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
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. To the west is the Sea of Sardinia, to the east is the Tyrrhenian Sea. The nearest land masses is the island of Corsica to the north separated by the Strait of Bonifacio.
Owing to the variety of Sardinia's ecosystems, which include mountains, woods, plains, stretches of largely uninhabited territory, streams, rocky coasts, and long sandy beaches, Sardinia has been metaphorically described as a micro-continent.
Cala Goloritzé.
Sardinia has few major rivers, the largest being the Tirso, 151 km, which flows into the Sea of Sardinia, the Coghinas and the Flumendosa. There are 54 artificial lakes and dams that supply water and electricity. The only natural freshwater lake is Lago di Baratz.
Sardinia has been inhabited by humans since the end of the Paleolithic era, around 20-10,000 years ago. The island's most notable civilization is the indigenous Nuragic, which flourished from the 18th century BC to either 238 BC or the 2nd century AD in some parts of the island,and to the 6th century AD in that part of the island known as Barbagia.
After a period in which the island was ruled by a political and economic alliance between the Nuragic Sardinians and the Phoenicians, parts of it were conquered by Carthage in the late 6th century BC, and by Rome in 238 BC. The Roman occupation lasted for 700 years.
In the Early Middle Ages, the island was ruled by the Vandals and the Byzantines. The Italian maritime republics of Pisa and Genoa struggled to impose political control over the island, but it was the Iberian Crown of Aragon which, in 1324, succeeded in bringing the island under its control, consolidating it into the Kingdom of Sardinia.
This Iberian kingdom endured until 1718, when it was ceded to the House of Savoy; the Savoyards would politically merge their insular possession with their domains on the Italian Mainland which, during the period of Italian unification, they would go on to expand to include the whole Italian peninsula; their territory was so renamed into the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, and it was reconstituted as the present-day Italian Republic in 1946.
Owing to the variety of Sardinia's ecosystems, which include mountains, woods, plains, stretches of largely uninhabited territory, streams, rocky coasts, and long sandy beaches, Sardinia has been metaphorically described as a micro-continent.
Cala Goloritzé.
Sardinia has few major rivers, the largest being the Tirso, 151 km, which flows into the Sea of Sardinia, the Coghinas and the Flumendosa. There are 54 artificial lakes and dams that supply water and electricity. The only natural freshwater lake is Lago di Baratz.
Sardinia has been inhabited by humans since the end of the Paleolithic era, around 20-10,000 years ago. The island's most notable civilization is the indigenous Nuragic, which flourished from the 18th century BC to either 238 BC or the 2nd century AD in some parts of the island,and to the 6th century AD in that part of the island known as Barbagia.
After a period in which the island was ruled by a political and economic alliance between the Nuragic Sardinians and the Phoenicians, parts of it were conquered by Carthage in the late 6th century BC, and by Rome in 238 BC. The Roman occupation lasted for 700 years.
In the Early Middle Ages, the island was ruled by the Vandals and the Byzantines. The Italian maritime republics of Pisa and Genoa struggled to impose political control over the island, but it was the Iberian Crown of Aragon which, in 1324, succeeded in bringing the island under its control, consolidating it into the Kingdom of Sardinia.
This Iberian kingdom endured until 1718, when it was ceded to the House of Savoy; the Savoyards would politically merge their insular possession with their domains on the Italian Mainland which, during the period of Italian unification, they would go on to expand to include the whole Italian peninsula; their territory was so renamed into the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, and it was reconstituted as the present-day Italian Republic in 1946.
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.
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.
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 frequented by the rich and famous. The beaches are second-to-none and there are numerous marinas along the coast geared towards the megayacht raternity. 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.
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 frequented by the rich and famous. The beaches are second-to-none and there are numerous marinas along the coast geared towards the megayacht raternity. 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.
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.
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.
Alghero
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.
Capo Testa
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.
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.
Capo Testa
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.
Bosa
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.
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.
