Sardinia Destination Guide
Tucked quietly away in aquamarine waters off the west coast of Italy is a little piece of paradise - Sardinia. The lesser known of Italy's island regions, but no less special than Sicily, Sardinia is known for the very distinctive look of its locals or ‘popolo' and its hospitality, and of course for the fantastic coastline and the crystal clear water.
This large island has areas where the people speak a number of different dialects like Catalan, Logudorese, Gallurese, Ogliastrino, Campidanese, and many many others. The peculiar thing is that in the town of Alghero, and only in this town, the local dialect is the Catalan, and in the Island of San Pietro people speak a sort of "Genovese" because of the ancient domination and they still speak this dialect.
Our Sardinia Destination Guide below highlights the numerous things you could see and do on your Sardinia holiday. This guide, together with our Sardinia tours, gives you all the information you need to plan your activities whilst in the city. You should also take a look at our Italian Country Guide for general information about the country.
Things to See & Do in Sardinia
Music runs deep and holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Sardinia. The throat singing style called Vocal Polyphony originated here. The island is also the place where the musical instrument 'laundeddas' - similar to the flute - was created.
The locals love their sport and there are a number of different ways you can get involved with the activities in Sardinia. It's also a great way to mingle with locals and make friends for a lifetime. You could start the day with a game of soccer in some truly spectacular settings and top it off with a round of windsurfing.
Tourism is the mainstay of the economy here, so visitors are encouraged and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The people of this region are proud of their land and will be more than happy to be your guide on excursions to even the small islands surrounding the main isle. These too are part of Sardinia and have a number of nature reserves.
The landscape of the territory is vast and varied. The coastline slopes upwards towards the majestic mountains in the centre offering much to see and do. Regardless of whether you stick to the beaches and the clear blue waters for some water sports or go trekking or hiking in the mountains, your holiday is sure to be memorable.
Look beyond the natural beauty for a bit and explore some of Sardinia's ancient cities and fortresses, be regaled by the splendour of the uber-modern ports and lounge around at the numerous resorts. There are churches and grand palaces that date back several centuries which are well worth your time. And, of course, when you are done with the cultural and historical side of things, there's always the beach!
Sardinia also has an archeological patrimony that is not very well known but well woth an introduction. It's the only island of the world that has this mysterious buildings called "Nuraghe". The origin of these stone made tower is until now still not confirmed. But it's impressive to see how the authoctons could build in 2000 B.C. so imposing buildings only with huge stones and nothing else. The largest site is in fact a UNESCO patrimony and it's called "Su Nuraxi", based in Barumini.
Follow the links below or scroll further down the page for details on some of the many interesting tourist attractions in Sardinia:
The charming little town of Alghero is build directly on the sea in the Sardinian northwest coast, and it's a delight to visit. It was once a fortress city and some most of the old walls can still be seen on the boundaries of the old city. Besides the ancient structures, travellers should explore the palaces and the dramatic domed cathedral in the town. Later, relax over a lovely meal at one of the atmospheric restaurants - you may even find a whiff of Catalonia in what you order, a reflection of the history of Alghero. The main streets of Principe Umberto, via Carlo Alberto and via Roma are lined with some lovely little shops and relaxed bars where you can take a break from sightseeing. Walking the narrow streets of this lively, Catalan-influenced old town allows a combination of historic interest, beautiful landscapes and shopping. The local people of all the north of the island love to spend here their holidays and many of their weekends during the winter time.
The surroundings of Alghero are very interesting too. The Riviera del Corallo (Coral Riviera) has a few places well worth a visit, the "Nuraghe Palmavera", the "Anghelu Ruiu" necropolis, the Capo Caccia cliffs, famous for their breathtaking views on the coastline and Alghero.
Sardinia's capital city of Cagliari is also its biggest and dates back to early Roman times. Like many international travellers, you may enter the region via this city. But before heading off to discover the sights and sounds beyond Cagliari, do enjoy the charms of this old harbour town. The imposing fortifications, such as the Bastione San Remy, the cathedral and the San Saturnino Church, will leave you awestruck. The church of San Saturnino lies just beyond the city limits and is Sardinia's oldest (believed to have been built in the 5th century).
Nora
This site is famous for its mosaics and the beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre. The tour continues along the south-west coast of Sardinia, to see its wonderful landscape. This part of the coastline, between Chia and Teulada is still relatively unspoilt, or at least does not know the mass-invasions of tourists that the north coast undergoes.
