagliari Elmas Airport, Olbia Airport, and Alghero Fertilia Airport) or take a scenic — albeit long — ferry ride to the island. There are multiple daily flights between Italy's major cities and the island, including Rome and Milan, and many of those are operated by low-cost airlines for as cheap as €8. You can also fly to the island from many European cities, including London, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Brussels, and many more.

If time is not of the essence (or you would like to bring a car), take a ferry from mainland Italy, France, or Barcelona. Sardinia has five ferry ports, so you can take the slow route whenever you wish.

The Best Times to Go to Sardinia

While many consider the Italian island a summer spot, Sardinia offers plenty to do and see year-round.

If you are after its sun-drenched picture-perfect beaches, the best time to visit Sardinia is during the peak season between June and September, when temperatures soar. If packed beaches are not your thing, consider stopping by at the end of September or October, when the sea is still warm, but most tourists have left the island.

Sardinia is also beautiful in the spring — between March and May — when the flowers and trees are in full bloom, and the weather is perfect for hiking. May is also when the Feast Of Sant'efisio Cagliari takes place. It's a multi-day festival, where thousands of participants accompany the statue of Sant'efisio from Cagliari to Nora and back, roughly a 40-mile journey.

Autunno in Barbagia takes place every fall and lasts a whopping three months. Visitors can enjoy cultural events on weekends dedicated to local arts and crafts. And every winter, the island celebrates Carnival di Mamoiada , one of Sardinia's oldest and most mysterious festivals dating back thousands of years.

Things to Do in Sardinia

Castello, Cagliari

Set on a hill in Sardinia's capital, the historic Castello district is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cagliari and holds many of the city's significant landmarks. The narrow streets, flanked by ancient buildings, historic palazzos, and churches, transport travelers back in time. Some must-see sights include the Bastione di Saint Remy fort for its panoramic views and beautiful classic architecture, the Cagliari Cathedral and its bell tower, and the Archaeological Museum.

Su Nuraxi Nuraghe

Central Sardinia is home to the island's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and most important archaeological landmark, a striking example of prehistoric architecture called Su Nuraxi Nuraghe. A nuraghe is a defensive stone structure that originated in Sardinia in the Bronze Age. The complex comprises a central stone tower that once reached almost 61 feet in height and four smaller towers connected by a curtain wall.

Porto Flavia

Located near Nebida in the southwest, Porto Flavia looks like it belongs to a scene from "Game of Thrones." Directly built into the cliff and facing the sea, this port is considered a masterpiece of mining engineering that served as a loading dock. Two tunnels connect the port to a mine that once allowed workers to quickly load minerals onto the ships. Today, visitors can tour the site only by appointment and with a guide for safety reasons. The hour-long tour includes a walk along the upper tunnel that ends at the terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and coastline.

The Neptune's Grotto

This two-million-year-old cave in Capo Caccia, Alghero, is one of Sardinia's most-visited natural wonders. Arrival at its entrance is either via boat or a staircase built on the side of a rocky cliff overlooking the sea. Once inside, visitors are introduced to a beautiful world full of wondrous natural sculptures known as stalactites and stalagmites. The grotto is also home to one of the largest saltwater lakes in Europe, Lago Lamarmora.

Castelsardo

Castelsardo, often ranked as one of Italy's most charming villages, occupies a hill on the northwest of the island. With its landscape dominated by the perfectly preserved medieval Doria castle, colorful houses spilling down the cliff sides, and the glistening waters of the Mediterranean, Castelsardo looks like it's out of a fairy tale.

Porto Cervo

The crown jewel of Sardinia's renowned Costa Smeralda is this small resort town that, in the summer, becomes the glitzy playground of the international jet set. Its picturesque port fills up with luxury (mega)yachts, and its streets are bustling with celebrities, socialites, and political dignitaries, soaking up the Sardinian sun and dolce vita lifestyle.

Where to Stay in Sardinia

Hotel Cala di Volpe

SP160, 07021 Capriccioli SS, Italy +39 0789 976111 Marriott.com

Located on the stunning Costa Smeralda, the glamorous waterfront Hotel Cala di Volpe treats its guests to spacious suites, a dazzling beach, an Olympic-size saltwater pool, a golf course, and a wellness center and spa, among other high-end facilities. While lush, Mediterranean landscapes surround the property, it is a short eight-minute drive from the vibrant downtown area of Porto Cervo.

Hotel Li Finistreddi

Loc. Micalosu Via le Finestrelle, 07021 Cannigione +39 0789 869144 finistreddi.it

Perched on a hill in the heart of Costa Smeralda, this almost 15-acre property offers vistas of Sardinia's emerald coast and La Maddalena archipelago. Hotel Li Finistreddi has three villas with swimming pools and 19 suites with private entrances and sea views. During the day, guests can lounge by the property's two pools or take a shuttle to the dreamy white-sand Barca Bruciata Beach.

Petra Segreta Resort & Spa

Via Stazzu Malcusa, 07026 San Pantaleo +39 0789 187 6441 petrasegretaresort.com

As the only Relais & Châteaux property in Sardinia, the sprawling Petra Segreta Resort & Spa offers guests a memorable experience set against the idyllic backdrop of stunning Costa Smeralda. The resort, nestled on 12 scenic acres of verdant forest, has 25 rooms and suites set in traditional Sardinian stone houses with private patios and modern interiors. The resort's fine-dining restaurant, il Fuoco Sacro, is among the best on the island and mainland Italy and serves patrons delectable "dishes full of modern Italian flavor," according to the Michelin Guide .

La Villa del Re

Località Su Cannisoni, 09040 Castiadas CA +39 070 775 3009 Lavilladelre.com

This adults-only boutique hotel sits in a scenic park on the southeast coast of Sardinia and offers front-row views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Costa Rei. The property's facade invokes traditional Sardinian architecture, while its 50 rooms and suites are all about soothing palettes and timeless elegance. The private beach and chic infinity pool are perfect for enjoying the hot Sardinian sun with a cocktail in hand. The hotel's pool-side restaurant, Bella Vista, lives up to its name and treats patrons to gorgeous sea views and delicious Mediterranean fare.

Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa

Lungomare Valencia, 1, 07041 Alghero SS +39 079 981818 Hotelvillalastronas.it

With its classic tower-inspired Belle Epoque architecture, gardens, and dramatic location, Villa Las Tronas is a unique base to explore Alghero and Sardinia's northwest coast. The spacious 24 rooms are all about Old World charm, clad in marble or parquet floors, crystal chandeliers, and vintage furniture. The hotel's spa features an indoor pool, a Turkish bath, and a sauna, while the seafront restaurant offers a seasonal vegetarian menu.

Località Mucchi Bianchi, 07021 Baja Sardinia SS, Italy +39 0789 99880 7pines.com

This brand new resort opens in July 2022 in a remote cove in Baja Sardinia. With 76 light-filled, spacious rooms and suites overlooking its gardens or the sea, 7Pines is a stylish retreat just a short drive from vibrant Porto Cervino. The two pools nestled amid swaying palms and surrounded by sunbeds and cabanas are the epitome of Italian chic, while those who prefer to take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean can head to the resort's main beach or explore the secluded coves around the property.

Related Articles

The Perfect One Week in Sardinia Itinerary

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 25th July 2023

Categories Italy , Itineraries

Last Updated on 25th July 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

In this one-week Sardinia itinerary , we will be focusing on the southern coast of the island, checking out the best shores, the capital of Cagliari, and some of the traditional villages where time seems to have stopped forever.

One of the biggest islands in the Mediterranean, and indeed one of the largest islands in Europe , there is a lot to see and do in Sardinia.

One of the most popular Italian destinations in summer, there are dozens of towns, amazing beaches, and incredible traditions to discover… and sometimes, one week in Sardinia might not seem enough to see it all.

Basic Things to Know About Sardinia

Where is sardinia, how to get to sardinia, moving around, tips to spend a week in sardinia, days 1-2 in sardinia: cagliari, day 3-4 in sardinia: villasimius, day 4-7 in sardinia: costa rei and back to cagliari.

Italy’s most popular summer destination, Sardinia, is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily (which is also Italian).

Sardinia is an important autonomous region best known for its bilingual identity, with a unique autochthonous language, Algherese Catalan, one of the twelve different linguistic minorities scattered around the country, some of them also found in Sardinia 

The island is also known for its national parks and reserves and a varied ecosystem that includes not just impressive sandy shores, but also mountains, plains, woods, and extensive uninhabited territories.

The island is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, close to the coast of the Toscana region and the French island of Corsica which is separated from Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio.

The best and most practical way to get to Sardinia is from Italy. Most people get to Sardinia by ferry from the ports of Genoa , Naples, and Rome and so a visit here can be combined with a trip to one of Italy’s most famous cities.

There are also regular commercial flights to the island landing in any of the three airports on the island: Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero. There are also dozens of seasonal charter flights during the high season from many different Italian towns.

Although flying is faster and cheaper than boarding a ferry (oftentimes overnight), a boat will give you the possibility to board with your own vehicle, which you will soon learn, offers incredible autonomy and flexibility to move around such a big island. 

Keep in mind, for instance, that one of the most popular ferry routes (departing from Civitavecchia in Rome) takes about 14 hours while the flight Rome-Sardinia takes about an hour. 

If you’re traveling from France and want to embark your vehicle, you can take the ferry from Marseille. The journey Marseille-Sardinia can take from 11 to 17 hours. Make sure to book in advance as the popularity of the island means that prices are very elevated in the high season and so it’s best to book well in advance.

Given the impressive distances you need to travel to see the most important landmarks, but also cities, natural reserves, and beaches, the best way to discover Sardinia is to rent a car.  Check car rental prices here.

For you to get a better idea regarding distances, keep in mind that it takes about 3 hours to get from Cagliari (in the south) to Olbia (in the north), or about 2.5 hours from Cagliari to Alghero, on the western coast of Sardinia. By bus, the travel time can even double, especially in the high season.

This gives you enough flexibility to plan a smart itinerary according to the available time you have to spend on the island.

There are also buses and (very few) connecting the main towns on the island, however, schedules aren’t always practical nor are the services punctual. Generally speaking, the service is not really efficient and it will make you waste lots of precious time changing from one bus to the other in some remote bus station. 

On the other hand, if driving is not in your plans, you can still see quite a lot of Sardinia by joining different organized tours with pick-up or transfer services. This is another way to get efficient transport to see the best of Sardinia without getting behind the wheel.

As we have already mentioned above, the island is huge, so if you fantasize about seeing most of Sardinia in one week, then forget it. In general, driving times are incredibly long, which means you will be spending most of your time on the road instead of enjoying the best of the island.

This time, we have decided to explore the amazing south of the island, which will also give you the chance to check out the most important city and capital of the island. 

We did not just choose this itinerary because of the amazing beaches you can enjoy, but also because most international flights land in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital. So if you’re not traveling from Italy, chances are that Cagliari will be your starting point for a Sardinia vacation.

Besides, staying in or near Cagliari offers more access to transport, organized excursions, boat trips, and a good highway network to reach other areas of Sardinia as well.

Finally, the best thing you can do is to keep your itinerary flexible and enjoy every stop along the way. Take enough time to see one or two sites at a time and do not pack a lot in a day. 

You won’t enjoy all the magic natural places that the island has to offer, you’ll be stressed out, and miss a lot of the fun that has made Sardinia the number one holiday spot among Italians. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our top Italy travel tips .

One Week in Sardinia – The South Coast: Cagliari, Costa Rei and Villasimius

A perfect itinerary if you land at the airport of Cagliari, moving around this trip includes stops in interesting places along the southeastern coast of the island. 

This part of Sardinia is perfect for those who cannot spend long hours far from crystal clear beaches, but who also have a passion for water sports and close contact with nature.

This itinerary is ideal for those looking to spend long hours relaxing by the sea, but that will also enjoy some nightlife activities, interesting villages, and plenty of cultural experiences.

The itinerary includes three main stops, the capital of the island, Cagliari, as well as the gorgeous seaside resorts of Villasimius and Costa Rei.

For those looking to see more, there are day trips included, such as a visit to Pula or the spectacular Chia Beach on the southern tip of Sardinia.

There is a lot to see in the capital of the island. Devote the first day in Cagliari to adapt to the unique rhythm of the city, somewhat calmer and more laid-back than in mainland Italy. It is a great idea to start by exploring San Benedetto Market, which is open in the mornings (until 2 pm).

This is the city’s biggest food market as well as the most amazing display of Sardinia’s traditional cuisine. Don’t be mistaken, if you thought you knew everything about Italian food , think it over. 

Due to the hundreds of years of isolation and the long distance that separates Sardinia from mainland Italy, the local gastronomy is completely different and it almost does not resemble what you could eat in the rest of the country.

No place is better than the market to taste Sardinia’s remarkable cheeses and cold cuts, original bread specialties, unusual pasta, and unexpected sweets.

If you like fish and seafood, the market won’t disappoint either. In fact, there is a whole floor devoted to seafood!

Next up, head to the Castello District, the oldest of the historic districts in the city, hosting some of the most important landmarks in the capital, such as the Cathedral of Cagliari, and the Bastion of Saint Remy.

This beautiful quarter is on top of a hill where, in the past, the nobles and wealthy inhabitants of Sardinia would build impressive mansions and other buildings.

Among the inhabitants of the district, there were also Spanish and Pisans. The latter fortified the area and used it as the headquarters for their naval forces. 

The district features narrow alleys, mostly pedestrian, dozens of quaint cafés and traditional restaurants, but also amazing observing points over the sea and the pristine coast, scattered along the ramparts of the district. 

When exploring the Castello district, you can also check out The Elephant Tower and San Pancrazio Tower, built by the Pisans in the fourteenth century and open to the public. Also in the same area, you can visit the Cagliari Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Royal Palace.

Finally, in the northern part of the district, there is an interesting Roman Amphitheatre and a unique Botanical Garden that, with its over 2000 plant species is a perfect example of Sardinia’s natural diversity and incredible ecosystem.

End the day heading to the Saint Remy Bastion which connects the upper and lower parts of the city and is one of the most characteristic symbols of the town.

To learn more and see the best of Cagliari, it is a good idea to join a walking tour of the old town hosted by a local like this one .

On your second day in Cagliari, why not venture beyond the boundaries of the city to learn more about the history of the island? Sardinia is home to some of the most incredible archaeological sites in the country, featuring an intriguing characteristic monument, the nuraghe. 

These fortress-type constructions were built by the ancient inhabitants of the island back in 1800 BC, approximately. 

There are more than 7000 nuraghes in Sardinia, often with surrounding fortifications and villages. These are the only tangible testimony of the ancient Sardinian civilization, also known as Nuragic, as there are no written records of this civilization.

About an hour from Cagliari, the nuraghe Su Nuraxi is the largest and most famous nuraghe of Sardinia and is the only nuraghe listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It features clear walls and fortifications and it is also the only nuraghe that has been fully excavated, around the area, there is also an interesting Nuragic village with rests of about 50 small houses. 

For better organisation and to learn even more about this mysterious place, check out this organised activity that explores this Bronze Age defence system.

Devote the afternoon to visiting one of the nicest beaches in the area, the impressive Poetto Beach. Over here, you can spend a fantastic time swimming and admiring the incredible color of the sea. This is one of the closest beaches to the city as well as a popular getaway for locals and visitors alike.

Known as one of the longest beaches on the island, the coastal resort extends for over 7 kilometers. The place is well organized, featuring exclusive beach clubs, restaurants, bars, and a variety of water sports facilities.

You can get there by car (about 20 minutes from the centre) or you can also take the bus from the main Matteotti Square.

One of the most incredible villages and beaches on the southern coast of Sardinia, Villasimius offers both relaxation and tranquillity but also some of the most incredible landscapes on the island.

Even if we decided to devote two days to the region, chances are that you won’t want to leave! Known as the pearl of the south, this incredible coastal portion of Sardinia features beautiful glimmering crystal-clear water with pleasantly warm temperatures. 

All around the area, unique clear granite cliffs, and coves, but also unexpected lagoons and lush hills.

Among the gems you can enjoy in the Villasimius region, start by heading to the promontory of Capo Carbonara promontory which is home to a protected marine area with incredible panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Other beaches to explore during your two days in this village include Porto Sa Ruxi, Campus , Campulongu, and Riso Beach. Riso in Italian means rice and the name perfectly described the unusual rice-shaped sand that has made the place truly famous.

In the late evenings, you can enjoy a walk along the tourist harbor and have fun going shopping for souvenirs in the commercial area of the village. You can also dine delicious dishes of seafood served on the waterfront until late in the evening.

On your second day in Villasimius, it is a good idea to spend some time checking out the western side of Capo Carbonara, here you will discover the incredible beach of Cala Caterina and the marshes of Stagno di Notteri, known for the incredible number of pink flamingos that live in the area.

Over here, you can also admire (or even visit), the famous islands of Serpentara and Cavoli, both known for several shipwrecks as well as impressive underwater life that you can explore scuba diving.

If you’re still fascinated about the past of the island, there are several archaeological ruins from the Nuragic age that you can visit, such as the Accu Is Traias necropolis as well as the Roman Baths of Santa Maria. 

In Villasimius, there is also an interesting archaeological museum, with interesting displays related to the shipwrecks that took place in the area over the centuries.

If you prefer to devote more time to Cagliari and only want to see the highlights of Villasimius, you can check out this Villasimius beaches day trip that also includes transportation and a short visit to Costa Rei.

Spend your last days in Sardinia enjoying Costa Rei, one of the most enchanting areas of the island. Over here, you can explore the Sarrabus a natural park and reserve with the impressive backdrop of the Sette Fratelli mountain range.

A favorite destination among hikers and fans of walks in nature, the region includes lush hills, an impressive deep blue coast, and amazing dunes.

Different beaches or, as locals call them, calas , are some of the most impressive spots you can discover in Costa Rei. One of the most impressive ones, Cala Pira, is a beautiful, although fairly small bay with crystal seas surrounded by dunes and juniper trees. 

Not far, Cala Sinzias is a protected shore surrounded by a thick pine forest, standing sandwiched between two small cliffs that give the area a private atmosphere, despite being quite close to the town of Costa Rei.

The little town is a very lively coastal resort bordered by a magnificent stretch of fine white sand in clear contrast with the deep emerald green of the sea in the area. 

The sandy beach, which is about 10 kilometers long features shallow, safe waters, and all the organized services you need, including good restaurants, and bars, but also hotels, entertainment, and shopping opportunities

On your second day in Costa Reis, you can drive to Muravera, another interesting coastal resort that hosts interesting activities and events devoted to the promotion of Sardinia’s most unique traditions and culture, the area is also known for a variety of gastronomic festivals that take place not only in summer.

For more information about the traditions of Costa Rei, it is a good idea to visit the Castiadas Penal Colony. Today a cultural center and museum this former prison dates back to 1877. 

The fields surrounding the detention center, which now produce an incredible variety of organic products, were once tilled by semi-free prisoners.

When it is time to go back to Cagliari, it is a great idea to drive from the south to the airport along one of the most impressive scenic routes in Italy. This panoramic road travels north along the coast, passing through gorgeous hills overlooking the magnificent shores of the south of the island.

Day Trips in the Area

If you have extra time during your trip or plan to do alternative things to the ones suggested in this itinerary, check out these interesting day trips that will surely add more color to your Sardinia escape:

Day Trip to Pula

Easy to reach from Cagliari, the small town of Pula is a great destination for water sports, fun entertainment, and, again, great beaches. 

Pula is located about 38 kilometers from the center of Cagliari, there are incredible shores to spend the day swimming or practicing water sports, but also an interesting archaeological site, the Ancient City of Nora which dates from the Punic times but saw its most important development during the Roman era. 

Among the things to discover are the ruins of ancient houses and public buildings, an imposing theater, and diverse thermal complexes.

If you’re visiting Pula for its beaches, they won’t disappoint, the most famous of all is Santa Maria di Pula, a 10-kilometer-long collection of coves surrounded by thick pine forests that offer natural shade and fresher temperatures.

Day Trip to Chia Beach

Turquoise calm waters and clear sand are the most distinctive traits of Chia Beach and they are worth a day trip from Villasimius, Cagliari, or Costa Rei. Also famous for its wildlife, the dozens of dolphins that come to breed on its coast, and a picturesque lagoon with pink flamingos.

