Are you looking for the best places to visit in Sardinia on your trip to the enchanting Italian island region?
Sardinia is home to some of Europe’s best beaches and a wide variety of other natural wonders, including towering mountains, deep valleys, unique rock formations, deep caves with dazzling stalactites, crystal clear blue waters, and much more.
In addition to its beautiful landscapes, the island of Sardinia is also known for its delicious cuisine and friendly locals.
ALSO READ: 10 Best Islands in Italy To Visit
Thus, Sardinia is more than simply the playground of the rich on the Costa Smeralda; it has everything for every tourist and various budget preference.
We hope that our list of the best places to visit in Sardinia will help you make your travel plans more diverse, as there are many fantastic destinations scattered over the island.
14 Best Places To Visit in Sardinia, Italy
Here are 14 of the best places to visit Sardinia that you should not miss on your trip to the island.
Northern Coast
1. La Maddalena Island
A boat ride to the island of La Maddalena, which is part of the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, will leave you speechless because of the awe-inspiring rock formations, blue waters, and pristine natural environment.
If you’re looking for lengthy stretches of sandy beach, there are plenty of such all around the island. However, the north coast of Sardinia is home to the majority of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
One of the best beaches is Cala Brandinchi which has crystal-clear water, pure white sand, and pine trees all around it, making it one of the most well-liked beaches in this area.
If you are searching for a gorgeous beach, a lot of sun, and stunning views, Costa Paradiso is another excellent location to consider visiting.
2. Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo)
One of the most interesting parts of the Mediterranean coast is Costa Smeralda. It is on the island’s far northeast. Here, the allure of high society and opulence coexist with the beauty of the landscape. This area is marked by several coves, islets with intimate beaches, and small archipelagos, the most fascinating of which is the Maddalena Archipelago.
Indeed, every summer Costa Smeralda and its principal site Porto Cervo play host to a slew of famous visitors from all over the world, including European royalty, professional athletes, and Hollywood celebrities.
3. Stintino (La Pelosa Beach)
The town of Stintino is often regarded as one of the most picturesque locations in all of Sardinia. The long, white beaches are the pride of the small village. It is located in the province of Sassari, which is to the north of the island.
The beach at La Pelosa, which has very fine white sand, a sea that is turquoise blue, and a bottom that is quite shallow, is Stintino’s most popular tourist attraction.
The Torre del Falcone, which was constructed in 1578 by the Aragonese and is known as the Torre della Pelosa, serves as Stintino’s main symbol.
4. Alghero
Alghero, which is located in the northwest corner of Sardinia is the place to go if you don’t want to spend too much time at the beach.
At Alghero, one of the most recommended things to do is to wander about the city’s winding alleys and ancient center. You can take in the sights from the bell tower of the Santa Maria Church (also known as the Alghero Cathedral) while you’re here.
The church of San Francesco, meanwhile, is another destination that many tourists like visiting.
Visit the Coral Museum if you’re seeking a locally significant and one-of-a-kind point of interest to spend your time at.
5. Grotta di Nettuno
From Alghero’s Banchina Dogana (harbor), you can cruise out to the point of Capo Caccia, which is the long headland visible from the city’s walls. There, you’ll find a stunning cave whose stalagmites and stalactites are mirrored in a tranquil underground lake.
The Grotta di Nettuno (Cave of Neptune) is located among cliffs that rise to a height of over 304 meters above sea level and were carved by the water. Since the cave’s entrance is on the water’s surface, entering by boat is not only the most spectacular but also the most convenient option.
However, if you prefer to drive, you may get here approximately 14 kilometers from Alghero and see a fascinating nuraghi by the side of the road. You can get here by taking a trek down the 656 steps of the Escala del Cabirol (goat stairs), which are cut into the side of a cliff.
Southern Coast
6. Cagliari
Another of the best places to visit in Sardinia is Cagliari. There are numerous places of worship, museums, and beautiful beaches near the city.
The area is the best in all of southern Sardinia. The upper city and its walls (Bastione di San Remy), the harbor region, and the Roman Amphitheater are some of the sights you really must visit, but there is no end to the possibilities.
Cagliari has been a crossroads for cultures throughout history, and you can see their imprints in the city today. The city’s Archaeology Museum can give you a perspective of the city’s population size and the number of people who lived and worked there.
7. Nora
Nora is not only the largest and most well-preserved Carthaginian and Roman ruin on the island, but it is also located close to some of the most beautiful areas (beaches and resorts) in the south of Sardinia.
