“The best beaches in Europe, enchanting views and tempting cuisine” - perhaps this is how Sardinia can be summed up in a few words. The authenticity of the architecture, combined with the amazing local beauty and the developed level of service, make the resorts of Sardinia a place of paradise for relaxation.
The best time to explore the island is from May to June and from September to November, when the influx of tourists decreases, but the weather continues to delight with sunny days and warm sea. A rented car will come in handy for exploring Sardinian attractions. Although good transport links and an abundance of excursions offer an equally pleasant alternative. What is worth seeing on the island first of all, this article will tell.
Porto Cervo
One of the most expensive and beautiful places in Sardinia owes its appearance to the Prince Aga Khan IV, who once decided to create the most beautiful place on earth. Today this corner of the island is a symbol of a fashionable and serene life. Numerous villas, avenues of luxury shops, expensive restaurants and five-star hotels show that the prince has succeeded.
Porto Cervo is interesting not only for those wishing to see with their own eyes several celebrities. Talented people of their time worked on the appearance of the resort, including Luigi Vietti. And now an amazing play of colors and combinations of neat buildings, lost among the rocks and blue water, opens before the eyes of the traveler.
The most popular vacation spots in Porto Cervo are the beaches of Liscia Rouge, Romazzino with a flat coast and everything you need for a comfortable family stay, the Millionaire nightclub, as well as a local golf club with an amazing panorama and restaurants Ile Pescatore, La Pergola with the author's kitchen.
Cagliari
The administrative center of Sardinia is located in the south of the island, on the coast of the Gulf of Angels. Surrounded on different sides by the sea, mountains and striking architectural monuments, Cagliari gives you the opportunity to try a varied vacation. The adjacent beach offers its guests 8 kilometers of pure white sand and the latest equipment for a pleasant pastime. A variety of activities such as snorkeling, canoeing and quad biking will delight visitors of all ages.
Those who like to combine business with pleasure should pay attention to the cultural heritage of the Sardinian capital. The Fortress of St. Michael, the Roman Amphitheater, the Basilica of St. Saturnion, the Archaeological Museum of Cagliari are just a few of the iconic sites that the locals are so proud of. The proximity of the airport, the abundance of cafes with authentic cuisine and hotels for all tastes make Cagliari the best place for a long stay.
Rotondo
The port extends to the north-east of Sardinia, on the Costa Esmeralda. The picturesque place, designed in the shape of a circle (hence the name), attracts businessmen and celebrities from all over the world here. Like Porto Cervo, Rotondo was created as a piece of paradise with magnificent views and claims of luxury. Thanks to the efforts of eminent architects, the port resembles a little Venice with many bridges, arches and streets buried in greenery.
Top attractions include the Church of San Lorenzo, Piazza San Marco and the open-air amphitheater. You can also get acquainted with the luxurious yacht club, which can accommodate 600 VIP yachts. Seaside holidays are provided by the beaches of Spiaggia Ira, Marinella and Beach of the Stones, equipped with the latest technology and seasoned with memorable views of the marina. Diving enthusiasts should definitely go to the neighboring island of Tavolara, which promises vivid emotions from contemplating the underwater beauty.
San Teodoro
Anyone who appreciates a cultural pastime will find something for themselves in this town in the north-east of Sardinia. Numerous concerts and film festivals allow you to enrich your horizons and meet eminent filmmakers and artists. Monuments of medieval architecture are harmoniously combined with lush green streets, luxury shops and famous restaurants.
Natural objects are also noteworthy - the rocks of Montinieddu and the area of Cala Girgolu, which amaze the viewer with the talent of nature. The beaches in the vicinity of the city of St. Theodore will appeal to both adults and children. The gradually increasing depth, smooth sandy bottom and developed infrastructure provide a truly serene day's rest. And with the onset of sunset, the coast turns into a dance paradise for lovers of relaxation in the spirit of Ibiza.
Santa Margherita di Pula
Picturesque landscapes and a developed cultural life are the main reasons why the resort is so popular among tourists and Italians themselves. Vivid panoramas of lakes, framed by cliffs and pine groves, and rich fauna deserve the attention of every visitor to Sardinia. The sea here is clean, calm, with a gradually receding bottom and amazing underwater views. Remains of an ancient civilization are represented by preserved baths with floor mosaics and an amphitheater.