Near the main seaside area, you can check out the impressive Campana Dune, another popular beach that features sand dunes over 20 meters high. 

The whole area is popular among water sports fanatics who come to Chia Beach to have fun doing kitesurfing, kayaking, surfing, paddle boating, and snorkelling.

Enjoyed reading about how to spend a week in Sardinia itinerary? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book . She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

8 of the best things to do in Sardinia

Mar 21, 2024 • 8 min read

Experience the best of Sardinia with this guide to the top things to do © David C Tomlinson / Getty Images

With an 1800-km-long (1118-mile-long) shoreline sloping into some of the clearest Mediterranean waters, it's easy to see how Sardinia has become one of Italy's most coveted summer destinations.

Sparsely populated and naturally rich, the island's main draw has long been the collection of coves, white sand beaches and dramatic cliffs dropping into the ocean that line up along Sardinia's rugged perimeter. But you'd be wrong to think that coastal bliss is all the region has to offer.

Italy's second island by size (after Sicily) intrigues those who travel beyond the obvious with its geographical diversity and cultural complexity. Remnants of the mysterious Nuragic civilization are surrounded by the Mediterranean scrub that covers much of the dry interior, where hiking opportunities abound. Cyclists looking to explore the island at a slow pace can expect low-traffic roads that provide spectacular views. Sailing enthusiasts can explore archipelagoes of smaller islands hovering on transparent waters. And there's more – mouthwatering culinary traditions , rural villages and folk festivals can all be part of your Sardinian itinerary if you plan it right. Here's our guide to the top experiences in Sardinia.

Can't decide whether to go to Sardinia or Sicily? We can help .

1. Meet wild donkeys on the national park island of Asinara

A short ferry ride from Stintino or Porto Torres leads to Asinara , the uninhabited island emerging from the deep blue waters of northwestern Sardinia, whose protected lands are home to a large population of albino donkeys, wild horses and friendly goats. Before it was declared a national park in 1997, Asinara functioned as a penal colony and later as a maximum security prison, hosting some of Italy's most infamous criminals.

The paths that run through this sun-bleached island starting from Cala Reale connect the coves that hide behind lush hills with ancient watchtowers and abandoned prison infrastructure. A restaurant, a hostel, a cafe and a diving club open seasonally between spring and autumn, but for the rest of the year, you'll find the indigenous white donkeys (known as Asinara donkeys) roaming freely along the often deserted paths.

Planning tip: Asinara is ideally explored on a bike (or e-bike), which can be rented in Porto Torres or Cala Reale. This is a popular spot between June and September, but during the low season, the island is often empty. If you do visit in the low season, stock up on water and supplies before taking the ferry, as there is nowhere to buy food.

2. Sail in the Archipelago della Maddalena

Sardinia's first national park, established in 1994, is split between seven islands and several smaller islets scattered in turquoise water off the northwestern corner of the region. Providing some of the most impressive scenery Sardina has to offer, the archipelago is a spectacle worth taking in from the sea.

Isola Maddalena , the archipelago's main island, sits at the heart of the national park, surrounded by Caprera – historically important for having hosted revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi during his exile – Budelli, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Spargi and Razzoli. Most of these islands are uninhabited, including Budelli with its famous pink beach that is now a protected environment and can only be admired from a distance.

Planning tip: Ferries operated by Delcomar run between Palau and La Maddalena, taking 15 minutes to cover the distance. In summer, boat tours depart regularly from La Maddalena and Palau, running through the national park and stopping at various beaches along the way.

3. Try some criminally good cheese

With three million sheep – nearly two for each person – roaming Sardinia's rugged interior, it's no surprise that cheese has become one of the regional staples. The island's pecorino sardo is one of Sardinia's main culinary exports, and it's worth trying in all its varieties. Farms and cooperatives producing traditional cheese are easily found when driving through countryside roads – stop by to buy a wheel of pecorino or join a tasting session.

Pecorino is not the only cheese Sardinia is famous for. Casu Marzu is one of the island's best-known foods due to its illegal status; in 2009, the Guinness Book of Records proclaimed it the most dangerous cheese in the world. Why? Casu Marzu is made by allowing maggots to hatch in the cracks of the sheep's cheese and digest its proteins to turn it into a creamy product. Not something for the fainthearted. In fact, an EU law has made buying and selling Casu Marzu illegal in Sardinia – with high fines in place for those who do.

Planning tip: Many farms and agriturismi in the countryside sell cheese directly to the public. When driving around, just look for signs pointing to caseifici , which will usually be happy to let you taste some of their products.

4. Explore the traces of the Nuragic civilization at Nuraghe Su Nuraxi

Thousands of nuraghi – stone-built towering structures erected by the obscure Nuragic civilization between 1800 and 700 BCE – mark the Sardinian territory, offering the chance to observe the ruins of some of the island's early settlements. The largest nuraghe – Sardinia's only UNESCO World Heritage site – is found in the village of Barumini. The core of the fortified complex of Su Nuraxi dates back to 1500 BCE and was later expanded with the addition of circular towers interlocking with each other. The archaeological site was discovered in 1949, and excavations have brought this ancient village back to light. It's the only nuraghe that has reemerged in its entirety in Sardinia.

Planning tip: The site can be visited with a guided tour only, available in both Italian and English. It's a popular day trip, s0 expect lines and bring water if you are visiting in the summer.

5. Join a folk festival

The relaxed atmosphere of Sardinia's cities is put on pause during the many festivals that take place year-round on the island. Carnival is one of the most awaited folk events – the city of Oristano celebrates in early February with the Sa Sartiglia festival, where up to a hundred masqueraded horse riders compete in the historic center, all trying to pierce a star with their swords. 

Parades also take place in Mamoiada, south of Nuoro, where Carnival translates into the procession of Mamuthones and Issohadores, mysterious figures whose origins are believed to date back to the Middle Ages. The Mamuthones are represented by sinister men hiding behind black wooden masks and dark furs, carrying cowbells hanging on their backs. The Issohadores escort these eerie characters along town streets wearing red shirts and white trousers.

Cagliari also celebrates Sant'Efisio, the saint believed to have helped the city get rid of the plague in the mid-17th century – on May 1, thousands of people in traditional costumes parade through Sardinia's largest city.

Planning tip: Carnival is usually celebrated with dancing and mask parades, held on the last Sunday of Lent and Shrove Tuesday. While these festivals are spectacular, they are not meant as entertainment for tourists, and one should be aware of their cultural significance when visiting.

6. Hike the long-distance Cammino di Santa Barbara

Running through the beaches and mountains of Sardinia's southwest, Cammino di Santa Barbara is a long-distance hiking route that links the historic mining sites of one of the lesser-visited areas of the island. Stretching for 500km (311 miles) along routes carved by miners over centuries, this month-long trek blends wild nature with culture, allowing you to hike from village to village in a loop starting and ending in Iglesias. Besides astonishing vistas, ancient churches, archaeological sites, wineries and medieval hamlets dot the way.

Planning tip: A month-long hike requires some preparation. The Cammino di Santa Barbara's official website provides detailed information on all sections of the itinerary and accommodation options. This adventure is best done in spring or autumn when temperatures are still bearable. It is possible to cover many of the sections by bike if you prefer cycling over walking.

7. Snorkel or dive in the Mediterranean

Dolphins, tuna, octopuses, seahorses and many other underwater creatures populate the seas surrounding Sardinia. There's no better way to discover the exciting seascapes than to put a mask on and dive into the depths of the Mediterranean. The eastern coast of the island is typically less windy and more suitable for beginners, but options are available on both sides.

Immerse yourself in the rich ecosystem of Golfo di Orosei , in the northeastern part of the island, where experienced scuba divers will have the chance to see the relic of the Nasello ship that sunk in the 1940s. Alternatively, discover the natural treasures of Riviera del Corallo, in the area of Alghero , where spectacular rock formations form the backdrop of each dive.

Planning tip: Diving schools are available in most major coastal destinations, including Olbia, Isola Maddalena, Asinara and Alghero. Many diving tours only run in the summer, so book ahead if you are planning to join an underwater excursion.

8. Go caving in Grotta di Nettuno

The promontory of Capo Caccia, on the western Sardinian coast, not only offers awe-inspiring views of the city of Alghero opposite the gulf, but it also houses one of the most impressive networks of caves on the island. Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Cave) extends for 2.5km (1.5 miles) inside the rocky mountain, allowing for a walk in the dimly lit halls where impressive stalagmite and stalactite concretions have formed over the course of centuries around lakes and sculptural formations.

Planning tip: Grotta di Nettuno is found 24km (15 miles) north of Alghero. To enter the cave, you'll need to tackle the 654 steps of the Escala del Cabirol. Alternatively, you can reach the cave by sea – a ferry regularly departs from Alghero, crossing the Riviera del Corallo and taking you directly to the entrance in approximately 40 minutes.

This article was first published Jul 7, 2019 and updated Mar 21, 2024.

Explore related stories

Jan 11, 2024 • 8 min read

Italy has so many delights for visitors, it’s hard to know where to start. Lucky for you, we’ve made this list of the best experiences all over the country.

May 13, 2014 • 5 min read

Jan 12, 2012 • 4 min read

Mar 20, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 20, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 18, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 14, 2024 • 16 min read

Feb 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 19, 2024 • 11 min read

Mar 9, 2023 • 11 min read

A Fun 10 Days In Sardinia Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that for any qualifying purchase you make through one of my links, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. For more information, check out my disclosure .

Do you have 10 days or more to spare and are looking for a complete Sardinia itinerary? I got you covered! I am a local and I roam the island in search of its best kept secrets all the time!

A trip to Sardinia is always a great experience, no matter where you go. From beaches to ancient ruins, from museums to typical restaurants, the island really has a lot to offer, in any season. You just have to pick an area, book your hotels and flights, and plan your itinerary accordingly.

You might want to pick a different area to focus on depending on the season, or on the number of people coming with you. A summer trip would make little sense if you didn’t spend time at the beach – after all, they are the most beautiful in the world.

But also, you can’t come to Sardinia and not visit one of its main cities or ignore the incredible ruins left by the local prehistoric civilizations.

And what about food? You absolutely need to try some local dishes, but again, the North, center, and South of the island have very different traditions, not to mention the wines and other liquors.

But what happens when you don’t know which part of Sardinia to pick? Since I understand how hard it can be to your Sardinia itinerary, I decided to put together a simple but comprehensive one that will guide you through the major attractions of Sardinia in the span of ten days.

I have tested this itinerary myself (hotels included and even the ones in Cagliari , where I actually live!) last October , when my friend Chrisoula visited, and it is completely doable and while you will be on your feet quite a bit, you will not feel rushed at all.

Make sure to also read my posts The Best Itinerary For A Sardinia Road Trip , The Best South Sardinia Itinerary and The Best North Sardinia Itinerary .

Table of Contents

A Complete 10 Days In Sardinia Itinerary

The itinerary is supposed to take ten days, but nothing stops you from taking it easy and exploring for longer. Following this exact Sardinia itinerary in less time, however is nearly impossible, as this is quite packed already.

The trip will start from Cagliari and go around Sardinia anti-clockwise. It’s meant to be a good itinerary to follow between mid September and mid October, and depending on the weather you can easily enjoy some beach time (unfortunately, when my friend and I did it in October, it was already too cold or too windy to enjoy a proper day at the beach).

Anyhow, this Sardinia itinerary includes beaches, hikes, historical sights, abandoned villages, small towns and food and wine tasting experiences so that you don’t miss anything. Take this itinerary as a sample of Sardinia and, once you have seen what the island has to offer, come back and plan a trip focused on a specific area!

The best way to get around Sardinia is by car. This itinerary is literally impossible to follow if you plan to travel by public transportation – at least, if you plan on spending just 10 days in Sardinia! Public transportation is scarce and often unreliable on the island, sometimes with huge issues such as delays and cars breaking down. Bring your car via ferry, or rent one at Cagliari airport: it will make your experience a lot more enjoyable, and you will not be tied to timetables and such.

Make sure to read my post A Guide To Renting A Car In Sardinia or simply check out the prices of car rental on Discover Cars .

Days 1 and 2: Cagliari

Your complete Sardinia itinerary will start from Cagliari. Once you have left the airport, find your way towards the city center – if you’re driving, it takes about seven minutes. If you’re relying on public transportation and plan on picking your car only once you leave Cagliari, Elmas airport has a train station linked to the city’s central terminal.

You can spend your first day exploring the historical center – especially the four ancient districts ( Marina , Stampace , Castello , and Villanova ) where Cagliari’s most ancient history took place.

I recommend this guided tour of the historic districts of Cagliari to get acquainted with the city.

The second day can be spent in the outer areas of the city, with a short trip to Cagliari’s beach ( Poetto ), trekking in Sella del Diavolo and/or Colle di Sant’Elia, where you will find important ruins such as the Fortino di Sant’Ignazio , an old fort that has been used for both military needs and as a hospital.

You can also spend half a day in Molentargius , a nearby natural park that’s a safe haven for several protected and rare birds, such as the pink flamingoes.

This guided tour of Molentargius Nature Reserve with a local guide is the best way of exploring the reserve. A knowledgeable guide will be able to point out all the best wildlife!

Where to stay in Cagliari

Villa fanny.

A luxury hotel just a few minutes from Cagliari’s Stampace district, Villa Fanny is the ideal place to rest, immersed in a beautiful garden. The rooms are comfortable, spacious and cozy, and the staff takes care of every little detail. The property features free WiFi, an airport shuttle service, and a delicious continental breakfast. There is a gourmet restaurant on site.

La Dolce Cagliari

La Dolce Cagliari is a lovely guesthouse in an excellent area of the city – Stampace. Every room features a private bathroom and is bright and spacious. Free WiFi is available inside all the properties and all the main attractions are within walking distance.

For more accommodation options, read my post Where To Stay In Cagliari .

How to get to Cagliari

There are two ways to get to Cagliari: by ferry, or by plane.

Several companies (regular and budget ones) operate the flights to and from Cagliari, somehow regularly and increasing their frequency during the summer months. The flights from mainland Italy take from 45 minutes to 1.30 hours, depending on the place of departure. Cagliari is also connected to various European cities via direct budget flights.

I recommend using Omio to check out the price and schedule of flights to Cagliari.

Getting to Cagliari by boat takes more time, about 8 to 12 hours depending on the departure harbor and sea conditions, but it’s more comfortable if you want to bring your own car to the island.

Ferryhopper is the best engine to find the price and schedule of ferries to Sardinia.

Days 3 and 4: Ogliastra

On day 3, leave your hotel nice and early early and drive alongside State Road SS 125 Orientale Sarda, with destination Tortolì. Make a quick stop in Gairo Vecchia , an abandoned yet beautiful village that was partly destroyed by a flood; maybe have a picnic around there, the area isn’t short of pretty places where to sit and enjoy a sandwich.

After lunch, get back on your car and find a beach to relax and sunbathe at – if the season and the weather allow it. There are plenty of nice places around Tortolì, such as Porto Frailis, Musculedda, and San Gemiliano beaches to just name a few.

Day 4 would start with another early alarm clock, but very worth it. Ogliastra is the best place for panoramic hikes: you should try the hike to either Cala Goloritzé or Cala Sisine.

Climbing your way up and down the Ogliastra mountains will grant you some of the most breathtaking views of your life. The scenery is nothing but mesmerizing.

Keep in mind Cala Goloritzé is protected so only a limited number of visitors are allowed each day. You will have to book your visit via an app.

Make sure to read my posts A Guide To Cala Goloritzé and A Guide To Cala Sisine .

Where to sleep in Tortolì

Located in Arbatax – Tortolì’s marine district – La Bitta is a luxury hotel equipped with every comfort. You could literally never leave the property and still enjoy a fabulous holiday, thanks to their pool, excellent restaurant, and top-quality rooms. Of course, Free Wifi and free parking are available together with all the other features.

La Tortorella

La Tortorella is a more budget-friendly place, with great rooms, private bathrooms and free toiletries, free WiFi, and parking on site. The breakfast is particularly good and features both sweet and savory food. The location is also excellent, close to any important attraction.

Day 5: on the way to Olbia

The fifth day will be spent heading towards Olbia. You can stop and visit some unique villages along the way: first on the list is Orgosolo, in the heart of Barbagia , famous for its amazing street art; its murals are well worth some of your time – and so is the local food.

To make the most of street art in Orgosolo, consider hiring this audio-guide .

Make sure to read my post The Ultimate Guide To Orgosolo .

The second stop would be Lollove , another abandoned village – even if, to be fair, it still counts about 15 inhabitants – that is nothing but pretty, almost stuck in time.

And the same goes for Posada, another medieval gem with a beautiful castle on top of the hill where it’s built: this would be your third stop of the day before reaching Olbia and exploring a little of the city before heading to sleep.

Check out my posts A Short Guide To Posada and The Best Guide To Olbia .

Where to sleep in Olbia

An excellent boutique hotel closer to the Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, the Jazz Hotel features a swimming pool and lots of comforts. Of course, WiFi and parking are free and included. The food at the on-site restaurant is delicious too.

La Casa del Pittore

A more budget-friendly option located in the historic center of Olbia, La Casa del Pittore features beautiful rooms with private bathrooms and everything you might need during your stay. Free WiFi is included.

Days 6-8: Alghero

Dedicate a full three days to explore Alghero and its area, you won’t regret it.

On the first day, while you are driving there, I recommend stopping in Castelsardo (a beautiful village, with a strong Genoese soul, built on a hill overlooking the sea) and visiting a nuraghe, one of the ruins left by the local prehistoric populations.

Nuraghe Palmavera is perfect and easy to reach. Your first day is complete – but before going to sleep, be sure to have a walk on Alghero’s bastions for the sunset, and explore the city center!

This walking tour of Alghero is a great option to discover a city that – while small – has a very deep and interesting history.

Head over to my posts A Curated Guide To Alghero and How To Visit Nuraghe Palmavera .

On day two (day 7 of this complete Sardinia itinerary), head to Anghelu Ruju Necropolis (make sure to buy the combined Palmavera + Anghelu Ruju Necropolis ticket), a stunning prehistoric burial site, and visit Cantine Sella e Mosca , a local winery that’s just at a stone’s throw from the necropolis.

Be sure to book a wine tasting experience there: they will make you try some of the best wines in Sardinia.

If you wish to visit a lesser-known winery near Alghero, you may want to go to Ledà d’Ittiri. This guided tour is a great option for that.

In the afternoon, depending on the season, you can either opt for some relaxing time at the beach (Le Bombarde is the most famous one in the area) or visit Capo Caccia cliffs – stunning views! – and Neptune’s Caves – some of the most beautiful and complex caves in Sardinia. If you wish to visit the caves, make sure to book your visit in advance.

For practical information on visiting Neptune’s Caves, read my post A Complete Guide To Neptune’s Grotto .

On the third day, you can plan a day trip to Bosa, a pretty village on the Temo river, famous for its colorful houses, and visit one of the beaches in the area. My recommendation is Cani Malu, which is actually more of a swimming hole. In Bosa, try joining a mini-cruise on the river, it’s a fun experience!

Make sure to read my post A Complete Guide To Bosa .

Where to sleep in Alghero

Hotel alguer.

Located in one of the best areas of town, close to both the beaches and the main roads, this hotel is equipped with every comfort. The rooms are bright and cozy, the staff very attentive, free wifi and parking are included.

Musica Guest House

This is a lovely guest house located in a nice area of Alghero at easy walking distance from the town center. The rooms all have private bathrooms, there is free WiFi and free parking close to the property, which is just ten minutes drive from the beaches.

Make sure to also read my post The Best Hotels In Alghero .

Day 9 – Laconi

Sadly, after spending some nice time in Alghero, you will have to drive back towards Cagliari. Despite the road being longer, it’s actually faster if you go back to Sassari and follow State Road SS 131.

Choosing the shorter road will surely grant you some mountain views, but the reduced number of kilometers makes for a larger amount of driving time since you’d be going through the island’s hinterland.

You can definitely head directly to Cagliari, but I recommend making a stop midway, in Laconi, for the night. There are actually quite a few sites to visit along the way too.

Fordongianus , with its Roman thermal bats (they still work and are a SPA location!) is a great option, or you can choose to see another excellently preserved Nuraghe, the Santu Antine one. If you leave nice and early, you can be in Laconi by lunch time and have the entire afternoon to explore.