Tharros
This was a Punic-Roman town, now of extraordinary archaeological relevance.
Barumini
The famous nuragic complex of Barumini. With its imposing central tower and the many surrounding ruins ‘Su Nuraxi' is one of most important archaeological sites of Sardinia. A museum has recently been opened, where the findings of the complex area are displayed.
Asinara Island
This Island was once a high security prison. Now it's open to tourists and became a protected National Park.
Mines of Montevecchio
Montevecchio is an old miners' settling, to be reached driving through an unpaved road, amidst the Mediterranean bush. On the side of the road the old, abandoned mines of Ingurtosu are visible. This is an incredible example of the modern word "industrial archaeology"
Mamoiada and Orgosolo
Mamoiada is known for the traditional masks, displayed in an interesting museum. Among the most characteristic, those called ‘Mamuthones' and ‘Issohadores', that have become iconic symbols of the whole of Sardinia. Orgosolo is a rural village surrounded by the steep sides of mount ‘Supramonte'. Here, painted on the village's walls, over one hundred murals can be seen, most of which dealing with social and political themes.
Cala Goloritzè
This beach can't be reach by car or motorbike. You can only enjoy of it walking a 1½ h beautiful landscape. When you arrive down to the beach you will forget the effort because you will find a spectacular scenery of the nature. For sure the most beautiful beach of the island. Unfortunatly the tourists needs allow boat companies to transport several tourists with the boat and to pick them up in certain time. This has brought the beach to have too many visitors compared to years ago where you could arrive only after that walk, so you can imagine that this trip was made only by lovers of the nature. Anyway for your information you can reach this beach from Cala Gonone or from Santa Maria Navarrese with a boat excursion.
Archipelago La Maddalena
From Palau it's a short sea strait crossing away (around 30 minutes) before arriving at ‘La Maddalena'. From here you can reach the island of Caprera if you are interested to visit the house of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Depending on the time of the year, a boat trip to the surrounding archipelago and its uncontaminated islets will be an option. This boat trip would include sailing to the most beautiful spots: the islets called Spargi, Budelli and S. Maria, paradise for picture taking. Here you will be able to enjoy Sardinian sea at its very best.
Castelsardo
Castelsardo is a medieval, cliff-hanging village built on a mount on the sea. A very important old town hanging on the top of the mount, where you can enjoy the stunning views stretching over the whole of the Asinara gulf.
Stintino
Stintino is a fisher's village that lives almost only in summer! There are very few resident living there all year round. Here you will find a pretty town but the most famous site of Stintino is the beach of "La Pelosa" that hosts hundreds of tourists every day. In the peak season you will find a crowded beach and if you don't arrive early you risk not to find a place to stay!
Bosa
Bosa is the only Sardinian town on a navigable river. It is a rather pleasant destination as it combines the cultural interest of its medieval centre's monuments (notably, the imposing "Malaspina Castle") and sandy beaches.
Dune di Piscinas
The "desert of Sardinia"is called this part of the Island cause of its very wide dunes of sand.
Canyon of Gorropu
The former is a huge canyon, over 500 metres deep, to be accessed after a 2-hours walk through amazing wild forests, until a water stream called ‘Rio Flumineddu' is reached. Should you want to
Climbing has been popular for a while now in Sardinia, and there are some world famous climbing points that can be found here. The limestone rocks and unmatched views of the ocean make free climbing here truly memorable. Excursions can be organised by climbing schools that also help train learners.
The tourist hub of Costa Smeralda has a prime location on the idyllic north-east coast. It's a luxurious holiday destination, boasting incredibly enchanting sceneries. Its pristine coves, flanked by granite rocks, luxurious villas and fabulous hotels, are home in the summer to the crème de la crème of the international Jet Set.
The coastline here is dotted with hidden coves and quiet beaches. The clean, clear water is just perfect for divers. Private yacht owners love to anchor off this coastline, which has the highest density of marinas in the world. And when you come here, it isn't hard to see why it is so popular! The best yachts are to be found at the Porto Cervo, which is the primary port. When they come ashore, most yachters meet at the famous Costa Smeralda Yacht Club.