Evenings of poetry, classical music and theatrical art are still held on its platform. The town itself has a friendly and cheerful disposition. In summer, festivals and open-air discos are often held on its streets. And the abundance of hotels, cafes, shops and souvenir shops will delight those who come here for a long time.
Villasimius
Sunny and quiet town located just 50 km from Cagliari. The area of only 58 square meters provides natural diversity. The coast is clean and pleasant for relaxation, accompanied by ridges of rocks and conifers, so that even in the season of the influx of tourists there is a place to retire here. Farms with grazing goats and cows add to the idyllic mood.
Those who are especially curious will surely enjoy getting to know the ancient Nuragas. Despite numerous wars, an ancient fortress has been preserved on the territory of Villasimius. Despite the small number of hotels, shops and entertainment venues, there is always something to do in the local area. A beach holiday, horseback riding, diving, a boat trip to neighboring islands and a visit to the International Center for Experimental Art will fill your stay with meaning and pleasant impressions.
Costa Rei
Coast of the Kings is an hour's drive from the capital. A cozy village in an ecologically clean area of Sardinia will give you a truly royal holiday. Several beaches have a different look and depth of the sea, so tourists can choose a place to their liking. For those who prefer active leisure, diving, kiting, a trip to a nearby island and other entertainment are offered.
A variety of cafes, restaurants and resorts will not allow you to get hungry and be left without a roof over your head. Culturally, Costa Rei is interesting as a living testimony to ancient times. It is worth visiting the megalithic complex of Pischina Rei, created 5000 years ago, climbing the ancient Roman tract to the peaks of the Seven Brothers Mountains and seeing the ruins of Su Guventa with your own eyes. A trip to the Serpentara with the famous Marine Park and the remains of the fortress Luigi (XVI century) will give no less vivid emotions.
Tortoli
The settlement in the eastern part of Sardinia is the main city of the province of Ogliastra. In addition to developed agriculture and agritourism, the village will delight you with memorable views and ancient monuments. In the Artabax area, there are deposits of red stone, which paint the coastal areas in a characteristic color.Combined with a riot of greenery, the blue of the sky and the azure of the sea, the surroundings will give you wonderful shots and vivid emotions.
Numerous traces of ancient civilizations, including the Church of San Andrea, the Tower of St. Gemiliano, the Park of San Salvatore, tell about the great past of the local lands and allow you to touch the history. Several beaches allow you to soak up the sea. Orri, Chea and Porto Frailis have long won the hearts of holidaymakers for their serenity, beauty and well-groomed appearance. For those wishing to take a walk, the vast urban park of La Sugeretta, offering a variety of active entertainment for all ages, will come in handy.
Marinella
The village is located south of Porto Rotondo. White sand, shallow waters and the absence of strong waves explain the popularity of the local beach among parents with small children, the elderly and lovers of sea activities. For those who like big waves, it makes sense to come to the resort during the peak season. The beach has a well-developed infrastructure: free showers, sun loungers, a children's playground and several bars. True, the surrounding area cannot boast of a variety of establishments. But the problem is easily solved thanks to its proximity to a popular neighbor with fashionable restaurants, a yacht club and boutiques. Local attractions include the Church of St. Lorenzo, as well as the villas of famous people, including Silvio Berlusconi.
Stintino
The place, famous for its snow-white coast with a wild appearance, is located in the north-west of Sardinia. The main beaches of Pelosa and Pelosetta not only provide a connection with nature, but also provide a touch of history. The first of them is directed to the island of Asinara with a difficult fate, and the second opens an overview of the Aragonese tower of the 16th century. The nearby islet of Asinara, popularly called "Devilish", is perhaps one of the main attractions of this region. A few decades ago, it was here that the main Italian prison and quarantine zone was located.
Today, only the untouched and mysterious beauty of steep rocks and stormy sea reminds of bygone times on the territory of a modern natural park. Stintino is primarily a fishing village. Therefore, every guest should definitely try the local delicacies from the seafood. The chefs will be happy to prepare tuna dishes for visitors, because it was the fishing and catching of this type of fish that allowed the small village to become a famous point on the tourist map of Sardinia.