Don’t miss Aymerich Park, a botanical garden designed by one of the local noblemen some centuries ago and filled with all kinds of plants, and the castle – owned by the same Aymerich family, it’s now in ruins but there’s still something interesting left to see.

There is also an interesting walking route to follow in the village, based on the patron Saint, Sant’Ignazio. You can visit its house, the church where he went to pray to every day, and the museum that was curated in his honor.

Moreover, you can join some wine and truffle tasting tours. There really is something for anybody, despite the village being so small!

Make sure to read my post What To See And Do In Laconi .

If you happen to have time to spare, you can also hike to Sa Stiddiosa waterfall the day after – it’s beautiful! If your flight schedule is too tight, the only thing left to do is drive back to Cagliari, putting an end to this complete Sardinia itinerary.

Where to sleep in Laconi

Baita maore.

A luxury Bed and Breakfast with a swimming pool, beautiful rooms, and everything you might need. Free wifi and many other features are included. The property is located in a great area, immersed in nature, close to hiking and cycling routes.

Another great B&B in a great location, De’ Ajala is more budget-friendly but doesn’t miss anything. The rooms are bright and spacious, breakfast is delicious and the location is excellent and right in the heart of the village.

Day 10: back to Cagliari

From Laconi, the drive back to Cagliari will take you roughly 1.30 hours so depending on what time your flight is you may enjoy some attractions along the way such as Su Nuraxi , Sardinia’s most famous nuraghe in Barumini .

Final Considerations

10 days are really not enough to appreciate everything Sardinia has to offer, no matter the season of your trip. Most people who visit once realize that Sardinia is Italy’s hidden gem and end up falling in love with it and visiting many times. I truly hope you do the same!

Pin It For Later!

Claudia Tavani

Claudia was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Sardinia, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.

16 thoughts on “A Fun 10 Days In Sardinia Itinerary”

Hi Claudia, I really like your blog! I plan to visit Sardinia 10 days or more in mid/late May. Would you recommend me to follow the same itinerary? And if I don’t rent a car, could you recommend me couple places I must go? Thank you so much for you help 🙂

Hello Sian, you should definitely rent a car if you intend to follow this itinerary!

Hello, Claudia. Thank you for all of the information you’ve provided.

My wife and I are planning a 10-day trip to Sardinia in the middle of September. We prefer to stay in vacation rentals (VRBO, AirBnB) and make many day trips. Right now, we are trying to choose between several properties. The locations are Villasimius (east of Cagliari), Marina di Portisco (north of Olbia), Costa Smeralda (north of Olbia), Costa Paradiso (north central coast), and Orosei (east central coast).

We could spend five nights in one location and five in another. If we did that, the final five nights would be in south since we will fly in and out of Cagliari (the best airport for the airline we are using). But we don’t mind driving to the northern part upon arriving in Cagliari.

What do you suggest?

Alghero and Villasimius 🙂

Thank you, Claudia. There weren’t any properties in Alghero that worked out for us. But we may split our time between Costa Paradiso and Villasimius. I really appreciate the response.

Villasimius is AMAZING!

I will be in Sardinia October 27 to Nov 7. Is it worth trying to fit in Carloforte to the itinerary?

I love Carloforte. It really depends on your overall itinerary and if it fits into it.

Hello, Claudia. We are in the middle of 12 days in Sardinia. Your website has been very helpful! We enjoyed Alghero and the surrounding area, and are now spending time at the Gulf of Orosei before ending our trip in Villasimius. I have one question that is not related to tourism: We have noticed a lot of graffiti nearly everywhere we’ve visited. In some instances, even private residences have been defaced by graffiti. It’s troubling to see such beauty damaged in this way. Is Sardinia planning to do anything about it?

Is it graffiti or street art? Because in some cases, it is graffiti and stupid writings, in other cases, it is actual pieces of art that have been painted with the permission of local governments.

It’s graffiti. I’ve seen the street art in Orgosolo. It’s nothing like that. It would be a stretch to call it anything even close to artistic. Next time you visit Nuoro you’ll see what I mean. On a different note, thank you for your recommendation to visit Giuseppe Sedilesu winery in Mamoiada (The nicest small towns and cities in Sardinia). They were very welcoming, and put on a very informed tasting. They are 100 percent organic, and committed to the local area.

I am so glad you enjoyed it!

Hello Claudia, my partner and I are visiting Sardinia from 15/06 to 26/06. We are flying to Cagliari and would like to make the most of the natural beauty of the island (natural & possibly secluded beaches; hiking) and local authenticity (food and architecture). We prefer to avoid tourist resorts although we do enjoy local style nightlife (bars and restaurants…). I was thinking to book the first 2 nights and the last night in Cagliari but where would you advise us to stay during the rest of our trip (we will be renting a car)? I would definitely like to see Cala Goloritzé and/or other coves; hidden beaches along that part of the cost, I was also thinking of Villasimius, Costa Rei and also Chia beach. Many thanks! Anna

Thanks for your comment! I see you commented on a post titled ‘10 days itinerary around Sardinia’ to ask me for some advice on… a 10 days itinerary around Sardinia! As you may gather from the title, the post includes all the info you need to plan a fun 10 days itinerary. That’s exactly why I wrote it 🙂 in fact, I actually followed this itinerary myself, with my friend, which means it is tried and tested by a local.

Also – while Sardinia certainly has a tourist season, we don’t have any such thing as a tourist g****o here: we locals very much enjoy each and every corner of the island, with or without tourists around, and there is no such thing as a tourist only restaurant or beach or attraction 🙂

If you need more info, I suggest visiting my Sardinia Holidays Planning page to book a private consultation with me 🙂

Dear Claudia, We are planning a trip to Sardinia in August/September but unfortunately do not have driving licenses. Would you have any alternative recommendations to make the most of the island for a similar length of time, using only public transport? Due to flight restrictions from our area we were thinking of flying into Olbia and out of Cagliari. We hadn’t considered visiting Alghero as we’re wanting this to be primarily a relaxing beach holiday without too many long journeys, but would love to hear your opinions! Many thanks, Daisy

I prefer Alghero a million times over Olbia, and it’s actually easier to explore the area by public bus (there are buses going to the nearby beaches there). Cagliari similarly offers buses to the main beaches, and you can also take the public bus from Cagliari to Costa Rei or Villasimius and base yourself there for a nice beach holiday. Costa Rei is perhaps a bit better as you don’t need a car to get to the beach. Most beaches in Villasimius are actually a bit far from the village.

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

The Perfect One Week Sardinia Itinerary And Travel Guide

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2024

Categories Italy

Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island in the Mediterranean sea. It's a great holiday destination, with incredible beaches, interesting history, and of course delicious food (think pizza, pasta, gelato, and more).

Sardinia is a perfect place for a road trip, check out this detailed one week Sardinia itinerary below for inspiration!

One week Sardinia itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

A week in Sardinia: map

You can find our Sardinia one-week itinerary on the map below, including the highlights and accommodations we stayed at.

Click here for the interactive map.

One week in Sardinia itinerary

• Day 1: Explore Alghero and take a cooking class .
• Day 2: Go for a short drive north and swim in the turquoise waters around Spiaggia della Pelosa.
• Day 3: Take a boat trip around the La Maddalena Archipelago and admire the yachts at Porto Cervo.
• Day 4: hike Tiscali mountain .
• Day 5: visit the ancient nurarghe Losa and relax at Spiaggia di Is Arutas.
• Day 6: explore Oristano and wander the ruins of Tharros.
• Day 7: stroll around the cobblestoned streets in colorful Bosa and return to Alghero.

What is the best time of year to go to Sardinia

The best time to visit Sardinia is April – June, and September – October. During these months the temperatures are between a comfortable 18°C and 26 ° C.

And while April is too cold to swim, the abundance of beautiful wildflowers more than makes up for it!

July and August are very hot and also the busiest months on the island, with high accommodation prices and crowded beaches.

September is when we visited the island of Sardinia, we had beautiful weather and no rain. October usually sees a bit more rainy days, however, the beaches are (almost) empty and there are several festivals during this month.

Winter in Sardinia is moderate with temperatures usually between 11-14 °C. If you don't mind colder weather, this can be a good time to visit. There will be very few tourists and there are good bargains to be found for (fancy) accommodation.

That being said, there are parts of Sardinia that get the occasional snowfall (such as the mountains of Gennargentu) so do your research if you plan to visit Sardinia in winter.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

How to get to Sardinia

The easiest way to get to Sardinia is by plane as there are daily direct flights from lots of cities in Europe . Sardinia's three main airports are:

• Alghero Airport
• Cagliari Airport
• Olbia Airport

It takes around 3 hours to travel from Alghero or Olbia to Cagliari. Therefore, it's worthwhile choosing your flights carefully to maximize your time in Sardinia. For example, you could fly into Alghero Airport and depart from Cagliari.

Flight prices are dependent on your travel dates. But you can generally expect tickets to be more expensive during summer and cheaper in the off-peak season.

Check the best ticket deals on Kiwi.com

How to get around Sardinia

Sardinia is a large island and public transportation is very limited. Getting around by bus is a time-consuming and tedious process, which is why I highly recommend renting a car to explore the island (but before check my guide to driving in Sardinia ).

We also rented a car for our trip to Sardinia and it's the best way to explore the island!

Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and to visit all the places in Sardinia you want to see.

Keep in mind that the roads on Sardinia aren't always in the best condition, with lots of twists and turns. That's why we only averaged around 50 kilometers a day.

Not to say you can't cover more ground, but there are lots of interesting sights in Sardinia and you'll also need plenty of time to admire the splendid views along the way!

I especially loved the coastal road from Bosa to Alghero, which offered stunning views of the Capo Caccia. Be sure to include this road in your Sardinia trip itinerary.

Driving on Sardinia

Let's get one thing straight: traffic regulations don’t exist in Sardinia . Well, at least they seem to be more of a suggestion than actual rules.

The local residents raced over the winding roads, while we were keeping the recommended speed, meaning we created more than one traffic jam behind our car.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Sardinia?

Renting a car in Sardinia is surprisingly affordable! We rented ours via Rentalcars and paid €215 for a week: €175 for the rental fee and €40 for insurance against damages. Plus, we spent €95 on fuel.

Things you need to know about renting a car in Sardinia

Where to stay in Sardinia

We stayed at six different accommodations, you can find all of them in the table below. I booked all our accommodations online via Agoda and Booking before our trip.

Further down in the post you can read more about our personal experience with these accommodations.

Note: Prices for these Sardinia accommodation options are dependent on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Press ‘click here' under book to see the latest prices on Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

The hotels and apartments listed in the table above are all nice accommodations that I would gladly stay in again myself.

That being said, these accommodations were pretty basic. Clean and comfortable? Absolutely! But simple, no-frills hotels.

Best resorts in Sardinia

If you're looking for more luxury, these 3 excellent resorts in Sardinia might suit you better:

• Bajaloglia Resort : this 5-star resort offers the best views over Castelsardo. It's perfect for couples looking for a quiet and luxurious stay in one of the most beautiful bays or Sardinia. Click here to book .
• Hotel Cala di Volpe : this luxury hotel prides itself on its beautiful interior design and impeccable service. Surrounded by a lush, green Mediterranean landscape, you'll slip into holiday mode in no time… Click here to book .
• Baglioni Resort Sardinia : this secluded resort offers a private beach inside the Tavolara Marine Reserve. Views are absolutely breathtaking and the staff will go out of their way to make sure you have an unforgettable stay. Click here to book .

Is Sardinia expensive to visit?

No, traveling to Sardinia doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, my husband and I traveled to Sardinia on a fairly low budget.

In total, we spend €1000 for a week , which comes down to an average of €143 per day (for the two of us together). This includes all expenses for accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.

To give you an idea of the prices, an espresso generally costs around €1, a pizza is €5-8 and you can get a scoop of the most delicious gelato for only €2.

Also, to cut costs, we bought breakfast and lunch in a supermarket (bread, tomato, cheese, pepper, and salt, delicious!) or at little bakeries.

For dinner, we mixed up eating out and cooking ourselves. To celebrate our anniversary, we ‘splurged' (restaurants in Sardinia are still cheap compared to the Netherlands) on an excellent dinner at this restaurant , which was totally worth it.

1 week in Sardinia: 10 things to do

Sardinia should be on any Italy bucket list or Italy itinerary . It's a beautiful island with a lot of history and beautiful villages.

Sardinia is the 2nd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and a week won't be enough to explore everything it has to offer.

Most Sardinia attractions in this post are located in the north of Sardinia. However, I've added several must-visit places in South Sardinia under the ‘more things to do in Sardinia' section' further down this article.

If you also want to explore the South, I recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Sardinia because there is so much to see!

1. Explore Alghero

Start your 7 days in Sardinia in Alghero, one of the larger cities on the island though still very walkable.

With its charming historic center, narrow cobblestoned streets, boutique stores, and excellent restaurants and bars it's easy to spend a day in Alghero and a great place to visit on your first day.

Alghero highlights, besides strolling around the centro storico , are the impressive Sea Walls built in the 16th century, La Piazza Civica, and of course the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, one of Alghero's landmarks.

A trip to the nearby Grotta di Nettuno, located in Capo Caccia, is one of the best things to do in Alghero, though I don't particularly recommend this tour during summer as it gets very busy.

Outside of peak season, this impressive cave with spectacular stalactites and stalactites and other rock formations is definitely worth a visit!

An excellent evening activity in Alghero is taking a cooking class . A local host will teach you how to prepare a four-course meal with typical Sardinian dishes using local produce.

After your hard work, you get to enjoy these dishes accompanied by a glass of local wine, a perfect way to end your Alghero itinerary.

Click here to book your Sardinia home cooking class !

2. Take a swim at Spiaggia della Pelosa near Stintino

On your second day in Sardinia, head to La Pelosa, one of the best beaches in Sardinia .

This Spiaggia (Italian for beach) can be found on the Stintino peninsula, in the north of the island. It's approximately a one-hour drive from Alghero.

The crystal clear water has an absolutely stunning blue color and you don't even need a snorkel to see the fish dart around in the water!

We crossed the water to a tiny island about 10 meters from the coast, which had a little beach and just a few people on it.

To get to this beach, we picked our way over the slippery rocks with a bag full of valuables, probably not the smartest thing to do without a dry bag.

Luckily we got across without falling into the water and drowning all our electronics. In any case, La Pelosa is a lovely place to spend some time.

3. Hop on a boat trip around La Maddalena Archipelago

On the next day, it's time for one of the most popular Sardinia tourist attractions: a boat trip around the Maddalena Islands .

The Maddalena Archipelago consists of seven larger islands:

• La Maddalena
• Caprera island
• Santo Stefano
• Santa Maria

Only La Maddalena, Caprera, and Santo Stefano are inhabited. The largest town is Cala Gavetta on Maddalena Island.

There are also many small uninhabited islands in the archipelago, clear water in all shades of blue and fantastic beaches such as Cala Coticcio (Caprera) and Cala Lunga (Razzoli).

One of the highlights of any boat tour around La Maddalena is Spiaggia Rosa which means pink beach . It can be found on Budelli Island and is probably one of the world's most beautiful beaches.

However, you can only admire it from afar as disembarking here is strictly forbidden. And with good reason, before these regulations were established people often took shells and sand as a souvenir, wreaking havoc on the natural environment.

Booking a Maddalena boat tour

A boat tour in the Maddalena archipelago is one of the most popular day trips in Sardinia and rightly so. It's a fantastic experience around some of the most beautiful scenery the island has to offer.

You can book a boat tour online , which I strongly recommend when traveling in the high season (July and August).

If you are traveling outside peak season there is availability on most days. There are several tour operators in the harbor, so it’s usually not a problem to book on the day itself.

Most tours start around 10 am and finish around 6 pm. There are several itineraries but most tours have 3 or 4 stops on the different islands of La Maddalena.

Click here to book a Maddalena Archipelago boat tour online

Parking at Palau (departure point of the boat tour)

A little word of advice, reserve enough time to park your car! There is a real problem shortage of decent parking lots and it can be quite expensive the closer you get to the harbor.

We parked a little outside the city center, which was free and just a short walk to the harbor.

4. Wander around Porto Cervo

Porto Cervo is located in northern Sardinia in the area that's called the Costa Smeralda (the Emerald Coast). This small town is one of the most expensive resorts in the world.

We felt a bit out of place amidst the billionaires relaxing on their luxury yachts in their expensive clothing. Still, it's a good place for a morning stroll and an (expensive) cup of coffee or gelato.

5. Hike Tiscali Mountain

One of the most unique places to visit in Sardinia is the Nuragic village of Tiscali, hidden in the mountains.

It's estimated that these ruins date back to the first millennium BC. You can either visit Tiscali village independently or j o in this excellent full-day tour (includes transport, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide).

Getting to the village requires a two-hour hike in the beautiful Valle di Lanaittu , be sure to carry plenty of water as you'll be climbing a lot and a large part of the track is exposed.

Click here to book a hiking tour of Tiscali mountain and village .

6. Visit the ancient Nuraghe Losa

Nuraghi are a strange phenomenon and are only found in Sardinia. Basically, they are ancient fortified towers built from large rocks.

There are around 1100 spread around Sardinia in various conditions; some are in very good condition while others are almost completely destroyed.

We visited Losa (admission €5 per person), one of the largest and the most complete nuraghe in Sardinia , complete with watchtowers and a spiral staircase inside the main building.

Losa is an impressive structure and one of the best-preserved archeological sites. In my opinion, it's one of the best places to visit in Sardinia if you're interested in history.

I personally find it incredible these massive constructions were built so many years ago without any modern equipment.

7. Relax on Spiaggia di Is Arutas

Spiaggia di Is Arutas is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia (and there are more than 15 of them !) The beach is made up of tiny quartz fragments, similar to grains of rice, in colors ranging from green to white and delicate pink. 

This makes Spiaggia di Is Arutas a unique beach to visit and definitely one I recommend putting on your itinerary for Sardinia.

Note that during the summer months the beach can be packed so it's best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Bring a snorkeling mask and explore the underwater world, or go for a swim in the crystal waters.

8. Explore Oristano

While you'll be spending most time exploring the sights around Oristano, the village itself is also worth a visit.

Wander around the Centro Storico , grab a cup of espresso at one of the cafes, visit the beautiful Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and snap a picture of the Statua di Eleonora D'Arborea.

When visiting during lunchtime or in the evening, there are plenty of places to eat in Oristano. Trattoria Portixedda and Blao Ristorante are some of the best restaurants and serve fresh seafood as well as typical Italian dishes.

9. Visit the ruins of Tharros

Tharros is a historic site where you can explore the ruins of a former Roman town founded in the eighth century BC.

The signage around the site is pretty good and you can read about the history of this former capital of the Judicate of Arborea.

At the site, you will find the remains of several temples, Roman baths, an amphitheater, and some other constructions.

Allow yourself an hour or two to wander the ruins of Tharros and imagine what life must have been like millennia ago…

10. Stroll around beautiful Bosa

I loved Bosa, a beautiful village situated on the west coast of Sardinia by the Temo River (the only river in Sardinia).

The houses are painted in various bright colors and the narrow streets feel almost like a labyrinth. There are little coffee and gelato bars everywhere and the overall atmosphere is really friendly.

The castle up on the hill is worth a visit, mainly for the spectacular views over the main town and the sea. We were lucky to visit on the last day of the Nostra Signora di Regnos festival.

During the festival the village looks even prettier because of all the colorful flags, palm tree leaves and little altars build for the Virgin Mary.

More things to do in Sardinia

If you've got more time available, consider adding these activities to your Sardinia travel itinerary as well.

Dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour

The waters around Sardinia are rich in marine life, such as dolphins and whales. Join a boat tour from Olbia and watch dolphins swim free near the boat in their natural habitat.

Enjoy snorkeling among colorful fish and explore limestone caves and cliffs.

Click here to book a dolphin-watching tour

Go scuba diving

If you love the underwater world as much as I do and got your PADI, this full-day diving trip in the Gulf of Orosei is a great option.

You'll be doing three dives, under the supervision of an experienced dive master, in the clear waters just off the coast of Cala Gonone.

Click here to book your scuba diving trip

Spend more time on the east coast of Sardinia

If you've got a few extra days in Sardinia and love white beaches, the east coast of Sardinia is perfect for you. This part of Sardinia is simply stunning, each bay more breathtaking than the previous one.