Italian revolutionary and political icon Giuseppe Garibaldi lived out the last few years of his life in Sardinia on the beautiful island paradise of Caprera. Caprera lies on the northern coast beyond Palau. He was sent into exile from the mainland during the 19th century. Giuseppe Garibaldi was responsible for planning the takeover of Sicily and Naples, aided by 1000 Red Shirts. There are ferries between Caprera and Palau running through the day, so you can make a short trip to explore a museum dedicated to the great man and have a look around what was once his home on the island. His tomb is also located within the premises of the museum.
This island of Caprera is part of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, and you reach it with a short cruise between Palau and La Maddalena and then by car passing a very narrow bridge. So you can make a short trip to explore a museum dedicated to the great man and have a look around what was once his home on the island. A part a marine sailing school, nothing else was permitted to be built on the island, so it's still one of the unspoilt paradises you can enjoy.
Sardinia has a colourful past and the island has much to offer by way of archaeology, art, history and culture. The museums make a compelling case for the richness of the traditions of the island. Cagliari's Museo Archeologico Nazionale is a showcase of Sardinia's ancient history and archaeology and even has specimens dating back to the Nuragic civilisation. The National Picture Gallery of Cagliari or Pinacoteca Nazionale di Cagliari is a treasure trove of Sardinian art, with collections from the 15th century onwards, spanning 200 years. In Iglesias, the Museo delle'Arte Mineraria has some unusual artefacts relating to architecture and art in the region down the ages.
To get a feel of the true Sardinian spirit, travellers to the region must visit Nuoro. Located in the middle of the main island, this is a centre for cultural activities, history and the arts. Ancient traditions passed down from generation to generation thrive even today, and most locals continue to speak the native tongue Sardo besides a little English. The Ethnographic Museum in Nuoro's old quarter has some one-of-a-kind handicrafts and specimens of local art and design. The ancient villages are a revelation of the area's rich tradition and are a vital link in understanding the people of the island. For great views of the island and its surroundings, the best place to go to is the 3,300 foot high Monte Ortobene, which is a good place for hiking and also offers a vantage point for romantics to take in the splendour of Sardinia.
Ferries from the mainland arrive in to Olbia every day, making it a critical link to Italy. At first sight, Olbia may not strike you as the ideal holiday destination, but don't let that fool you! The town, though not as scenic as some other parts of Sardinia, has a history dating back centuries and will keep avid culture seekers occupied for hours. The historical centre is chock-a-block with ancient ruins, old walls and Roman baths. The Romanesque church made from granite is a marvel in itself. And after trudging through all the ancient sites, you can sit back and relax in one of the fine restaurants or bars and pubs in the town. For those wishing to stay a little longer in the area, the ideal base would be at a resort on nearby Porto Rotondoor or Costa Smeralda.
Caving or cave exploration (also known as speleology) is an unusual activity that some like to try here, but be warned - it isn't for the faint hearted. More leisurely pursuits include biking and golfing. The courses here are world-class and prices for a round on the greens are not prohibitive.
If you're in the money and enjoy yachting, you will definitely have heard of Porto Cervo. This popular destination is the playground of the rich and famous and the marina and navy here reflect the fine taste of its patrons. Islets and sandy beaches make a great stopover for yachts, and lounging at the high-end eateries serving the best of cuisine is a great way for visitors to make the most of their time here. There's even scope for some souvenir shopping at the stores nearby, and perhaps a quick drink, before heading out to sea again.
Trekking and horseback ridingTop
Hiking trails in Sardinia are well marked and there are a number of beginner's walks available, so tourists of any age and level of physical fitness can make the most of the abundant natural beauty and head off the beaten track. Coastal walks are scenic and easy to do, while treks in the mountains of Nuoro require more stamina but are just as rewarding in terms of views.
Springtime is perfect for treks since the weather is warm but not too hot and flowers blossom along the trails.
If you enjoy horse riding, there are specialists who run sunset and half-day rides around different routes on the island.
When in Sardinia, do what the locals do and head for the shores for some serious water sports. Sailing continues to dominate the local scene and with a number of beaches and ports, you're really spoilt for choice. You can hire a catamaran of a modest size for a day trip even if yachts are beyond your budget. Even better, you can add on a diving trip to your expedition. The dive sites at Palau and Porto Pollo are especially famous. Courses are available for beginners.
If plain old sailing and diving don't appeal, then get adventurous with a lesson or two in kite surfing. Kite surfing combines the thrills (and spills) of windsurfing, water skiing and surfing, with the exhilaration of flying suspended from a soaring kite. Schools that train novices can be found around the island.
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