Olbia
The developed Sardinian city stretches to the northeast and serves as the center of commercial, cultural and tourist life. The port, airport, train station and an abundance of buses make it easy to travel from here to any part of the island. The province is famous for its rich history. The Church of St. Paul the Apostle, the Basilica of St. Simplicio, the National Archaeological Museum are just a part of the cultural heritage that opens up to the eyes of the traveler.
You can enjoy walking in the Fausto Noce park or in the heart of Olbia. Beach areas stretch for one hundred kilometers along the Costa Smeralda. Mountainous landscapes, conifers, light sand and the blue of the sea have long become a symbol of relaxation in Olbia. Olbia will delight gourmets and lovers of Mediterranean food. Particularly delightful is the annual May festival of Saggra del Cozzé, where chefs from all over the world compete in the art of making mussels.
Alghero
The Italian city stands out among other resorts in Sardinia. The place was influenced by several peoples who fought with each other for the possession of the "tidbit". Still, Spanish culture won out, making then and today Alghero a small Barcelona. You should start your acquaintance with the Algerian beauties by exploring the historic center. Michele, the Maddalena Bastion, the Cathedral of St. Mary and the streets that have preserved their ancient appearance will tell about the great and heroic past of these places.
Evidence from very ancient times is the "house of witches" - the tomb of the mysterious Nuragic period. The Grotto of Neptune and the Mare Nostrum aquarium will surely appeal to younger tourists and nature lovers. And after the cultural program, you can relax on one of the beaches. There are several of them in Alghero, and each is adapted for the whole family. Hotels of different stars, shops and cafes for every taste and budget will make your stay in Barcelonata comfortable and memorable.
Oristano
The city, founded in the 9th century, will appeal to everyone who appreciates eclecticism. The appearance of the old center retains the severity of the Middle Ages, and new buildings with a chaotic arrangement of streets demonstrate the coziness and cheerful disposition of small seaside settlements. A rich history has given Oristano many attractions, including the Tower of St. Christopher, the Square.
Eleanor of Arborea, Oristano Cathedral. In the suburbs, you can get acquainted with a more ancient culture on the example of the Phoenician city of Tarros, the island of Mal di Ventre and more. The nature of these places promises interesting landscapes, proving the correctness of the name of the city ("surrounded by lakes"). The combination of green hills, mountainous areas and the water surface extending into the horizon has captivated more than one traveler.
Capo Testa
Once upon a time there was an ancient Roman quarry on the cape of the same name. Fragments of columns designed to strengthen buildings are still visible in the sea. Today these places have almost no historical monuments. But the bizarre mountain outlines attract tourists from all over the world. Polished by perennial waves and winds, the rounded slopes are reminiscent of Martian landscapes. Many come here for the opportunity to see them with their own eyes and share a photo report with friends. Thanks to the stone surroundings, the local coast is protected from strong winds and large waves.
The light sand and the gradually receding bottom turn the beaches of Capo Testa into a comfortable resting point for families with small children. By the way, safe water activities are provided for them. Older tourists, in addition to sunbathing, are given the opportunity to enjoy diving, snorkeling and water bike rides. Like other resorts in Sardinia, Capo Testa delights guests with authentic Mediterranean cuisine, hospitality and sunny weather.
Cala Gonone
The Dorgali area is located on a green hill with a beautiful view of the Gulf of Orosei. This area attracts connoisseurs of pristine nature, picnics and long walks here. The local territories have been inhabited since the Nuragic era and retain the echoes of ancient times. Of particular interest to travelers is the natural Sea Cow Grotto with many stalagmites and stalactites inside.
Cala Gonone is part of the Bay of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park. Cozy beaches, picturesque mountains and clear blue water have long become the hallmark of these places. The main advantage of Cala Gonone is the opportunity to find a secluded corner for yourself, located in one of the many bays. The coast of the region is conducive to leisurely enjoyment of the sun and sea. But some beaches are littered with sharp pitfalls. Therefore, for families with children, it is worth choosing places in the immediate vicinity of the village, for example, Kala Luna.