Base yourself in fancy Baglioni Resort (see picture below), explore San Teodoro village, take a boat trip to Tavolara island and relax on pretty Cala Brandinchi.

Explore Cagliari

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and is known for its historic center. You can easily spend a whole day exploring its cobblestoned streets and narrow alleys.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Cagliari:

• Castello: this medieval town is part of Cagliari and dates back to the 13th century. It's situated on a 100-meter-tall hilltop and overlooks the rest of the city. Don't miss the Archeological Museum, Cagliari’s Cathedral and the iconic Torre di San Pancrazio and Torre dell’Elefante.
• Stampace: the oldest district in Cagliari where you can find the Roman Amphitheater, the lovely Botanical Gardens, and plenty of excellent restaurants and bars.
• Villanova: go shopping in this colorful Cagliari neighborhood. Pick up a souvenir such as local olive oil or ceramics and visit the imposing San Saturnino Cathedral.

Join this walking tour with a local guide to learn more about the history of this beautiful historic city on Sardinia.

Admire the famous pink flamingos

These beautiful creatures are called Sa Genti Arrubia in Italian and have lived on Sardinia for generations. The Molentargius pond near Cagliari is one of the best places to see them.

You can visit the Natural Park independently or join this fun 2-hour bike tour . Read more about the pink flamingos of Sardinia here .

Budget accommodation in Sardinia

Accommodation in Sardinia is plentiful and there is something to be found for every budget. Below you can read more about the places we stayed during our trip.

Alternatively, you can check Booking.com for more hotel options in Sardinia.

Accommodation in Alghero

We stayed at Alghero 4u Guesthouse . Max, the host, was very friendly and showed us around the apartment.

He also gave us a map of the city and recommended a pizzeria which turned out to be excellent! Budget accommodation with everything you need and in a good location, 10 min walk to the center of Alghero.

It's a bit noisy, we didn't mind, but if you are looking for a quiet stay this isn't for you (you share the kitchen and bathroom with other guests).

Price indication: €60

Click here to book Alghero 4U Guesthouse

Accommodation in Isola Rossa

We spent one night in Isola Rossa Appartamenti . The view from the veranda was beautiful, looking out over the sea and a beautiful sunset. The apartment was quite big and very clean.

The bed was comfortable, however, linens are not included. Bring your own bed linen and towels or pay an additional fee for a linen pack.

Also, there was a kitchen but no soap or sponge to wash the dirty dishes.

Click here to book Isola Rossa Appartamenti

Accommodation in Palau

The location of Costa Serena Village is absolutely stunning, with a beautiful view of the bay. The apartment itself is basic but clean and has good cooking facilities.

Please note that the swimming pool and shop are closed during the low season.

Price indication: €140

Click here to book Costa Serena Village

Accommodation in Sos Alinos

The absolute best thing about Cala Liberotto Residence is the outside kitchen, how cool is that! The rest of the apartment is nice as well, with a comfortable bed and a big clean bathroom.

Price indication: €120 per night

Click here to book Cala Liberotto Hotel Residence

Accommodation in Nuoro

In Nuoro, we stayed at Terry's House . Very friendly staff who gave us excellent advice about Mastro Pizza. The room has a very comfy bed, a modern and clean bathroom, and excellent Wi-Fi and.

Please note that there is no private parking available (but lots of public parking).

Price indication: €65 per night

Click here to book Terry's House

Accommodation in Oristano

Everything about Sa Domu e Crakeras was fantastic, from the warm welcome with local wine and homemade cookies to the location (in the city center of Oristano) to the room itself, excellent!

The room is very clean, the bed really comfy, the bathroom is new with a large shower and the air conditioning is a nice extra.

The ‘courtyard' looks really cute but is also convenient for parking the car. Highly recommended!

Price indication: €60 per night

Click here to book Sa Domu e Crakeras

Sardinia road trip itinerary: in conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this Sardinia travel guide and it has inspired you to road trip to Sardinia.

If you have any questions about putting together the best itinerary for your Sardinia vacation, leave a comment below, send me a message or take a look at my custom itinerary planning service .

This post was updated in February 2024.

Wednesday 26th of May 2021

How would you advise splitting the days between different areas of the island? Did you move to a new accomodation every day? Thanks!

Monday 31st of May 2021

We moved to a different accommodation pretty much every day (we only stayed in Oristano for 2 nights). Driving was quite slow as many roads had so many twists and turns so I was happy not to cover too large of a distance each day. That being said, if you prefer driving a bit further during some days in exchange for not having to pack up your stuff every day, that is definitely possible as well.

For example, you could easily visit Bosa from Alghero. You could even base yourself in Alghero for a couple of days and explore Oristano, Spiaggia di Is Arutas, Tharros and Spiaggia della Pelosa as day trips. Hope this helps!

Enjoy your trip:-) Lotte

Friday 15th of December 2017

Thank you for your willingness to share. We intend to be in Sardinia in April. We'll stay in Olbia for seven days. Do you have any suggestions for this kind of trip? Thanks again, Rita.

Monday 18th of December 2017

You are most welcome, I love writing about my travels:-). About your question, if you have a rental car you could easily visit Porto Cervo. You could also make a cruise around the Maddalena Islands. Depending on how far you want to drive you could also visit Nuoro (should be around 1,5 hour from you). And of course there are lots of small beaches around the East Coast which are yours to discover;-). Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 15th of October 2017

Hi brilliant story of your trip and helpful I wondered what time of year did you go and also is it quite cheap to eat in restaurants ? Thanks Sarah

Thank you, happy to hear that:-). I was on Sardinia at the start of September (2014), just after peak season. I was surprised how affordable eating out is. Obviously it depends where you go but a pizza is about 10 euro and we paid around 50 euro (including wine) for our fancy dinner at Ristorante Fronte Mari. Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip,

Katie McCraith

Thursday 13th of April 2017

Your trip sounds fantastic :)! Where did you hire your car from?

Friday 14th of April 2017

Hi Katie, it was a really nice road trip! I rented a car via Rentalcars.com. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any questions and enjoy your trip:-).

Wednesday 6th of January 2016

Fijn, zo'n helder overzicht! Het is toch altijd lastig inschatten hoeveel een reis gaat kosten.

Thanks Aniek:-) Ik vind het ook altijd prettig om te weten wat de gemiddelde dagelijkse kosten ongeveer zijn. Alhoewel je het natuurlijk zo duur kan maken als je zelf wilt;-)

Visit Sardinia: Top 25 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

The 25 best things to do in sardinia (bucket list).

You’re planning to visit Sardinia during your next trip? You want to know more about the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, i have prepared this guide of the 25 best things to do in Sardinia , with all the must-see attractions of the island.

Discover Cagliari , the Costa Smeralda , the Gulf of Orosei , Alghero and many more amazing places to visit during your trip.

So, where to go in Sardinia? What are the best points of interest?

Let’s find out!

1. Cagliari

2. the scenic sp71 road from porto teulada to chia, 3. sant’antioco island, 4. san pietro island, 5. the nuraghes, 6. the iglesiente coast, 7. tharros and the sinis peninsula, 8. oristano, 10. asinara island, 11. alghero, 12. the neptune caves, 13. castelsardo, 14. costa paradiso, 15. capo testa, 16. la maddalena island, 17. caprera island, 18. costa smeralda and porto cervo, 19. orgosolo, 20. gulf of orosei, 21. bue marino caves, 22. gorropu gorge and the ss 125 road, 23. sardinia beaches, 24. visiting caves in sardinia, 25. discover sardinian cuisine, renting a boat in sardinia, you’re traveling in sardinia these articles will help you, visit sardinia: the 25 best places to visit and must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay in Sardinia, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on your trip duration . You should read them after reading this article.

You can find them here, simply click on the orange links to read the articles:

• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Sardinia – With all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (North + South)
• Itinerary: 1 week in Sardinia – How to visit Sardinia in 6, 7 or 8 days (North or South)
• Itinerary: 10 days in Sardinia – The definitive guide to visit Northern Sardinia in 10 days!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Sardinia – The perfect 14, 15 or 16 days itinerary in Northern Sardinia
• Itinerary: 14, 15 or 16 days in Sardinia – The perfect 2 weeks itinerary in Southern Sardinia
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Sardinia – With all my best tips to visit the whole island in 20 or 21 days!
• Itinerary: North West of Sardinia (1 week) – How to visit Sardinia in 6, 7 or 8 days from Alghero

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the article. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

Let’s start this guide of Sardinia with Cagliari, the capital.

If the modern part of the city isn’t very interesting, the historical center however is worth a visit.

If you’re visiting Sardinia, you’re likely to start or end your trip at Cagliari airport, so why not stay around for a bit and go for a stroll in the old town.

Here are the best places to see in Cagliari:

• Il Castello:  uptown traditional district where most of the tourist attractions are located
• Cagliari Cathedral : you should go have a look at the Aragonese chapels and the Martyrs crypt
• Palazzo di Citta:  located next to the cathedral, this small museum displays Sardinian paintings and textiles
• The National Archaeological Museum  and its collection of objects and artifacts from the Nuragic civilization . It’s one of the main museums of Sardinia
• Bastion of Saint Remy and the Umberto I terrace with its incredible view over Cagliari
• San Benedetto market  to try out all the Sardinian delicacies
• Poetto beach:  this 7km long beach is one of the longest in Italy and the closest to the city center.

Looking for more things to do in Cagliari? Read my detailed article: The 10 Best things to do in Cagliari

Another must see in Sardinia is the scenic road (“Strada Panoramica” in Italian) from Porto Teulada to Chia .

The SP71 road is one of the most beautiful of the island.

It goes along the South-East coastline with amazing panoramic views . Also called Strada Panoramica della Costa del Sud, the road passes by several beaches with crystal clear water .

There are so many of them, just pick one and take a dip!

Here is the list of my favorite spots along the road: 

• Spiaggia di Cala Piscinni, you can park right next to the entrance, very kid-friendly!
• Torre di Pixinni beach is a pebble beach and one of my favorites from my trip to Sardinia. We were totally alone when we went there!
• Tuerredda beach  and its turquoise water
• Su Giudeu beach  is so huge that you’ll always find a free spot there
• Cipolla beach is another nice sandy beach with nice rock formations around and super clear water. It’s my favorite beach of the Strada Panoramica! 
• The Capo Spartivento lighthouse: take the path from Cala Cipolla to get there. The view over the entire coastline is breathtaking!

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in South Sardinia, then you should stop by Sant’Antioco island . It’s the 4th biggest island in Italy after Sicily , Sardinia and Elba.

A bridge connects the island to the mainland, so no need to take a ferry to get there.

What to see in Sant’Antioco, Sardinia:

• Sant’Antioco city: the island’s main city. You can walk around the port and the beachfront, visit the Sant’Antioco basilica, go to the archeological museum, the Forte Su Piso or even the Villagio Ipogeo and see troglodyte houses
• Maladroxia, a small beach town with lots of hotels and restaurants
• Coa Quaddus beach, unsupervised beach with a nice view over Torre Canai
• Cala Sapone beach:  small beach with bars and restaurants around. You can also rent pedal boats and kayaks
• Cala Lunga beach:  the most beautiful beach in Sant’Antico! A great sand beach with clear shallow water

Right next to Sant’Antioco, San Pietro  is another worthy place to visit in Sardinia.

Must see attractions on San Pietro island:

• Carloforte: where most of the hotels, shops, restaurants and cafés are located. There isn’t much to see, but it gets very lively by the end of the day, so stop there and get a drink!
• Bobba beach: a very trendy beach in San Pietro. There is a big parking lot, a bar and you can rent kayaks. If you want to snap great shots of the surrounding rock formations, go for a walk on the path to the right side.
• Conca coastline: from there you have some nice views of the cliffs
• Spiagga Spalmatore (Caletta beach), the most famous beach
• Capo Sandalo,  for sure the most beautiful spot on the island! From there you have a 180 ° view of the surroundings.

Voyage Tips Advice To go to San Pietro from Sant’Antioco, take the ferry leaving from Calasseta.

There is one every hour and it’s a 30min trip.

Tickets are around 35€ for 2 people + 1 vehicle.

If you travel to Sardinia, you need to go see at least one nuraghe , they’re everywhere on the island!

But first, what is a nuraghe?

If you have never heard about them, no worries: it was the same for me before going to Sardinia.

Basically, nuraghes are rock structures from the Bronze age and the Nuragic civilization . We don’t know exactly what they were used for, but studies say they were used as observation towers and for sacred rituals .

At first they were just made of one simple tower, but some nuraghes turned into fortified multiple towers complexes.

The most visited in Sardinia is Su Nuraxi Nuraghe . It’s a large complex located in Barumini and the only one listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

It’s made of one central tower with a bastion, 4 side towers, a yard and a well. Fortifications and more towers were added to it over time. A small Nuragic village with about 50 houses was also built around it.

Only guided tours are available .

Other noteworthy nuraghes are the Arrubiu, Di Palmavera and Santu Antine Nuraghe.

You’re going to Sardinia? Then, the Iglesiente Coast is another place you shouldn’t miss.

The SP 83 coastal road along the Iglesiente is famous for its breathtaking views over the sea and the mountains.

It also goes through ancient mining towns , an important feature of this part of Sardinia. This region used to hold the majority of the island’s resources such as lead and silver.

Today, this mountainous region is characterized by wild preserved landscapes.

Here are the must-see attractions along the Iglesiente coast, Sardinia:

• Fontanamare beach: a long sandy beach popular among surfers
• The Pan di Zucchero rock was named after the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With an height of 133 meters, it’s one of the tallest faraglioni of Sardinia.
• Nebida and its viewpoint on the Pan di Zucchero
• Masua and its beach, the scenic view over the Pan di Zucchero from there is very beautiful
• Porto Flavia mine: the cliff was dug in for almost 600 meters to allow ore transportation. You can only visit it with a guided tour, it needs to be booked at the Iglesias tourist office.
• Cala Domestica, a small beach surrounded by limestone cliffs
• Buggerru, a former mining village
• Portixeddu beach, a 3 km long sandy beach surrounded by pine trees

Let’s continue exploring Sardinia by going to the Sinis Peninsula .

This area is located in the Center-Western part of Sardinia, close to the Gulf of Oristano . You’ll find there several beaches among the most beautiful of Sardinia, the most famous being for sure Is Aruttas and Putzu Idu.

The peninsula is also home to a major archeological site of the island: Tharros archeological site .

This former trading post was founded by the Phoenicians and quickly became a major trade hub, thanks to its strategic location.

It was completely abandoned in 1070 and only ruins remain today.

The site is open every day and the entrance fee is 5€.

Voyage Tips Advice Right after Tharros, you can go for a lovely walk on Capo San Marco .

Another great place to visit in Sardinia is the city of Oristano , on the Western part of the island.

Oristano is a very pleasant city, perfect to walk around for about an hour in the historic center . It’s very small but it’s super lovely, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants and coffee shops there. There’s also a commercial street to do some shopping.

Visit Oristano, in Sardinia:

• Start by going to the Piazza del Duomo and admire the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral
• Continue with the Church of San Francesco
• Then go to the Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea. It pays tribute to the Judge of Oristano, who drafted the Carta de Logu, known to be one of the first civil codes in Europe.
• Finish with the Piazza Roma where the Tower of Mariano II is located. During the medieval period, Oristano used to be a fortified city, and this is one of the 2 remaining towers.

Voyage Tips Advice Don’t leave Oristano without having an ice cream at Barbagelato , located on Piazza Rima.

 Let me get straight to the point: it’s fore sure the best ice cream I had in Sardinia, and probably the best I have ever had in my life!

If you’re looking for things to do in Sardinia, then you should go visit the lovely town of Bosa.

Bosa is a cute small town with pastel colored houses , located next to a river. With its castle up the hill , it’s in my opinion one of the most beautiful villages in Sardinia .

The best viewpoint to take pictures of Bosa is located on the road, a few minutes before entering the town.

Here are the main tourist attractions in Bosa:

• The ponte Vecchio (“old bridge”) to acces the old town
• The Corso Vittorio Emanuel, the main avenue of the city, with many restaurants and gift shops
• Bosa Cathedral
• The Museum Casa Deriu to have a look at the lace and embroidery artwork – Very popular in Bosa
• The Castle of Serravalle: overlooking the whole city, you should definitely go upstairs to enjoy the view of the sea and mountains. You can also visit the castle, mainly famous for its chapel and ancient frescos.

A few kilometers away from Bosa there is also the Bosa Marina coastal resort .

The place isn’t very beautiful, so if you want to take a beach break after visiting Bosa, you should rather go to the beaches located North of the city , such as Compultittu or de S’abba Drucche beach.

During your trip to Sardinia, why not go to Asinara island?

Located at the North-Western tip of the island , the place has quite a unique history: from World War I to December 1997, it was housing prisoners of war and even prisoners from the mafia!

In 1997, the prison closed and Asinara island was established as a National Park, thanks to its rich flora (many endemic species) and Fauna.

Nowadays, cars are not allowed on Asinara island except, of course, for tourist excursions.

To visit the island, you first need to take a boat in Stintino .

The trip takes about 30min and there’s usually only one departure per day, around 9:00. You definitely need to book it in advance!

There are 3 ways to discover the island:

You can go on a jeep tour with a guide, hop on the tourist mini-train or rent a bike (the only autonomous way to visit the island). Everything gets booked very quickly, so don’t forget to book your excursion in advance.

In any case, be on time! Because if you miss the boat, there is no other solution to get there (or come back to Sardinia – you don’t want to sleep in the prison, right? 😅)

Once on the island, you can visit the prison , picnic in a cove and see the famous albino dwarf donkeys of Asinara .

As it’s a protected area, you won’t really be able to take a dip there. Swimming is prohibited in most beaches.

Alghero is another town that’s worth a visit in Sardinia

Located on the North-Western coast, the city is famous for its historical center and paved alleys, full of monuments to check out.

For sure, Alghero is a very nice town , but let’s be honest, it’s also very touristy!

You will find gift shops, restaurants and coffee shops everywhere . There are also many stores selling coral jewelry , the specialty of the region.

So, what are the best things to do in Alghero, Sardinia ?

• Take a walk on the ramparts, they have been recently renovated so it’s really nice
• Wander in the old city and its narrow streets
• Go for a stroll along the Lungomare promenade
• Discover Alghero cathedral
• Go up the cathedral bell tower and enjoy the view
• Have a drink on Piazza Civica, the main square in Alghero
• Visit the Coral Museum, to discover local craft
• Book a tour to the Neptune caves (more details below)

For more information about Alghero, you can read my detailed article about the city: The 6 Best things to do in Alghero

And if you chose Alghero as your base during your stay in Sardinia, you should definitely read my itinerary to visit Alghero and its surroundings in one week:   North West of Sardinia in a week

The Neptune caves are a another must-see during a trip to Sardinia.

Located close to Alghero , there are several ways to go to the Neptune caves:

• By boat from Alghero. The boat drops you off at the entrance and pick you up after your visit. You should book your tickets in advance.
• By boat from the pier in Porto Conte, the last village before the caves.
• On foot! You’ll have to go down the 654 steps carved in the cliff , it’s quite impressive. Don’t forget that you’ll also have to climb them back later! It’s the most exhausting option but it’s the “safest” one in a way: when the sea is a bit rough, boats can’t disembark passengers and have to go back to the port.

The caves are 4km long but only a part of it is open to the public. During your visit, you will see numerous stalactites and stalagmites and even an inland lake.

Only guided tours are available, they start every hour from 9:00 to 19:00 . So keep in mind that if you come to the cave at 09:10, you’ll have to wait for the 10:00 tour.

The tour takes about 45min and costs 13€ per person (7€ for children).

Looking for the best places to visit in Sardinia?

Then Castelsardo, a lovely medieval village located in Sassari province is a great choice for a few hours stop.

And if I say medieval village, you say… castles and ramparts! Castelsardo will not disappoint you on that.

You can go on a nice walk in the village , discover the cathedral, the bell tower, the chiesa di Santa Maria and the castle. You’ll find inside a museum dedicated to the famous local craft: basketry.

You’ll even be able to see on the streets a few old ladies still practicing this art. They’ll be delighted to give you a demonstration!

Castelsardo is a popular stop for tours, so you’ll also find there the usual gift shops and local craft shops, along with many bars and restaurants . Allow about 1 or 2 hours for the whole visit.