Nora was discovered by the merchant community of the Punic civilization many years ago, and after enjoying decades of wealth, she was eventually conquered by the Romans.
Before the arrival of pirates in the Middle Ages, this harbor served as an important facility for the island. Nora was cast aside after the invasions became too destructive.
8. Villasimius
A popular destination in southern Sardinia, Villasimius is known for its picturesque resorts and miles of white sand beaches fringed by turquoise waters and rocky bays.
Porto sa Ruxi, Campus, and Campulongu are just a few of the stunning beaches you’ll find in this miraculous seaside pearl of South Sardinia.
Other notable spots include Cala Caterina, Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis, and the pink flamingos that soar above the blue and clear sea.
West Coast
9. Oristano
Oristano, Sardinia, is a medium-sized town on the island’s western coast.
This western part of the island is substantially less active than its eastern counterpart. The cost of living, including lodging and food, is far lower, and the number of other tourists is substantially lower. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and genuine.
Oristano’s downtown is compact and convenient for strolling. There’s a fascinating church from the 12th century and a gorgeous defensive tower from the 13th that were both built to protect the city from invaders.
Artistic fountains now surround this tower, and the entire area is lit up at night. The streets radiating from this plaza are both picturesque and lively, consisting of little bistros and pubs. You can enjoy your coffee or spritz while people-watching in this cozy spot.
10. Santa Cristina Nuraghe and the Holy Well
You can visit one of Sardinia’s most atmospheric and diverse archaeological attractions not far from Oristano.
Here, you can see a well temple from 1200-1100 BC (called a “holy well”) that has been remarkably preserved. There’s also a nuraghe tower with an open, wildflower-strewn roof from which you can look down on the prehistoric stone village that once surrounded it.
The stone roof on one of the oval structures is still in place. Make sure you have a flashlight with you so you can see your way around inside the nuraghe as you go to the top. Stop between the well and the nuraghe to see the cluster of little stone pilgrim quarters, repurposed monks’ cells encircling a church from the 12th century.
There are still pilgrimages here between May and October.
11. Bosa
While traveling farther north in Sardinia, you should definitely stop by the stunning town of Bosa, which is located on the westernmost tip of the island, not too far from the shore.
It’s not the kind of location you’re going to spend a week exploring, but it’s definitely worth stopping for lunch and a few hours if you’re in the area.
Stop by some little trattoria for a wonderful example of a genuine traditional Sardinian food.
East/Central
12. Giara of Gesturi and Nuraghe of Barumini
Photo by Norbert Nagel via Wikimedia Commons
There is a park with cork oak forests and Mediterranean maquis in the Giara, which is located in the center-east of Sardinia. It is home to a herd of small wild horses that is unique to Italy and Europe.
There are many important archaeological sites in this area, including the Su Nuraxi (or Barumini) nuraghe, which is on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The nuraghes are truncated cone-shaped towers that can be found all over the island. They were constructed using the dry-stone method, which involved using large, roughly hewn stones.
These towers are all over the island and are distinguished by their truncated cone shape and construction in massive stone blocks using the dry stone technique.
13. Cala Goloritzé
Among the best places to visit in Sardinia is Cala Goloritzé, a breathtaking beach, and coastline that is located in the Gulf of Orosei.
The beach itself is relatively recent construction. It wasn’t until a big landslide in the 1960s that this beautiful little spot with lots of potential for exploration was created organically. Still it is breathtaking in every way. Plus, the spectacular vistas of Le Figlie Della Aguglia are just a short distance away.
When traveling along the coastal roads of Sardinia, stopping at this location is without a doubt one of the most memorable experiences you may have on the island.
14. SS125 – Orientale Sarda
One of the best places in Sardinia and known all over the world is the SS125 Orientale Sarda. This is also one of the most picturesque highways in Europe, and a must if you have a car.
It traverses some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the island as it travels between the small towns of Dorgali and Arbatax, roughly in the middle of the island’s eastern coast.
The route winds its way up, over, and through a range of mountains, providing stunning vistas along the way. There are stretches when you can see the azure waters of the Mediterranean below you. In others, you can take in the spectacular panorama of towering mountains and deep valleys.
You’ll also pass through some spectacular tunnels cut into the cliffside. All of the roads are paved, and their condition is excellent.
If you must travel on a windy day, keep in mind that some parts of the road are particularly exposed, and strong, abrupt gusts may catch you off guard.