Speaking of Castelsardo, don’t forget to also stop by the Elephant Rock located nearby.

As its name suggest, this rock, the most famous of Sardinia, has the shape of an elephant. There are also two neolithic tombs inside .

You must stop there to take a few pics!

I can’t talk about the best things to do in Sardinia without mentioning the Costa Paradiso, a stunning coast with many coves. It’s really a place you should visit during your trip to Sardinia.

Usually, on your way to the coast and the village , you have to go through a gated road with a guard . I say “usually” because, when we went there, the gate was open and there was no guard in sight.

After that, the road goes down towards the sea and goes through many holiday homes more or less hidden in the surrounding nature.

Even if it overall looks very nice, you’ll quickly understand that you’ve arrived in the super touristy part of Sardinia , with its big holiday resorts and higher prices.

In a way it’s like the French Riviera of Sardinia!

The most popular cove in Costa Paradiso is Li Cossi . You can get there following a very beautiful (and easy) path for about 10min on foot from the parking lot.

The cove is magnificent but quite small , so it’s always a bit crowded. It makes sense given how many houses are located close to it.

On the beach, You will find a bar and you can also rent paddle boats and kayaks.

You should really do this kind of activities there: with the pink granite rock and the turquoise water , the landscape is splendid!

The Capo Testa was one of my favorite place during my trip to Sardinia.

Capo Testa was used during Roman times as a granite carry and is now a long stretch of giant rock formations with surprising shapes ! This phenomenon is due to erosion in this area located right next to the sea.

It’s really an amazing place, you can walk around the site at your own pace and take pictures of all these giant rocks.

There is also a few beautiful beaches in Capo Testa:

• Spiaggia Zia Culumba with its big rocks and crystal clear water
• Cala Spinosa, turquoise water and nice rock formations!
• Cala Francese, accessible via a path from Capo Testa lighthouse
• Ponente beach and Rena di Levante beach, 2 large fine sandy beaches.

The Maddalena Island is for sure one of the best places to visit in Sardinia.

The island is part of the Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park, made of 7 islands.

The 2 biggest, La Maddalena and La Caprera (more info about it below), are the only ones you can visit by car. The other smaller islands can only by explored by boat.

To go to Maddalena Island , there are ferries leaving from Palau .

The trip lasts about 20min and costs 40€ roundtrip for 2 people and a car. Several companies offer this trip every day.

The main attraction in La Maddalena is, without a doubt, the beaches . There is no city or specific villages to visit.

You should rent a car and drive along the panoramic road going around the island to enjoy the views. You should of course take beach breaks whenever you feel like it.

Here are the best spots to take a dip on Maddalena island:

• Bassa Trinita: white sand and clear water are waiting for you there. It’s also a very popular beach so there’s often a lot of people
• Spiaggia di Monte di Rena: a large sandy beach, also quite popular
• Spiaggia del Cardellino: a quieter beach located right after Monte di Rena. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy the sea in Sardinia
• Spalmatore beach, one of the most touristy on the Island
• Testa del Polpo beach or Capocchia du Purpu, meaning “octopus head”. You must stop there, it’s in my opinion the best beach of La Maddalena. Turquoise shallow water, big rocks, it looks just like the Seychelles!

If you also want to visit the other islands only accessible by boat (such as Budelli or Spargi ), you should book your day trip now (click here) .

This full day trip will take you around the islands with several beach breaks or visits. It also includes the lunch.

For more details about the Maddalena, you should read my article: How to visit the Maddalena archipelago?

Voyage Tips Advice During your boat trip from Palau to reach la Maddalena , you can see in the distance on your left the famous Roccia del Orso, a rock shaped like a bear.

It’s possible to visit the site, but you have to pay for both the parking and the entrance to the site, that’s a lot just to look at a rock.

La Caprera is the 2nd biggest island of the Maddalena archipelago . It’s super easy to go there, you just have to cross the bridge connecting it with its neighbor , La Maddalena island.

There too, you’ll find many amazing beaches:

• Cala Serena: easily a accessible on foot (10min away from Garibaldi beach) it is, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful beach of La Caprera
• Cala Caprarese: located at the mouth of a river, it looks like you’re in a small fjord
• Cala Napoletana: the most popular beach, with many boats moored close by
• The isolated beaches: Cala Brigantina and Cala Coticcio. You’ll need to walk a bit more to reach them.

After the beach, go to the Teialone tower viewpoint . A staircase leads to the highest point of the island, at 212 metres above sea level.

Of course, don’t forget to go the house of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Compendio Garibaldino.

You may not know it, but the Italian patriot bought the island and made it his home when he retired. Nowadays, you can go on a guided tour of his home.

The best way to finish your visit of La Caprera is to go to the Batteria Poggio Rasu Superiore .

This former military battery offers the most beautiful view over the whole island and its surroundings. You may even spot wild goats there!

You’ll find more information about visiting Caprera island in my article: The best things to do in La Maddalena archipelago.

Voyage Tips Advice For your lunch break on Caprera island, you shouold go to “I Mille” .

The Costa Smeralda is very popular in Sardinia among the jet set and other wealthy people.

It’s really the place to be and to be seen for all the billionaires with their yachts.

Porto Cervo port, the “capital” of Costa Smeralda, is filled with luxury boats . You’ll also find there many luxury boutiques , perfect to get the latest trendy bag. A few celebrities like Harrison Ford or Sting own big properties there.

The beaches around Porto Cervo are in the same vibe: no free parking lots, most of the beaches are private with sun beds everywhere . Nevertheless, they are still really beautiful. Just don’t go there if you want to be alone 😋.

Where to take a dip on the Costa Smeralda:

• Pevero beach, located 3km away from Porto Cervo, this beach is very popular and often crowded. When we were there, we even saw a 100 meters long yacht in the bay
• Principe beach : also very popular (and very nice) beach
• Romazzino beach
• Capriccioli beach
• Ruja beach: an upscale private beach, well equipped.

If you plan to go to Costa Smeralda during your trip to Sardinia, You should read my detailed Costa Smeralda guide: How to visit the Costa Smeralda?

Voyage Tips Advice It was the Aga Khan who decided to buy that land in 1962, and create the Costa Smeralda consortium .

His goal was to turn this region into a renowned holiday resort .

When you visit Sardinia , you can also discover beautiful mountain villages such as Orgosolo .

Orgosolo is famous for its “murals” , paintings and frescos painted directly on the houses facades .

Most of them have some kind of political message or are related to major international events such as 9/11 for example. There are more than 200 murals in Orgosolo.

Most frescoes are located along the Corso Repubblica and the adjacent streets.

If you want to know the story behind the murals, you should rent an audioguide with a map (5€/person) , or just the map for 3€ if you prefer.

Of course, you can also simply wander in the streets for free!

This place is quite popular, so you’ll find many tourist shops selling murals-related products: mousepads, coasters, t-shirts, and even postcards.

The main tourist attraction in the Gulf of Orosei are the cruises, taking you to coves that are only accessible by boat.

Most boats leave from Cala Gonone , a small coastal town.

There are many cruises agencies to choose from , they are located in the city center and on the pier . Overall, they all offer the same kind of trips, for the same price.

However, as the place is very famous, you should really book your cruise at least a day in advance.

There are 3 ways to discover the Gulf of Orosei by boat:

• A sailboat cruise: it’s a full-day tour, about 90€ per person, including lunch and several beach breaks.
• A zodiac cruise with a skipper driving the boat. You will do several stops in coves and it costs about 40€ per person. Departure at 9:30 and return at 17:30.
• Renting a zodiac that you can drive yourself even without a boat license. It costs around 120€ for the boat and gas. It’s the option I have choosen during my trip, as I am not a big fan of strict schedule. I really prefer to go where I want, when I want! At the end of the day if you’re at least 4 people, it’s even cheaper than a cruise. Besides, it’s super fun (and not too complicated) to drive the boat.

Whatever way you choose, here are the best coves of the Gulf of Orosei:

• Cala Sisine
• Cala Biriola
• Cala Mariolu
• Cala Gabbiani
• Cala Goloritzé

This cruise is one of the best activity you can do in Sardinia!

For more information, check out my detailed article: How to visit the Gulf of Orosei and Supramonte.

Located in the Gulf of Orosei, not far from the coves, the Bue Marino caves are a major point of interest in this part of Sardinia.

They’re named after the monk seal, called, “bue marino” in Italian. These caves were its last shelter before it went extinct.

You need to go there by boat, and departures are only from Cala Gonone.

There are 2 types of tours to visit the caves:

• A full day cruise including stops at the coves and the cave (40€ + 9€ entrance fee to the cave)
• A shuttle boat to the cave (about 25€ roundtrip with entrance fee to the cave included).

Some tour agencies also offer a visit to the cave with a beach break in Cala Luna. It’s up to you, depending on how long you plan to stay there.

There are only guided tours of the caves, starting every hour , and lasting about one hour. You’ll discover a large and beautiful limestone cave , including the candelabra hall and the mirrors hall.

Do you want to do a bit of hiking during your trip to Sardinia?

Then you should go to the Gorropu gorge. This gorge, one of the deeepest in Europe , is one of the most beautiful hiking spots in Sardinia!

It’s located not far from the Gulf of Orosei, and it’s accessible via the Dorgali-Arbatax road , also named SS125. This scenic road will allow you to enjoy beautiful views of the mountains along the way.

There are several hike departure points to go to the gorge.

• One starts from the parking located close to the Silana Hotel , km 183 on the SS125 road.
• Another is located on the Ponte Sa Barva , 15km away from Dorgali.

Either way, it’s at least a 4-5 hours hike.

Once you reach the entrance of the gorge, you’ll have to pay 5€ to get in . Then, you’ll be able to walk around and explore the canyon , with its huge limestone cliffs.

The last part of the canyon (the red path) is only allowed if you’re with a guide. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a lot of water with you!

For the way back , if you’re too tired, you can hop on a Jeep that will take you back to the parking lot for about 15€.

Remember though that it takes about one hour walking to get to the Jeeps.

Where to go in Sardinia to see magnificent beaches?

The answer is simple: everywhere!

Indeed, when you’re in Sardinia, you can take a beach break anytime and it won’t take you long to find the perfect beach. From small isolated coves to long sandy beaches filled with sun beds , there’s something for everyone.

I already mentioned plenty of beaches in this article, so here’s a recap of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Sardinia:

• Su Giudeu beach on the Costa del Sud
• Cala Lunga on Sant’Antioco island
• Pelosa beach in Stintino
• Li Cossi beach on the Costa Paradiso
• Capocchia du Purpu beach on Maddalena island
• Spiaggia del Principe (Prince’s beach) on the Costa Smeralda
• All the beaches in the Gulf of Orosei

Of course there are hundreds of others beaches in Sardinia, so it would be impossible to give you a complete list… But I’ll soon share with you a full guide of the best beaches in Sardinia!

Tired of the beach and looking for alternative activities in Sardinia?

Why not cool down a bit and go visit cave?

Besides the Neptune caves and Bue Marino caves I talked about earlier, there are other interesting caves to visit in Sardinia.

Which caves to visit in Sardinia?

• Su Marmuri cave: located close to Ulassai and Tortoli, the cave is 1km long and up to 50 meters high. It’s for sure one of the most impressive caves in Sardinia. The visit last about 1 hour and you’ll see many rock formations, some with surprising shapes. I loved it!
• Ispinigoli cave: located in the area of Dorgali, close to the Gulf of Orosei. It’s worth going there to see the giant stalagmite, it’s more than 38 meters tall! You can only visit with a 45 minutes guided tour.
• Is Zuddas cave: located 6km away from Santadi, it’s a beautiful cave with amazing crystals in the last hall. Allow about 1h for the guided tour.
• Su Mannau cave: located close to Fluminimaggiore. The visit last 1 hour and you’ll see several indoor lakes.
• San Giovanni cave: located 4 km away from Domusnovas, this small cave with stalactites and stalagmites is free to visit.

If you’re going to Sardinia, you should at least once eat at an agriturismo (a kind of farm stay), it’s the best place to taste authentic Sardinian cuisine!

A typical agriturismo menu includes:

• Some antispati: a plate filled with cheese, cured meat + roasted and marinated vegetables such as eggplant or artichoke.
• A primo piatto: usually a pasta dish. Some popular Sardinian specialties are the gnochetti (shell shaped pasta) and the culurgiones (a kind of cheese stuffed ravioli served with tomato sauce).
• A secondo piatto: it can be meat or fish, served with a salad and vegetables. One Sardinian specialty is porceddu, a roasted suckling pig.
• A dessert: the sebadas are the most common desserts. These are fried ricotta puff pastries topped with honey. It’s so delicious!
• A digestive: It will often be a “mirto”, the most famous one.

Menus in agriturismos have fixed price, usually between 25€ and 30€ per person , drinks included (water + wine).

I can guarantee that you’re getting a great value for your money, because the portion are ultra generous! It’s hard to get to the end of the meal.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your trip to Sardinia, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Sardinia? 😊

And you, what do you plan to visit during your trip to Sardinia?

Sardinia travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Sardinia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Sardinia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Sardinia: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Sardinia are listed here.

• Alghero: The 6 best places to visit
• Cagliari: The 10 best things to do in and around the city
• Costa Smeralda: The definitive guide to plan your stay
• Gulf of Orosei & Supramonte: The 10 best things to do
• La Maddalena: All my best tips to visit the islands

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

2 Days in Granada: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

One week in Tuscany: Epic 6-7-8 Day Itinerary (First Time Visit)

4 days in Milan: the perfect Itinerary (first time visit)

Discussion 2 comments.

Very informative! Thank you! Would you have a lists of agritourismi?

Thanks Carol! I’m glad my article helps you to plan your trip to Sardinia.

You can find a list of all the agriturismo’s restaurant with prices and localisation here: Agriturismo in Sardinia.

However, if you also want to book a room (not just the meal), you should not use the website I mentionned above. With the current situation, it’s better to go trought an international website like booking.com . Else you might not get refunded if your trip is canceled.

You can find all the info you need to prepare your trip to Sardinia such as itineraries and things do on the different parts of the island (Cagliari, Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena…) by clicking on this link: Destination Sardinia .

And if you need more help to organize your stay, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Enjoy your trip to Sardinia!

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Website (optional)

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Middle East
• North America
• Cheap car rentals: my best advice
• Back to Homepage

Sardinia Revealed

Best Areas to Stay in Sardinia for All Budgets and Styles

Angela Corrias

April 24, 2024

One of the first questions my readers ask me when they start planning their trip involves the best areas to stay in Sardinia and what hotels I suggest. While the island is most famous for being a summer and beach destination, many visitors arrive to explore the local foods, archaeological sites, local festivals, or simply to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle.

Cities like Cagliari and Olbia are great for beaches and history but also for nightlife and food. But smaller towns like Alghero, Oristano, and San Sperate are wonderful places to stay in Sardinia to discover the local handicrafts, traditions, and culinary specialties.

Find out where to stay in Sardinia depending on your travel needs, whether you want to relax on the beach, have a romantic trip, or go for a scenic hike.

Table of Contents

Best places to stay in Sardinia – Full guide

Where to stay in sardinia for beaches.

In Sardinia, you are never more than an hour’s drive from the beach. This means that even if you don’t book your hotel right on the beach, you can always reach the coast quite quickly.

This being said, if you want a hotel on the beachfront, there are plenty of options that vary depending on your travel needs and budget.

If you want to stay near the beach in Sardinia, you can opt for a beach town or city, or for an all-inclusive resort. Often, luxury resorts in Sardinia feature a private beach like Baglioni Resorts Sardinia in San Teodoro, Li Finistreddi Exclusive Country Retreat in Arzachena near Costa Smeralda, and Mangia’s Santa Teresa Sardinia, Curio Collection by Hilton in Santa Teresa di Gallura, perfect for guests to enjoy crowd-free swimming and sunbathing.

If you would rather opt for a hotel that’s still close to the beach but more affordable than a luxury resort, you can search for the different types of accommodations in towns and cities near the coast.

Thankfully, these in Sardinia are not hard to find. The same capital, Cagliari , is a beautiful city on the beach (Poetto), and there are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses to choose from. Click here to see some options .

Among the other cities, Olbia is also near the beach as well as Oristano and Alghero .

Check out our guide to the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia!

Best areas to stay in Sardinia for families

If you are traveling to Sardinia with your family and are not already coming with your campervan, I suggest renting a car to move more comfortably. Once you have your own car, you have also more freedom in choosing where to stay.

Among the places where to stay in Sardinia with kids, I would opt for towns and cities because they have all the services you need including restaurants, shops, and pharmacies.

The city of Cagliari is perfect if you want to relax on the beach but also delve into the local history and culture. From there, you can also plan some great day trips such as to Nora ancient city, one of Sardinia’s most important archaeological sites .

Among the best areas to stay in Sardinia for families are also beach towns like Alghero, San Giovanni di Sinis, or S’Archittu , or towns that are very close but need a few minutes by car such as Bosa, Riola, Narbolia, Cabras, Dorgali, or Orosei.

Looking for a customized itinerary and experience in Sardinia? Book our travel planning services!

Where to stay in Sardinia for couples

Among the best places to stay in Sardinia for couples are certainly the hotels and resorts on the beach. On the western coast, you will enjoy the best sunset and if you have dinner near the beach, romance is guaranteed.

If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Sardinia for a romantic getaway, the wonderful archipelago of La Maddalena off the northern coast is a truly wonderful place. Apart from panoramic hotels with a view, here you can also go on a scenic boat tour around the islands.

Among the best hotels you can find around La Maddalena archipelago in Sardinia are the adult-only Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma , Hotel Cala Lunga , and LH Porto Rafael Altura Resort in Palau.

Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), too, is a favorite corner for a romantic VIP-style holiday and beautiful bays and beaches. Not far from La Maddalena archipelago, beautiful hotels you can book in the area include L’Ea Bianca Luxury Resort in Baja Sardinia (Arzachena), Cervo Hotel Costa Smeralda Resort , 7Pines Resort Sardinia By Hyatt also in Baja Sardinia, and Hotel delle Rose in Porto Cervo.

The regional capital too, Cagliari, is a fantastic location to stay in Sardinia if you are looking for a romantic trip. Cagliari offers plenty of beautiful views whether you are in the Castello neighborhood, on St. Remy’s Bastion, or hiking the Devil’s Saddle .

Best places to stay in Sardinia for an authentic experience

If you are planning your trip to enjoy a more authentic experience, in my opinion, the best places to stay in Sardinia are inland. My suggestion is to pick a town in Sardinia , explore it, blend in with the locals, and take day trips to explore other surrounding villages.

Places like Ghilarza, Sedilo , Fordongianus, Seneghe , San Sperate but also Alghero, Bosa, and Oristano are sure to give you an unforgettable experience whether you are visiting for a festival, to explore an ancient ruin, or to just enjoy the local relaxed vibe.

A fantastic authentic Sardinian experience is also what you will find visiting the Ogliastra and Barbagia regions in the Nuoro province. Here, you can stay in the city of Nuoro as well as smaller towns like Mamoiada, Orgosolo, and Dorgali.

Admittedly, to visit most of these places you will need a car, especially because you will certainly want to explore the surroundings. Even though trains connect many smaller towns, to visit most villages and landmarks in the countryside, renting a car becomes necessary.

Are you stuck with the planning process? Check out my complete planner in PDF you can also consult offline!

Where to stay in Sardinia for hiking

Sardinia is also a wonderful destination for hiking fans. From Sella del Diavolo in Cagliari to the gorgeous Gorropu Canyon in the Ogliastra region to the stunning coast of Buggerru where they organize scenic hiking trips to Masua and Cala Domestica.

If you are planning to hike Su Gorropu or Tiscali Nuraghic village , you can book your hotel in nearby towns such as Dorgali and Urzulei . If you are heading to Masua and Cala Domestica, you can stay in the lovely town of Buggerru .

Pro tip! The booking websites we usually check out when looking for accommodation are Booking.com , Expedia , and VRBO .

WANT TO READ THIS LATER? PIN IT TO YOUR BOARD!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Sardinia

Sardinia is a place of impeccable beauty – it is a big island chock full of beautiful beaches , unspoiled mountain scenery, and fascinating medieval towns . With such riches on offer, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a trip.

Here are 10 of the best places to go in Sardinia that definitely won’t disappoint.

The best cities to visit in Sardinia are the capital Cagliari in the south and Alghero in the north.

Cagliari is a buzzing city with plenty of local life to discover. It’s by far the biggest and liveliest city on the island.

There’s a hilltop old quarter called Castello which is a delight for exploring on foot, whilst the city beach Poetto stretches on for miles and comes alive with beach clubs in the summer.

There is an international airport at Cagliari and it’s also a gateway to the fabulous beaches areas west at Pula and Chia , and east towards Villasimius and the Costa Rei .

Lequarci Waterfall

Waterfalls are not the first thing that spring to mind when you think of Sardinia, but it’s a mountainous island so there are plenty to be found (especially in the spring).

Cascata di Lequarci is one of the most impressive. It’s located inland on the east coast where there are plenty more to discover if you have your own wheels.

Castelsardo

Picturesque Castelsardo is undoubtedly one of the most charming and beautiful towns in Sardinia.

It’s known for its colourful houses, streets lined with traditional handicrafts, and epic sunsets. The coastline is mainly rocky but there are a few small beaches. 

Located on the north coast, it’s easy to reach from Alghero and is a popular day trip destination.

Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda is the big-name tourist draw in Sardinia. It’s a section of impeccable shoreline in the northeast corner of Sardinia which is frequented by the rich and famous.

The beaches are second-to-none and there are numerous marinas along the coast geared towards the megayacht fraternity.

If you fancy a luxury beach holiday and money is no object then Costa Smeralda is the place for you.

It can feel somewhat artificial but is also arguably the best part of Sardinia for beaches . The land is privately owned so development has been kept in check. Porto Rotondo and Palau are the prettiest of the towns.

To find the best beach destination for you check out our Sardinia Beach Resort Guide .

La Maddalena Archipelago

La Maddalena is a stunning archipelago off Sardinia’s north coast. It’s now a national park and consists of 62 small islands.

It’s located opposite the Costa Smeralda and is a popular destination for yachts and boat trips. Only 3 of the islands are inhabited. La Maddalena is home to some of Sardinia’s most iconic beaches including the pink-tinged sands on Budelli and the rock formations on Caprera .

If you want to stay overnight head to the island of La Maddalena , or else you can arrange a boat trip from Santa Teresa Gallura or Palau .

Golfo de Orosei

The Golfo di Orosei on Sardinia’s east coast is where you’ll find the most dramatic coastal scenery – green mountains, jagged limestone cliffs, and hidden beaches.

This is the best place to visit for the adventurous traveller. The coastline is best explored by boat – small rentals and excursions are common – but there are activities galore up in the hills too. Don’t miss hiking the Gorrupu Gorge .

Cala Gonone is the main resort town in the area but you can also use Arbatax or Santa Maria Navarrese as a base.

Algero is the main city in northern Sardinia and it has a distinctive atmosphere thanks to its proud Catalan heritage. This is reflected in the architecture and food of the city, which is sometimes referred to as Little Barcelona .

As with Cagliari, it has impressive city beaches both at the Lido San Giovanni and slightly further out at Maria Pia . Or you can keep going west along the coast to the scenic Porte Conte National Park which is fantastic for walks.

Highlights include a boat trip out to Neptune’s Grotto where you’ll find red cliffs and coastal caves, walking the well-preserved city walls, and dining at one of the many seafood restaurants by the sea.

Another beautiful coastal area to discover is the Capo Testa peninsula on the northern tip of the island.

The distinctive wind-hewn granite rocks which appear on so many beaches along the north coast seem to run riot here. It has a sculptural feel and is a fascinating spot for hiking.

You can reach Capo Testa from nearby Santa Teresa Gallura.

The beautiful town of Bosa is on Sardinia’s west coast, a short (1 hour) drive south of Alghero.

It’s quite unique in Sardinia for its tall colourful houses which are reminiscent of buildings from the Italian Riviera . It was once at the heart of a prosperous tannery trade. The medieval streets are full of character and are overlooked by the 12th-century Malaspina Castle .

Bosa is a riverfront settlement, a short distance inland from the sea. It’s a popular location for day trips or short romantic breaks.

San Teodoro

There are so many beautiful coastal areas in Sardinia that it’s truly difficult to narrow them down, but the east coast region around the popular resort town of San Teodoro is worth a mention for its vast scalloped lagoon beaches.

As a counterpoint to the ritzy Costa Smeralda, this section of the coast is family-friendly and you’ll plenty of campsites and summer clubs near the beach. Families from the Italian mainland flock here in summer for the natural appeal and some of the best beaches in Sardinia .

Come in early June for the best chance of spotting flamingos . The nearest international airport is Olbia.

10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Sardinia

Where to Stay in Sardinia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

10 Best Mediterranean Islands for Beaches

10 Most Beautiful Italian Islands

Enjoyed this post? Follow us on Instagram or Facebook

Click to save to Pinterest:

Image credits:

Cala Coticcio from the air: Alien / Adobe Stock

Cagliari: © Travellaggio/ Adobe Stock

Lequarci: © ivan canavera/ Adobe Stock

Castelsardo: © Andrew Mayovskyy/ Adobe Stock

Costa Smeralda: © Travel Wild/ Adobe Stock

La Maddalena: © Bogusz/ Adobe Stock

Golfo di Orosei: © Alien/ Adobe Stock

Alghero: © Valery Rokhin

Capo Testa: © Igor Tichonow/ Adobe Stock

Bosa: © pixelshop / Shutterstock

San Teodoro: © marco/ Adobe Stock

Share this post:

A South Sardinia Itinerary & Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Sardinia is incredible and there is SO much to see on the island. If you’re staying a week or less, there’s no way you’ll be able to cover the whole of the island, so I’d stick mainly to the South. Here’s my itinerary and guide to South Sardinia.

Sardinia is an incredible island rich in culture and beautiful sights. It’s one of the biggest islands in the Mediterranean (actually the second largest), and it’s impossible to cover everything in just 5 days. That being said, that’s a great amount of time to get a taste of the Southern part of the island, and you’ll have the most magical five days! If you’re looking to visit both the east coast and west coast, I recommend a minimum of a week!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something with that link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thank YOU for helping this website run. I appreciate it!

Southern Sardinia is absolutely stunning and it’s easily accessible by Cagliari airport. I also felt that Southern Sardinia had a sort of ‘realness’ to it – the resorts were mainly hidden away and I really felt like I was seeing the more traditional side of this region in Italy. This Sardinia itinerary is going to focus on the South – there’s so much to do in just this region.

The Best Time to Visit Sardinia

Sardinia is a great beach destination in the summer months, but I absolutely loved Sardinia in April. Going in the off-season is great because the weather is chilly enough for a light jacket, but warm enough to be outside. That means it’s GREAT weather for the outdoors.

Do You Need a Car in Sardinia?

Short answer – if you’re staying in Sardinia for more than a few days, YES!

Driving along the coast was one of my favourite ways to see the island, and plenty of sights are outside of Cagliari and only accessible by car. Public transportation is lacking, so I’d definitely recommend hiring a car if you can! If you want to see some of Sardinia’s Northern sights, like Porto Cervo on Costa Smeralda, Capo Caccia, or Santa Maria near the national park, OR if you want to take a boat trip to San Pietro, a car is a necessity. If you’re keen to see more Northern sights, Olbia and Alghero are also supposed to be stunning. Road trips are a great idea in Sardinia, with most stops being around a sixty minute drive from a city to explore.

That being said, if you’re ONLY staying in Cagliari for a few days, you could probably go without a car.

Parking isn’t too bad in Cagliari. There’s a lot near the castle that has plenty of space and is secure!

Things to Do in Cagliari

Cagliari is such an underrated city! Whilst people flock to the beautiful beaches a bit further away, this city is where all the action happens! It’s the largest city in Sardinia and is absolutely worth a few days. We made this our home base and took day trips away, which worked out very well.

Museo Archeologico Nationale

This museum hosts some key pieces of Sardinia history, including relics from Nora (more on that later!). If you like ancient history, this museum will be fascinating.

San Benedetto Market

This is a must-do to put into your Sardinia itinerary. I’m a sucker for markets and this one was no exception! The produce is all fresh and local, and it was BEAUTIFUL! The fruits and veggies looked juicy and plump, the meats looked fresh and clean, and the breads and cheeses?! Don’t get me started. It was great to walk around and see what was in season, and I highly recommend buying some prepared food porta via (takeaway).

Bastione Saint Remy

Walk up the steps and have a look over all of the city – this is one beautiful viewpoint! I like how Cagliari was made up of levels (similar to Edinburgh) – walk up these steps and then explore this entire level/area – it’s charming and definitely worth some time.

Wander Through Sardinia’s Most Charming Neighbourhood

Between San Benedetto and the Marina areas are some of the cutest streets I’ve ever walked down. I would definitely spend a while wandering through here. I highly recommend starting your day with breakfast at Caffe Antico, and from there, I’d continue up Via Vincenzo Sulis and get lost in the alleys around there.

Where to Stay in Cagliari

We stayed at the Casa Istellas , which was very affordable for a family of four. It also had great wifi (enough for me to do a few video interviews!) and it’s in the BEST location! I highly recommend this place. It was about a 15 minute walk from some of the best sights in the city.

There are plenty of hotels in Cagliari, but I really liked staying in an apartment in a residential area – I got to feel what living in Sardinia was like.

Where to Eat in Cagliari

When you’re in Sardinia, you MUST try some traditional Sardinian food. Ask restaurant owners and locals for their recommendations, and you must try to bottarga (salted, cured fish roe!) on top of a bowl of pasta.

Il Fanà: I cannot recommend this place enough! The woman who served us (the owner maybe?) was SO lovely and the food was absolutely incredible (highly recommend the appetiser platter). This was our favourite meal in Cagliari.

Caffè Tramer: This is one of the oldest caffès in Cagliari. The inside is very cute and again, the owners are really lovely. The merenghe is what they’re famous for. It is delicious but VERY sweet! It’s cream sandwiched in between two meringues and it is heavenly if you have a sweet tooth like I do!

BoboCono: This is my favourite place for Gelato in Cagliari! The boboettas are really great for a small treat, and the gelatos are fabulous. There are also gelato popsicles and gelato sandwiches.

ManàManà: This is located in central Cagliari and is a super affordable restaurant. It was really tasty and the owner was so wonderful. Highly recommend this place!

Caffè Antico: If you’re looking for delicious pastries and a good cappuccino in the morning, this is your place! You can stand at the bar or sit down outside and have a full breakfast. They have heat lamps and it’s a great ambience. The fresh OJ is fabulous.

South Sardinia Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: cagliari.

Your first day will primarily be for travel logistics! Sort yourself out at your hotel or apartment, pick up your rental car from the car hire location, and hit the town running. I really liked wandering through the city’s streets and getting a feel for Cagliari. I’d recommend going through San Benedetto and exploring with a gelato in hand.

Before sunset, go up to the castello area in the city center and wander through the upper level of the city. Watch the sunset from Bastione Saint Remy and get ready for a fabulous dinner.

A note on meal times: In the UK, I eat breakfast anywhere from 7-9, lunch from 11-1, and dinner from 5-6. This isn’t how it goes in Italy! Breakfast is more or less the same time, lunch is from 12:30-2 (the kitchens close at 2 so don’t forget to eat lunch!), and dinner is from 8 onwards. There will be really limited options in between these times, so keep this timing in mind!

Day 2: Visit Nora and Pula

This was one of my highlights. History in Italy is fascinating, and Sardinia’s is even more interesting because of the influence of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians! Pula is roughly a 45-minute drive away from Cagliari and is definitely worth a visit. Pula is a town near the ancient city of Nora, and is absolutely adorable.

On the drive, you’ll probably see pink flamingos!

Once you’re in Pula, walk down Via Nora (it’s a straight shot!) to Nora. On this street, there are some amazing bakeries that have loads of Sardinian treats. I really enjoyed buying one or two of each cookie and having a little nibble.

It’s a long walk, so if you have a car, you might want to wander through Pula and then hop in the car and drive to Nora.

To go to Nora, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 6 euros. You’ll need to be accompanied by someone to see Nora, and you have the choice between someone who just follows you around or a tour. I highly recommend the tour. It was fascinating and you’ll learn SO much more about the ruins with a guide. We had Andrea and he was hilarious. The tour is incredibly interesting.

Once you drive back to Cagliari, if you have time, you should visit the archaeology museum, as they have a lot of the relics found in Nora.

Where to Eat in Pula

Dulcis Infundo is a very sweet gelateria with really yummy gelato!

Pastificio Pula is the bakery where we got our treats. You can see them making the cookies in the back of the store!

Day 3: Have an Active Day

Sardinia is home to SO many mountainous regions and it is an absolute paradise for anyone who loves being outside. It’s honestly such a beautiful place and you should take advantage of this natural beauty. Drive out of Cagliari and do what you like! If you like swimming, there are SO many white sand beaches along the coast. Cala Regina is a little hard to reach, but people adore it for sunbathing and snorkelling. There are also plenty of beaches with sand dunes if you’re looking to see some.

If you like to hike, Sardinia is a gem! There are hikes ALL over the island, all different levels, but all with great views!

My family particularly enjoys rock climbing in Sardinia, so we spent our day in Domusnovas , which is really beautiful and is next to the Grotte di San Giovanni, which is a HUGE cave. They’re making this a paid attraction soon, so visit while you can!

Day 4: Drive Along the Coast to Villasimius

Drive along the winding roads to Villasimius and Cape Carbonara . Villasimius is a small, but very cute town, and Cape Carbonara is really stunning.

Villasimius was where we had our best gelato! It’s the Gelateria Artigiana and it was honestly the best gelato in Sardinia. We also had a VERY good lunch at Restaurante Carbonara Villasimius , where we had local dishes.

There are also some ancient sites like Accu Is Traias and Cruccuris nearby, and if that’s not enough, the archaeology museum is supposed to be amazing!

Make sure you actually drive to the Cape, as it’s outside of Villasimius. The cape has gorgeous blue water and it’s lovely to walk around.

Day 5: Soak up that last bit of Cagliari

Before your flight out of Sardinia, make sure to hit the San Benedetto market (closes at 2pm!). Get last minute souvenir shopping in, walk around the marina, and return to the sites you don’t want to leave Sardinia without seeing!

5 days is not enough for Sardinia, but it’s enough to get a taste of the South! If you follow this itinerary, let me know what you enjoyed and what you’d add! Have the best time on your trip!

Like this post? Pin it!

Related posts

The Ultimate Guide to the Grütschalp to Mürren Hike: Stunning All Year!

9 Charming Fairytale Villages to Visit in Alsace, France

The Elie to Crail Coastal Walk Along the Fife Coastal Path

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

11 comments

Nora & Pula definitely do look adorable. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Sardinia so hopefully one day I can put this itinerary to good use 😉

I hope you get to! Pula and Nora were the highlights! I love the history 🙂

I’ve only recently discovered Cagliari, they do have cheap flights from London so I will keep this post handy for when we go. Love the sound of all the restaurants.

Yes the flights are sooooo affordable!

The blog is pretty comprehensive and amazing for anyone willing to travel to Sardinia. The details about the places and things to do is pretty interesting. Keep up the great work

Thanks so much! Xx

Beautiful pictures! Sardinia looks like an amazing place to visit. I love off-season travel – will have to look into this. Thanks!

Off season is the best! I hope you get to go sometime soon!

Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

I do! My handle is @uoblog 🙂

Would you be able to recommend a 14 day itinerary? Thank you

• Food & Wine

A Complete Guide To Sardinian Cuisine

• March 25, 2024

In recent years, the beaches of Sardinia have become a summer holiday hotspot for celebrities and lovers of la dolce vita . But while its natural beauty is a magnet for tourists, there’s no denying that its distinct culture is equally enticing. As writers, we often marvel at the diversity of Italy’s twenty regions, but Sardinia has a unique flair that distinguishes it from all the others. The second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia has endured countless invasions and occupations throughout its history. All of which has had a profound influence on Sardinian culture — from its language to its cuisine.

Sardinia is a blue zone : one of five regions in the world with a high concentration of centenarians. This phenomenon has led scientists to study the Sardinian diet at great lengths. Surprisingly, this diet of health and longevity is far from bland. It’s both diverse and delicious, the result of the island’s rich history and varied terrain. And though it may have similarities to Italian cuisine, many argue it to be a separate entity. With influences from North Africa, the Levant, and Catalonia, it’s quintessentially Mediterranean.

Regardless of how one defines Sardinian cuisine, you’re bound to fall in love with it. Here’s what you can look forward to tasting when you visit this beautiful island.

Golden Grain: Pasta and Pane

Like most of southern Italy, Sardinia favors the use of grano duro (durum wheat) rather than rice , which is a staple in northern Italy. This wheat variety, which is used to make pasta, bread, and sweets, is both versatile and essential to local cuisine. It’s deeply ingrained in the culinary fabric of this island, with scientists suggesting its presence dates back to the Bronze Age.

Sardinia is home to a plethora of breads, many of which are true works of art. But no visit to the island is complete without tasting pane carasau . This thin, crisp flatbread was the preferred choice of shepherds due to its ability to be conserved for long periods. Today, you’ll find it on virtually every table and it is the star ingredient in many Sardinian dishes. The most notable of these is pane frattau , which shares similarities to lasagne. Once a peasant’s dish, pane carasau is soaked in broth and then layered with tomato sauce and pecorino. It’s then baked and topped with a poached egg. Pane frattau is a fine example of the simplistic and nutritious nature of Sardinian cuisine.

Another iconic Sardinian food is fregola , a small spherical-shaped pasta that resembles couscous. Made with semolina flour, it’s prepared similarly to the North African version. Given this, many credit the Phoenicians and Carthaginians for its origin. And while some dispute this theory, there’s no doubt that fregola is a staple in Sardinian cuisine. Toasted during its preparation, it has a nutty flavor, making it unique from other pastas. One can find it served in pasta salads, soups, local seafood, or even with a simple, but hearty, tomato sauce. Be sure to give these little pearls a try if you haven’t already.

Often referred to as Sardinian gnocchi because of their shape, malloreddus is one of the island’s most famous pastas. But unlike most gnocchi varieties, these don’t contain potato or ricotta. Instead, they’re made using semolina, water, salt, and saffron (which is prevalent on the island). Malloreddus can be served in many ways. However, one of the most beloved recipes is alla campidanese — with a fennel sausage ragù and plenty of grated pecorino cheese. This is Italian comfort food at its finest!

Dairy: Sweet, Savory, and Everything In Between

With a longstanding pastoral culture, sheep’s milk is a fundamental Sardinian ingredient. In addition to ricotta, it is also used to produce the island’s most popular cheeses: pecorino sardo and fiore sardo . All three cheeses are used in sweet and savory dishes throughout the island — a testament to their versatility.

Nothing short of exquisite, culurgiones are stuffed pasta that hails from Ogliastra on the eastern coast. While they are often paralleled to ravioli, this dough uses grano duro (instead of the softer grano tenero ) and they don’t contain eggs. This sets culurgiones apart from the stuffed pastas of Emilia-Romagna like tortellini and ravioli. Filled with creamy mashed potatoes, pecorino, and fresh mint, they’re sealed with an intricate braid pattern, making them works of art. There’s no denying that these vegetarian delights are both substantial and satisfying!

Once a main course for shepherds, seadas (or sebadas ) are now Sardinia’s most iconic dessert. Believed to be of Spanish origin, a visit to the island wouldn’t be complete without trying these. Stuffed with pecorino cheese and lemon zest, these fried “ravioli” are crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside. Before serving, they’re brushed with warm honey — perfectly juxtaposing sweet and savory flavors.

Among the island’s many sweet treats, ricotta is the protagonist of pardulas (also known as formagelle ). A popular Easter dessert, these star-shaped tartlets are now available year-round. Filled with creamy ricotta, saffron, and citrus zest, they’re baked and given a festive flair thanks to a dusting of icing sugar or honey and colorful sprinkles. Another beautiful edible work of art, these pastries encapsulate the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Bounty from the Land and Sea

With more than 1000 miles of coastline, it’s easy to see why seafood is popular in Sardinian cuisine. But the island also features more than 9,000 square miles of land, making meat just as important. Both options enjoy equal popularity, meaning visitors will be spoiled for choice when visiting the island.

Today bottarga is a highly-coveted delicacy, though was once considered cucina povera (“poor man’s food”). Salted and aged for several months using the roe of fish like mullet and tuna, some call it “Sardinian caviar.” It’s most popularly used as a condiment grated over pasta, such as spaghetti alla bottarga, due to its complex flavor profile which features salty, savory, and umami notes. Some may find it too adventurous for their palate. but consider giving it a try if you want to capture the taste of Sardinian waters.

Another luxurious delight from the sea is aragosta alla catalana , a typical dish from Alghero. Like much of the island’s west coast, this town has retained the charm of its Catalan past. While locals reserve this lobster salad for special occasions, tourists can enjoy it at almost any restaurant in Alghero. After boiling for twenty minutes, the lobster meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, oil, and lemon. Then it is tossed with tomatoes and red onions, although ingredients can vary elsewhere on the island. Finally, the lobster salad is chilled for several hours before it is served. The end result is both lavish and delectable!

Ispinadas are a distant cousin of the arrosticini eaten in Abruzzo . These skewers feature small cuts of lamb meat, a conscious choice that allowed shepherds to cook them over a small fire. Agnello con carciofi is another popular lamb dish typical of Sassari. Eaten during the Easter period, tender lamb is cooked with the island’s coveted artichokes. It’s then garnished with mint and parsley, adding a layer of complexity. Whichever way meat lovers choose to eat lamb while in Sardinia, it’s sure to delight their palate.

Dolce Delights

Sardinia is home to many sweet treats. This may come as a surprise to some given that Sardinians live long, healthy lives — many to age 100. But the key behind their longevity may lie in a mindset of moderation and appreciation. Island life is all about slowing down and living in the moment, which often comes in the form of a coffee break . There’s always time in Sardinia to catch up with loved ones over espresso and un dolce .

Across the Mediterranean, puff pastry is used to create ornate and artful desserts. Twisted into a variety of shapes tiricche (or tilicche ) is a popular sweet of choice across the island. The puff pastry encloses a filling of ground almonds, sapa (grape syrup) or honey, semolina flour, and citrus zest. Not only do these feature a distinct flavor, but they’re also known for their unique shapes. As you travel throughout the island, you’ll find tiricche in a variety of shapes. These can range from a simple ‘S’ shape to hearts, horseshoes, and crescents. This is a dessert that really speaks to the artistic nature of the Sardinian people.

With a wide selection of elaborate pastries to choose from, it can be refreshing to opt for a cookie instead. A great option is papassini , a diamond-shaped shortcrust cookie. Decorated with royal icing and colorful sprinkles, these are a hit in Sardinia! The basic recipe calls for flour, eggs, sugar, butter, raisins, lemon zest, and ground nuts. But as with any recipe, there are always variations, with some people adding candied citrus peel, cinnamon, and fennel seeds. Once reserved for All Saints Day and Christmas, papassini are now available year-round. This is great news for anyone visiting the island looking for a cookie to dunk in their morning caffè .

Still hungry? Check out our food guides to Tuscany , Sicily , Puglia , Abruzzo and Emilia-Romagna .

In this article:

Post written by: Justin Patulli

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

The Best Cacio e Pepe in Rome: 10 Must-Visit Restaurants

Where To Find The Best Pizza In Naples

Where To Go Wine Tasting On The Amalfi Coast

Privacy overview.

San Pantaleo

Maddalena Archipelago

One standout moment was our visit to La Maddalena Island, just a short 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland. Mornings involved strolls through charming pastel-coloured streets in search of delicious focaccias, while we admired vibrant fishing boats in the port, sipping espresso and listening to locals converse at coffee shops. The real magic, however, lies in the neighbouring islands. Caprera, connected by a bridge, boasts magnificent crystal-clear beaches. Some require a short hike, but they are well worth it. Though we missed the iconic pink sand beach named Budelli, it’s said to be a true treat for fortunate visitors.

Baunei Coast

The Baunei Coast, like the rest of Sardinia, captivated us with its untamed charm and wild beauty around every corner. Each cove had its unique allure, with personal favourites being Cala Goloritzè, Cala Luna, and Cala Birìala, not to mention the breathtaking view of the Pedra Longa rock formation from our boat. We enjoyed a memorable night in the quaint village of Baunei, staying in a traditional Italian flat with picturesque mountain views. Continuing our journey, we drove down to Spiaggia di Santa Maria Navarrese, where we rented a deckchair and relaxed by the sea for a full day.

Finally, we reached Cagliari, the vibrant capital effortlessly blending heritage, tradition, and mesmerising landscapes. Our last stop led us to a night in the charming old town of Castello, with cobblestone streets and panoramic sea views. Culinary delights awaited us at every turn in the town’s bustling outdoor dining scene. Warm hospitality and authentic cuisine were set against a backdrop of lively ambiance. As our holiday neared its end, we explored the Orto Botanico, a lush oasis in the heart of the city, providing a perfect conclusion to our adventure.

Sardinia proved to be the ultimate European summer escape – a place where we could both unwind and explore, precisely what we were seeking. This Mediterranean gem, often overlooked, pleasantly surprised us with its unfiltered charm, authentic Italian vibes, and an abundance of hidden gems away from the crowds. From relaxing in Olbia to exploring the islands of Maddalena Archipelago and embarking on a boat tour of the Baunei Coast, Sardinia exceeded our expectations, and we’re eagerly anticipating our return!

Header: @kirijohnston

Need More Travel Inspo? Take A Look At… Why Your Next Weekend Away Should Be a Countryside Escape The Sunny Coast Is Scoring A New Hotel And Entertainment Hub Wine Down, Here Are 8 Reasons To Visit The Granite Belt

A Shopaholic's Guide To Tokyo’s Vintage Shopping Scene

Travel Guide: A Guide To Exploring Los Angeles

Get Cheeky with It: Moxy Sydney Redefines Airport Stays

• Griekenland
• Nieuw-Zeeland
• Noord-Ierland
• Verenigde Staten
• Zwitserland
• Autorondreizen
• Verblijf op een locatie
• Wijn- & Culinaire Reizen
• Fly & Drives
• Groepsreizen
• Trein(rond)reizen
• Aanbiedingen & Specials
• Contactformulier
• Maatwerkformulier
• Groepsaanvraag
• Chat met ons

Zoek op land, regio of reis

Authentiek Sardinië...

Ervaar en beleef sardinië.

Deze prachtige rondreis laat u optimaal genieten van het Sardijnse landschap, de cultuur en tradities.

Reisinformatie...

Data & prijzen, accommodatie(s), aanvullende info, beoordelingen, praktische info.

U begint en eindigt in het noorden en reist in 2 weken het eiland rond. Omdat u op elke locatie drie of vier nachten verblijft, is er voldoende rust in het reisschema; zo heeft u de gelegenheid om naast het bezoeken van bezienswaardigheden te genieten van de natuur en uiteraard van de prachtige stranden die Sardinië rijk is!

Route in het kort

Dag 1: Luchthaven Olbia - Olmedo, Agriturismo I Vigneti , 130 km Dag 2: Olmedo, Agriturismo I Vigneti Dag 3: Olmedo, Agriturismo I Vigneti Dag 4: Olmedo, Agriturismo I Vigneti Dag 5: Olmedo - Teulada, Agriturismo Terranieddas, 280 km Dag 6: Teulada, Agriturismo Terranieddas Dag 7: Teulada, Agriturismo Terranieddas Dag 8: Teulada - Lotzorai, Agriturismo I Mandorli, 230 km Dag 9: Lotzorai, Agriturismo I Mandorli Dag 10: Lotzorai, Agriturismo I Mandorli Dag 11: Lotzorai - Arzachena, Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru , 190 km Dag 12: Arzachena, Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru Dag 13: Arzachena, Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru Dag 14: Arzachena, Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru Dag 15: Arzachena - luchthaven Olbia, 45 km De route kan afhankelijk zijn van de gekozen luchthaven van vertrek (indien van toepassing).

- Retourvlucht - Handbagage - Overnachtingen in de genoemde accommodaties - Ontbijt - AVIS huurauto - 24 uur nood-assistentie - Handige app voor Android en iOS - Administratiekosten t.w.v. EUR 35,- per boeking - Calamiteitenfonds ad EUR 2,50 per boeking - Bijdrage SGR ad EUR 5,- per persoon - Toeristenbelasting & parkeerkosten (ter plaatse te voldoen)

- Ruimbagage aan boord - Persoonlijke uitgaven voor drankjes e.d. - Lunches en diners (tenzij anders vermeld) - Brandstof - Reis/bagage/ongevallen- en/of annuleringsverzekering

Uiteraard kunt u naar wens de reis uitbreiden. Het is mogelijk om langer op iedere plaats te verblijven of deze route te combineren met onze andere routes. Neemt u hiervoor contact met ons op.

Dag 1 - 4: Ontdek het noordwesten van Sardinië

Vanaf de luchthaven reist u naar het noordwesten van Sardinië. Uw eerste verblijfsplaats is 10 kilometer ten noorden van Alghero. Hier logeert u vier nachten, het is een uitstekend uitgangspunt om het noordwesten van Sardinië te verkennen. Op korte afstand ligt het stadje Alghero, met een sfeervol historisch centrum en promenade langs zee. Aan de baai van Porto Conte kwam in de 14e eeuw de vloot aan van de Catalanen die Alguer veroverden en er eeuwenlang heersten; de Spaanse invloeden zijn er nog duidelijk te vinden. Andere mogelijkheden voor uitstapjes zijn een boottocht naar de Neptunusgrot bij Capo Caccia, een bezoek aan de universiteitsstad Sassari met een mooi historisch centrum, het pittoreske Castelsardo aan de noordkust en de Nuraghe Sant Antine bij Torralba, één van de belangrijkste overblijfselen van een nederzetting uit de bronstijd. Route: Luchthaven Olbia - Olmedo, 130 km

Dag 5 - 7: Via de kustweg naar het zuiden

Vandaag reist u zuidwaarts langs de westkust. U kunt onderweg een stop maken in Oristano en het historisch centrum bekijken. U kunt er voor kiezen om het eerste deel van de route richting Bosa te rijden, u rijdt dan via de (erg mooie) kustweg naar het zuiden. U kunt Bosa bezoeken, een bijzonder, oud stadje aan de monding van de rivier Temu. De accommodatie ligt net buiten de gemeente Teulada op ongeveer vijf minuten rijden met de auto van zee. Bij deze agriturismo is geen zwembad aanwezig. U kunt het stadje Iglesias bezoeken, dit ligt op 60 kilometer afstand. Hier zijn de Pisaanse vestingwerken uit de 13e eeuw nog te zien, evenals een aantal fraaie monumenten uit de Catalaanse tijd. Hiernaast is een daguitstapje naar de hoofdstad van Sardinië, Cagliari, op 73 kilometer een absolute aanrader. De stad is mooi gelegen aan zee en heeft een sfeervol centrum. Maak hier een wandeling door de middeleeuwse binnenstad, de Citadel, met talrijke monumenten en een panoramisch uitzicht over de baai. Route: Olmedo - Teulada, 280 km

Dag 8 -10: Bewonder de prachtige stranden van de Golf van Ogliastru

Vandaag rijdt u naar het oosten van Sardinië. Op een paar kilometer van de accommodatie vindt u de prachtige stranden van de Golf van Ogliastru en het aardige badplaatsje Santa Maria Navarrese; in het achterland ligt het Gennargentu-gebergte, een schitterend natuurgebied met bossen, bergen en ravijnen. Ook kunt u een bezoek brengen aan de prehistorische graven Domus de Janas. Route: Teulada - Lotzorai, 230 km

Dag 11 - 14: Caribische sferen bij Costa Smeralda

Uw laatste etappe voert u terug naar het noordoosten van Sardinië. De laatste accommodatie is een zeer verzorgd landgoed in de omgeving van Arzachena. U kunt het historische stadje Tempio Pausania bezoeken, uitstapjes maken naar het Gallura-gebergte of een bootexcursie naar het Maddalena-eiland. Op 15 km vindt u de stranden van Cannigione en de Costa Smeralda. Wie kennis wil maken met het mondaine Sardinië, vindt op 15 km de jachthaven van Porto Cervo, in het zomerseizoen ontmoetingsplek van de jetset. De luchthaven is vanaf deze locatie eenvoudig te bereiken. Route: Lotzorai - Arzachena, 190 km

Dag 15: Weer terug naar de luchthaven

Op de laatste dag rijdt u van de agriturismo naar de luchthaven voor het inleveren van de huurauto en uw terugvlucht. Route: Arzachena - luchthaven Olbia, 45km

Overnachtingen 15-daagse reis

4 nachten Olmedo, Agriturismo I Vigneti 3 nachten Teulada, Agriturismo Terranieddas 3 nachten Lotzorai, Agriturismo I Mandorli 4 nachten Arzachena, Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru

Route vanaf aankomst luchthaven Alghero

- Arachena, Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru - Lotzorai, Agriturismo I Mandorli - Agriturismo Terranieddas - Agriturismo I Vigneti

Vluchtinformatie

Indien mogelijk heeft u bij boeking de keuze uit vertrek vanaf Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Brussel Zaventem, Brussel Charleroi en Düsseldorf Weeze. Deze reis is gebaseerd op de meest voordelige beschikbare vluchten. Gedurende het boekingsproces op de website kunt u direct het vluchtschema kiezen. Gecommuniceerde vluchttijden zijn onder voorbehoud van wijzigingen van de luchtvaartmaatschappij. Handbagage is inbegrepen. Per luchtvaartmaatschappij zijn de afmetingen en het toegestane gewicht verschillend. Bij Transavia is standaard 10kg handbagage inbegrepen. Bij Ryanair kunt u 1 stuk handbagage meenemen met een afmeting van 40x20x25cm. Binnen 24 uur na boeking is het mogelijk een groter stuk handbagage (trolley) aan te vragen via de touroperator. Na 24 uur na boeking kunt u zelf nog bagage en extra's boeken via de luchtvaartmaatschappij. Hiervoor kunnen andere tarieven gelden. Ruimbagage is niet standaard inbegrepen. Binnen 24 uur na boeking kunt u aangeven of u ruimbagage wenst bij te boeken. Na 24 uur na boeking kunt u zelf nog ruimbagage en extra's boeken via de luchtvaartmaatschappij. Hiervoor kunnen andere tarieven gelden.

Meer informatie over de autohuur en voorwaarden kunt u terugvinden op www.styleintravel.nl/autohuur . Bij deze reis is een huurauto van AVIS inbegrepen tenzij anders vermeld. De huurauto is inclusief onbeperkt aantal kilometers, WA verzekering, CDW-verzekering, diefstalverzekering, one way fees binnen Italië, kentekenregistratietoeslag. Er is een eigen risico in geval van schade en/of diefstal. In sommige gevallen is de all-inclusive verzekering / SuperCover reeds inclusief. Dit is terug te vinden bij details van de reis. Tijdens het boekingsproces ziet u meer informatie over de categorie auto en het aantal inbegrepen huurdagen. Afkoop van het eigen risico of een upgrade van de huurauto kunt u gedurende het boekingsproces bijboeken of na boeking nog reserveren. Let op: de hoofdboeker wordt gezien als de hoofdbestuurder van de huurauto. Deze dient in het bezit te zijn van een geldige creditcard op eigen naam met pincode . De bestuurder dient minimaal 1 jaar in het bezit te zijn van een geldig rijbewijs. Er kunnen toeslagen gelden voor bestuurders onder de 25 jaar.

Vanafprijzen

De vanafprijzen zijn, indien een vlucht opgenomen is in de reis, afhankelijk van de gekozen vertrekdatum, luchthaven en onder voorbehoud van wijzigingen van het vluchttarief gedurende het boekingsproces.

Voorwaarden

Op deze reis zijn de ANVR voorwaarden en Aanvullende touroperator voorwaarden van toepassing: zie www.styleintravel.nl/algemene-voorwaarden . Wij zijn aangesloten bij ANVR, SGR, SGRZ en het Calamiteitenfonds. Vermelde reissommen per vertrekdatum per persoon worden zoveel mogelijk up-to-date gehouden volgens de laatste prijswijzigingen van luchtvaartmaatschappijen. Het kan helaas soms voorkomen dat vluchttarieven plotseling enorm stijgen na de laatst gedane prijsupdate. Hier heeft de touroperator geen invloed op. In dit geval kan Style in Travel na boeking een voorstel doen voor een andere vertrekdatum en/of vertrekluchthaven. Aanvaarding van dit voorstel zal altijd in overleg met de klant zijn. Onze reizen zijn op aanvraag. Op aanvraag betekent dat niet alle onderdelen van de door u uitgekozen reis direct beschikbaar zijn. Indien u een reis op aanvraag boekt, proberen wij dit onderdeel voor u te reserveren. Als alle onderdelen beschikbaar zijn, maken wij de reis definitief. Dit houdt in dat u deze niet meer kosteloos kunt annuleren. Indien niet alle onderdelen gereserveerd kunnen worden, zullen we u een andere mogelijkheid aan proberen te bieden. Als de reissom hierdoor hoger wordt, laten wij u dit natuurlijk weten. Indien u niet akkoord gaat met het alternatief, wordt de boeking kosteloos voor u geannuleerd en komt de aanvraag te vervallen.

Het is een formule die toelaat om iets van het mooie Sardinië te zien en te ontdekken. Goed georganiseerd en goede Agriturismo's. Ik vind deze manier van reizen super leuk | Kirsten, België

Omdat wij u alle vrijheid bieden, is het voor ons vrijwel onmogelijk een routebeschrijving van plaats tot plaats te verstrekken. Er is ongelooflijk veel te zien, en voor ieder is er wat wils. Ons advies is dan ook: koop voor vertrek een goede wegenkaart of neem uw navigatiesysteem mee en schaf een uitgebreide reisgids aan om zo de mooiste plekjes te ontdekken. Voor vertrek ontvangt u informatie over onze handige mobiele applicatie. Deze is geschikt voor Android en iOS en geeft u toegang tot informatie over uw reis. Onder andere uw reisprogramma, adressen van de accommodaties en tips en tricks behorend bij uw route heeft u zo altijd direct bij de hand.

Agriturismo I Vigneti

In een groen landschap, 10 km. ten noorden van Alghero ligt de Agriturismo I Vigneti. Zoals de naam al aangeeft bevindt u zich hier te midden van wijngaarden; ook wordt er op het terrein fruit, groente en olijfolie verbouwd. De eigenaren, de familie Pirisi, beheren het terrein met persoonlijke zorg. De ligging is bijzonder gunstig: u vindt er de rustige ambiance van een landelijke vakantie, met de mooie stranden van Fertilia en veel mogelijkheden voor uitstapjes in de omgeving: het centrum van Alghero, maar ook de stad Sassari en het pittoreske Castelsardo zijn een bezoek waard. Andere interessante uitstapjes zijn een boottocht naar de Neptunus-grot bij Capo Caccia en een bezoek aan nuraghe Sant Antine bij Torralba, een van de belangrijkste overblijfselen van een nederzetting uit de bronstijd. In de grote tuin met zwembad vindt u alle ruimte om te ontspannen en te genieten van het uitzicht en de rijke subtropische vegetatie. In het restaurant worden traditionele Sardijnse gerechten bereid, met verse ingrediënten uit eigen productie. De accommodatie beschikt over kamers en appartementen met een terras, die uitzicht bieden op het park en de landerijen. De nette kamers zijn voorzien van tv, airconditioning, minibar, verwarming, kluisje en wifi. In het hoofdgebouw zijn een aantal 2-kamerappartementen (type bilocale), op de begane grond. Daarnaast zijn er 2 vrijstaande huisjes (type villetta) op 200 meter van het hoofdgebouw en zwembad. De appartementen zijn eenvoudig, maar netjes ingericht, alle met buitenzitje en voorzien van airconditioning, kitchenette en tv. Houdt u er rekening mee dat het restaurant is geopend van 1 mei tot en met 30 september. Het restaurant kan dicht zijn als er niet voldoende gasten aanwezig zijn. Buiten bovenstaande periode gaat het restaurant open bij een minimaal aantal gasten van 8. Op ca. 3 km vanaf I Vigneti bevinden zich restaurants.

Terranieddas

Midden op het platteland van Teulada, op 5 minuten van een ongerepte zee, ontdekt u Agriturismo Terranieddas. Geniet van de rust en de ruimte van het platteland, het getjilp van de vogels en het geluid van de koebellen van de kuddes die voorbij komen. Maar ook het gebalk van de ezels van de boerderijen in de omgeving roepen een ultiem plattelandsgevoel op. In de omgeving vindt u prachtige baaien en stranden zoal de baai van Chia en de zandstranden van Porto Pino (15min), waar u heerlijk kunt afkoelen en een duik kan nemen. Vanuit Terranieddas rijdt u in ongeveer een uur naar de hoofdstad Cagliari, die zeker een bezoek waard is. Deze echte authentieke agriturismo gebruikt eigen producten die uit de bergen, de weilanden van de vallei of uit de heuvels bij de zee komen. Geniet van lokale specialiteiten zoals 'fregola con la carne di capra e i ravioli con ripieno di caprino' in het restaurant van Terrannieddas. Op het keurig aangelegde complex vindt u 5 kamers gelegen aan een verzorgde tuin. Vanaf uw terras heeft u een adembenemend uitzicht over het heuvelgebied. Met een heerlijk glas wijn geniet u van de ondergaande zon! Elke kamer is voorzien van tv, airconditioning en minibar.

Agriturismo I Mandorli

Te midden van rust en natuur en toch maar 10 minuten rijden van zee, ligt de Agriturismo I Mandorli (op een half uurtje rijden van Arbatax). Hier wordt u hartelijk ontvangen door eigenaresse Susanna Cocco en haar gezin. De omgeving biedt alles wat Sardinië bijzonder maakt: de ruige schoonheid van het Gennargentu-gebergte, een schitterend natuurgebied met bossen, bergen en ravijnen, de baaien en stranden van de Golf van Ogliastru, het natuurreservaat Supramonte en mystieke overblijfselen uit de bronstijd zoals de naburige prehistorische graven Domus de Janas. In de zomermaanden (half juni tot half september) kunt u met het toeristische dieseltreintje "trenino verde" genieten van een schitterend traject tussen Arbatax en Mandras. Winkels en andere voorzieningen vindt u in Lotzorai (4 km). Op 8 km. ligt de aardige badplaats Santa Maria Navarese; Arbatax ligt op 16 km. Het terrein is uitstekend onderhouden, met veel bomen, bloemen en planten. Vanaf het terras en het zwembad (uitsluitend geopend in de zomer maanden) heeft u een panoramisch uitzicht op het omringende natuurschoon en de bergen van Gennargentu. Hier vindt u de rust en de sfeer van een echte agriturismo, waar de stilte af en toe wordt doorbroken door de rinkelende bellen van de schapenkudde. De familie Cocco heeft een lange agrarische traditie en dat is te proeven in het restaurant, waar de traditionele streekgerechten in ere worden gehouden en alles vers wordt gemaakt. Salami, olijfolie, groentes en fruit komen uit eigen productie, evenals de voortreffelijke schapenkaas. Houdt u er rekening mee dat het restaurant is geopend van mei tot en met september. De 18e eeuwse hoeve is met veel zorg gerestaureerd; de kamers zijn eenvoudig en smaakvol ingericht. Alle kamers zijn voorzien airconditioning, verwarming, tv, kluisje, wifi en een balkon of terrasje met uitzicht over het land.

Tenuta Pilastru

Op een uitgestrekt terrein in het noordoosten van Sardinië, omgeven door rotsformaties en wilde olijfbomen, ligt Tenuta Pilastru. Eigenaresse Stefania heeft het landgoed, dat al generaties aan haar familie behoort, getransformeerd tot een charmant country house hotel, met behoud van de agrarische tradities. De natuurlijke omgeving en de vegetatie op het terrein zijn zorgvuldig in tact gelaten; rondom het restaurant liggen opvallende "conchi", granieten rotsblokken die karakteristiek zijn voor de Gallura. In het verzorgde restaurant kunt u de traditionele Sardijnse keuken proeven en heerlijke wijnen uit eigen productie. In de zomermaanden speelt er 2 á 3 keer per week livemuziek tijdens het diner, tot 00:00. Het is mogelijk om op verzoek een rustige kamer te krijgen, verder van het restaurant gelegen. Wij vernemen het graag als u dit wenst. In de grote tuin met zwembad vindt u alle ruimte om te ontspannen en te genieten van het prachtige uitzicht. Er zijn mooie wandel- en fietsroutes; ook kunt u buitenritten te paard maken. De stranden van Cannigione en de Costa Smeralda liggen op 5 km. U kunt een bootexcursie maken naar het Maddalena eiland, of het historische stadje Tempio Pausania bezoeken. Olbia ligt op 28 km. Tenuta Pilastru biedt u een rustige, authentieke ambiance; wie een kijkje wil nemen bij het mondaine Sardinië, vindt op 15 km. de jachthaven van Porto Cervo, in het zomerseizoen ontmoetingsplek van de "jetset". Tenuta Pilastru beschikt ook over een wellnesscenter met binnenzwembad, fitness en sauna (tegen betaling). In het gerestaureerde landhuis, "Lu Pastrucciali" vindt u de receptie, de lounge met open haard en een aantal kamers; de overige kamers liggen in huisjes verspreid over het terrein, echter maximaal 80 meter van het hoofdgebouw. De kamers zijn comfortabel en smaakvol ingericht, in de landelijke stijl van de Gallura-streek en beschikken over minibar, tv en airconditioning. De prachtige omgeving, goede bereikbaarheid en uitstekende faciliteiten maken Tenuta Pilastru een heerlijke vakantiebestemming.

Maatwerkaanvraag (reis) via Style in Travel

Waarom deze reis.

• Al meer dan 10 jaar onze topreis
• Het eiland rond in een rustig tempo
• Verblijf in gastvrije agriturismi
• Bewonder de prachtige stranden
• Bezoek steden als Alghero, Bosa en Cagliari

• De universiteitsstad Sassari met een mooi historisch centrum
• De prachtige stranden van de Golf van Ogliastru
• De jachthaven van Porto Cervo
• De prehistorische graven Domus de Janas.
• Daguitstap naar de hoofdstad van Sardinië: Cagliari

Mystiek Sardinië

Geen plek is beter om te onthaasten dan dit dunbevolkte eiland. Het biedt overweldigend natuurschoon met bergketens, steppe-achtige hoogvlaktes, de mooiste stranden en turquoise zeewater waarvoor u niet naar de Malediven hoeft. Veel verkeer zult u in het binnenland niet tegenkomen, maar wees niet verbaasd als u onderweg een kudde schapen of runderen treft. Een van de mooiste manieren om Sardinië te ontdekken is met het 'groene treintje'. Deze Trenino Verde loopt dwars door ruige, onaangetaste natuurgebieden met adembenemende uitzichten. Aanrader is het traject van Mandas naar Arbatax (van half juli tot half september).

Deals of the Week   Solo is the new black   Up to 50% OFF

Sardinia Small Group Tours

Uncover new and exciting adventures in Sardinia by taking part in our small group tours. Go sightseeing at your own pace surrounded by travellers like you. Provided by top tour operators & travel companies, our small group tours in Sardinia will offer you the perfect balance between spending time on your own and group activities. View all small group tours .

9 Sardinia small group tours with 32 reviews

Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure

Great week sailing with a fantastic group of solo travellers! Nuncio looked after us all really well and involved us in decisions. A pretty relaxed pace but with opportunity to explore and sight see as well. Would definitely recommend!

• Self-Guided Cycling
• Christmas & New Year

Cycling in Sardinia

My husband and I had a wonderful time touring the west coast of Sardegna. The scenery was absolutely magical. The level of riding was on the high end of medium difficulty. We could not have completed the 320 kms in 6 days without the e-bikes. The gps app was fantastic. We were leary about going self-guided prior to the tour, but the gps app made it very easy to navigate. The accommodations were a bit volatile, some nice, some not so nice. First, one of the agritourismos charged us 40 euro per person for a very mediocre meal. Unfortunately, we had to eat there as there were no other options. Additionally, they had a mean little dog that unprovoked, nipped my husband (Sa Perda Mercada). Secondly, in Gonessa at B&B Domus de Janas, there was hardly a breakfast and it wasn't easy getting access to the accommodation, i.e no service. Of the other accommodations, Villa Canu and Hotel Le Torri were nice because they had pools, Muma Hostel was acceptable, agritourismo Terranieddas was in a beautiful setting and they served a wonderful meal for 30 euro which they let us split, i.e. 15 euro per person, the Marin hotel was just ok, but they had extremely friendly and helpful employees and the best breakfast of the trip. Additionally, I didn't find the man that ran the orientation (and also led the guided tour) very friendly or helpful to those not on the guided tour. Finally, it would improve the tour for the non-guided participants if the gps routes had more information regarding stops for drinks and food along the way. In summary, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip, met some nice people along the way and we would definitely, highly recommend this trip to others. We only offer criticisms to help better the Dolcevita experience for future participants.

• In-depth Cultural

Sardinia Unveiled - Unearth the Treasures of Italy's Enigmatic Island

Sardinia Tour

6 Days SARDINIA TOUR - from Rome

Med Sailing in Sardinia and Corsica

Yoga Sailing in Sardinia and Corsica

• Hiking & Trekking
• Intl. Flights Included

Hike Sardinia in 8 Days

• Flights included

A Summer Capsule Wardrobe Will Simplify Your Packing Process

By Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Finding reliable clothing staples to rewear again and again helps us all to become more sustainable travelers—and refrain from overpacking. When building a summer travel capsule wardrobe, versatile and comfortable basics are key: Rather than packing a suitcase full of trendy items or statement outfits you'll only wear once, consider investing in basics you can pair with several outfits and wear from day to night. To lay the foundation, we've put together a list of top summer wardrobe essentials, whether you’re headed to a beach vacation in Mexico or are planning to eat your way through Italy . No matter where your upcoming travel plans take you, these are the pieces you’ll be glad you packed. From crisp white button-downs and lightweight linen dresses to walking sandals and packable beach totes, you can count on them to keep your packing list short and your outfit options long.

Below, 13 pieces to build a summer travel capsule wardrobe, with men's and women's styles from brands we love: Everlane, Lululemon, Banana Republic, and more. Keep scrolling to see them all or jump right to your item of choice.

Build your summer capsule wardrobe:

The breathable tank top, the perfect short, the linen pant, the classic button-down, the basic tee, the midi dress, the midi skirt, the exercise dress, the white sneaker, the walking sandal, the comfortable heel, the quality bathing suit, the packable tote.

Hot summer days mean you’ll need a few basic tanks. Ribbed tank tops are always a smart choice—they're both comfortable and flattering. If you want something that looks a little more put together with a pair shorts or a midi skirt, I wear this seamless bodysuit from Amazon constantly (it’s double-lined and I own it in multiple colors). Nike and Lululemon make some of our favorite performance tanks for men—they’re available in a variety of colors, too.

Finding a trusted pair of shorts can feel nearly impossible. We chose options that aren’t too short, so you can avoid unwanted chafing while still keeping cool. High-waisted, light wash options are ideal for hot summer days and pair well with just about any top in your suitcase.

For something a little more breezy, opt for a pair of linen pants. Whether I'm headed to a barbecue or lunch by the pool, I'm always gravitating toward linen in the warmer months. Lightweight, packable, and chic—it's the ultimate summer pant.

Every traveler needs a go-to tee . A basic T-shirt pairs well with almost any pair of shorts, linen pants, or skirt you pack this summer (sometimes I even throw one underneath a sleeveless dress). Cotton tees from Everlane, Skims, True Classic, and Cuts are breathable and lightweight, making them year-round staples for every type of packing list . No matter where I'm headed, whether it's a beach trip in Miami or a cabin getaway in Vermont, I have at least two comfy tees in my weekender .

Along with a plain white tee, I never travel without a button-down —I wear these with denim, as a cover-up by the pool , or over a slip dress at night if it gets a little chilly. For something ultra lightweight, a linen button-down will keep you cool and covered.

One of the most fun items to pack for summer: midi dresses . Staple pieces like this rib tank dress from Buck Mason and Abercrombie's linen blend dress are always smart options, but for something with a little more flare, I’m eyeing colorful picks from Lulus, Farm Rio, and Banana Republic. Whether you’re headed to a dinner party or want to explore a new city in style, these dresses scream summer and are easy to throw on with any pair of sandals.

Equally elegant and comfortable, a midi skirt can be dressed up or down with a pair of low heels, sneakers, or sandals. A skirt like this elevates an otherwise simple look and can be reworn endlessly throughout a trip with any of your favorite tanks, tees, or blouses. We love these chic styles from Free People, Banana Republic, and Cuyana, but for something under $40, Amazon brand The Drop's high-waisted skirt is a great staple.

Ideal for active travelers and especially hot destinations, exercise dresses are supportive enough for hikes and workout classes, while doubling as a cute daytime outfit. I don't always work out on a trip, but when I do, a sporty yet feminine exercise dress is the way to go—I'll wear one for a morning walk and still feel put together enough for breakfast at the hotel and whatever comes next. For practicality and comfort, I love ones that have built-in shorts underneath, like the Outdoor Voices style.

When it comes to essential shoes, every traveler needs a crisp pair of white sneakers . It’s always my most-worn shoe on every trip, especially when there’s a walking tour on the itinerary. Some of our team's favorite comfortable white sneakers come from Nike, Lululemon, and Adidas, with men’s and women’s sizes available for each.

Summer sandals can be a tricky shoe to purchase: You want a pair that can withstand a good amount of walking without causing blisters, but that still leaves you looking put together. These options below from Rothy's, Olukai, Birkenstock, and Teva can take you from the pool to lunch to sightseeing around town. Comfortable, versatile, and packable, a good walking sandal is simply a must.

For those summer nights when you need something a little more elevated than your favorite pair of sandals, a comfortable heel is a must-have. Black, ivory, or nude heels match just about any midi dress you toss in your carry-on . The height of these heels is just right—high enough to wear to any destination weddings or special events you're attending, but low enough to actually dance the night away in. Bonus points for block heels and mules—both styles are easier to walk in and provide decent stability on uneven ground.

No matter where I’m headed—beach vacation or not—I always pack a bathing suit . You can't go wrong with a supportive one-piece or high-waisted set. Some of our favorite men's swim trunks are from Todd Snyder and Lacoste, but we have plenty more options where that came from.

A packable tote bag that you can bring to the beach, shopping, or to the hotel pool will always come in handy. When I'm low on suitcase space, I prefer one that can lay completely flat—like Rothy's Lightweight Tote. These roomy, beachy bags all fit a day's worth of essentials, including a beach towel , water bottle, and lots of sunscreen .

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Field notes

Choosing a Dream Honeymoon Over a Lavish Wedding

With the cost of weddings on the rise, some couples are skipping big celebrations and prioritizing travel instead.

By Brianna Holt

In October 2023, Oscar Avilez Marquina and Luis Lopez, newlyweds from New York, flew to Europe to spend two weeks on a city-hopping tour between Nice, France; Paris; and Amsterdam. JetBlue had just launched direct flights to Paris from Kennedy International Airport, and the deal was too good for the couple to pass on.

“Going to Paris has always been a dream for me and for Luis as well,” said Mr. Avilez Marquina, 30, who is currently unemployed. “I’m so happy that the first time we got to visit, it was together because that’s going to become a core memory that we’re going to look back on for years to come.”

The decision to have a trans-Atlantic honeymoon is one the couple prioritized after eloping on Feb. 2, 2022, at the Durham Courthouse in Durham, N.C., with two friends as witnesses.

“We had talked about having a wedding and what that would look like,” Mr. Avilez Marquina said. “And after many discussions and sort of understanding the anxiety of having one, we decided to go to a courthouse and focus on what we really love to do, which is traveling and enjoying each other’s company.”

Ultimately, the cost of having a bigger wedding drove the couple away from the idea, with Mr. Lopez estimating a $60,000 budget for a larger party.

“That’s basically what my student loans cost,” said Mr. Lopez, 30, an accountant. “I had to ask myself, do I get married or do I pay my student loans? And is it worth spending that much money on something that’s only going to last a few hours?”

Instead, the couple combined their travel miles and spent a total of $2,000 on their honeymoon trip.

The average cost of a wedding in the United States last year was $35,000, according to the Knot . Also, the average student loan borrower in 2023 owed $37,338 in federal student loan debt, according to the Education Data Initiative . With persistent inflation , paying for a lavish wedding celebration has become financially unattainable for some couples. However, many others have found that splurging on a dream honeymoon is more affordable and less stressful to plan than an extravagant wedding.

While thinking about a wedding to her college sweetheart, Haley Black, a full-time content creator, decided she didn’t want one. Her childhood fantasy was not a huge wedding. Instead, she dreamed of traveling and seeing other cultures.

So, in November 2022, Ms. Black, her husband, Mon’Darius Black, and their eight-person wedding party traveled from Shelby, N.C., to the Greek island of Santorini for a nine-day trip that included a small wedding ceremony with group activities followed by a honeymoon full of excursions and sightseeing.

“We didn’t want to spend a tremendous amount of money on a wedding. We looked at it like it was more about us rather than other people,” Ms. Black, 25, said. “Some people do see that as selfish, and while we had concerns about that, what mattered most is how we wanted to celebrate ourselves.”

When the couple first started considering wedding venues, the cheapest option they could find was $25,000. Flowers alone were $10,000. The total cost of their marriage and honeymoon trip was a little under $9,000. “We both have student loans, and we weren’t willing to go into more debt over a wedding to appease other people,” Ms. Black said.

Erika Hernandez, a wedding and elopement planner and the founder of the Greatest Adventure Wedding in Seattle, said that combining an elopement with a honeymoon was becoming increasingly popular because of its affordability.

“A lot of times, the couple just wants to include something that they really love doing together, like something they built their relationship off, and a lot of times that is traveling and adventuring together,” she said.

Couples choose honeymoons over weddings for more than just the savings. Many of Ms. Hernandez’s clients prioritize travel because they want to avoid the stress of preparing for a big event, are too busy with work and children, or prefer not to be the center of attention. “People rather spend the money on an experience for themselves than dinner for a whole bunch of people,” she added.

After Muna Yowell’s in-laws threw her and her now-husband, Dr. Jose J. Vargas Alvarado, an engagement party, the couple realized that they didn’t want a wedding.

Ms. Yowell, a 27-year-old data analyst, said the engagement party was largely about socializing with guests. On Oct. 7, the couple, who live in Dallas, married at a local courthouse and spent the evening with loved ones at a friend’s apartment.

Ms. Yowell, who is Palestinian, and her husband, who is Guatemalan, said they both did not feel right about holding a big celebration when the majority of her family lives in Palestine.

They spent only $100 on their courthouse ceremony, leaving room in the budget for a much larger honeymoon.

A week later, the couple flew to Hawaii for a week. “We went all out because we knew we could,” said Ms. Yowell, adding that the $5,000 trip involved renting a private sailboat, snorkeling, a helicopter tour across Maui and indulging in a fancy dinner every night of their stay.

“I’ve always heard that when it’s your wedding, you barely even get to eat the food that you paid thousands of dollars for,” Ms. Yowell said. “I didn’t want that. We wanted to be able to soak up the moment and really enjoy it with each other.”

Skipping the big wedding and going on a more budget-friendly getaway may have its drawbacks. Family members may be disappointed that they will miss the special day. However, Ms. Black decided that the advantages of saving money outweighed a few ruffled feathers.

“I don’t want to diminish the importance of family when it comes to celebrating big moments because I do love our families,” Ms. Black said, “but them witnessing us getting married is not worth us going into debt over a wedding.” The Blacks used the money they saved to close on a home in 2022 in Shelby, N.C.

Weddings Trends and Ideas

Keeping Friendships Intact: The soon-to-be-married couple and their closest friends might experience stress and even tension leading up to their nuptials. Here’s how to avoid a friendship breakup .

‘Edible Haute Couture’: Bastien Blanc-Tailleur, a luxury cake designer based in Paris, creates opulent confections for high-profile clients , including European royalty and American socialites.

Reinventing a Mexican Tradition: Mariachi, a soundtrack for celebration in Mexico, offers a way for couples to honor their heritage  at their weddings.

Something Thrifted: Focused on recycled clothing , some brides are finding their wedding attire on vintage sites and at resale stores.

Brand Your Love Story: Some couples are going above and beyond to personalize their weddings, with bespoke party favors and custom experiences for guests .

Going to Great Lengths : Mega wedding cakes are momentous for reasons beyond their size — they are part of an emerging trend of extremely long cakes .