Santa Maria Navarrese
The city is located in the eastern part of Sardinia and has the cleanest coastline on the island. Memorable views of the sea and sheer cliffs, an abundance of bays and the historically rich old part of the town have attracted tourists here for decades. The main attractions are represented by the Church of Our Lady of Navar (XI century) and the Spanish tower, built in the 17th century.
The park of wild oil plants, founded on the site of the once existing Mediterranean forest, is of no less interest. Among the green inhabitants, an old-timer stands out, having celebrated the thousandth birthday and having a trunk eight meters in girth. Another archaeological object, a boulder, on which footprints in the form of cups are visible, is also hidden here.
Arbatax
The resort town is concentrated on the picturesque Cape Bellavista, famous for its red porphyry cliffs. Clear water and white beaches make these territories a favorite haven not only among foreign tourists, but also among Italians themselves. Thanks to its own port, transport links are well established not only with Cagliari, but also with main Italy, which opens up new opportunities for travel.
In addition to natural attractions, it is worth highlighting the main square of the resort - Skogli Rossi, ancient towers with which the name of the city is associated.
And the Church of the Virgin is interesting not only as a historical, but also a cultural object, in honor of which extensive festivities are held in July. As for traditional recreation, there are several hotels with comfortable living conditions on the territory of Artabax. Tourist trips, horseback riding, spa treatments and more are provided for guests. But the cozy beaches of Orri and Ponente, surrounded by pine groves and amazingly beautiful bays, are able to give vivid impressions without additional entertainment.
Castelsardo
Magnificent landscapes, authentic cuisine and sights at every turn - it's amazing how a small northern town with a population of only six thousand can offer so much to inquisitive tourists. It is located on the rocky promontory of Asinara, so lovers of breathtaking landscapes have a chance to personally appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and Corsica soaring over the water. And Castelsardo itself disposes to unity with nature, because it is part of the Asinara National Reserve.
You don't have to travel outside the city to get to know the history of the Castelsard lands. Interesting objects can be seen during a regular walk. Monuments dating back several thousand years are represented by ancient towers - nuragas and donuragic tombs. The oldest burial ground available here - the House of the Fairies - dates back to the 4th - 3rd millennium BC.
Medieval monuments of architecture: the Doria castle (XII century), the residence of the bishop, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (XVI century) will tell about a history closer to a modern person. One of the main religious holidays is associated with the name of the cathedral - the Lusinatti procession, which tells the story of the life of Christ and marks the arrival of spring.
Those wishing to bring original items from the trip should pay attention to wicker baskets. This is the oldest and most traditional craft that the island is associated with. In addition to straw products, ceramics, homespun paths, openwork weaving and jewelry made of silver and coral are famous for their elegance and high quality.
Costa Paradiso
Paradise Coast is one of the iconic holiday destinations in Sardinia. This eight-kilometer stretch of land has every possible beauty, from numerous golden sandy coves to red mountains with grottoes. Among the many beaches, Li Cossi, Rena Bianca and Cala Spinoza are especially popular. Due to its location in an ecologically clean area, the water here is crystal clear, which will surely be appreciated by professional divers and snorkelers.
Convenient entry into the water and the absence of unpleasant surprises at the bottom make Costa Paradiso a good option for family recreation. Due to the semicircular shape of the coast, strong winds are not a frequent visitor here, which will delight mothers with small children. Like any popular resort, this one has everything you need for a comfortable stay: hotels and private houses of different levels of service, numerous cafes, restaurants and small shops.
Costa Paradiso is an attraction in itself, for the sake of which tourists from all over the world come here. But if you want to diversify your leisure time, you can rent a boat and take a short trip to Olbia, Porto Torres and even to the Corsican town of Bonifacio.
Sassari
The second largest city in Sardinia, located in the northwest, is considered to be an important tourist center. A rich past that began several millennia ago, picturesque golden beaches and gardens buried in greenery will not leave anyone indifferent. The streets of the historical center are decorated with outstanding architectural monuments - the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Church of the Virgin Mary of Bethlehem, the Sanna National Museum and several palaces.
The medieval walls of the city, the Sassari Brigade Museum and the Fortress Tower are evidence of the constant struggle for independence with Genoa, Pisa, Austria and Aragon. Sassari is especially proud of its university. It was among the first on the island and is now one of the best universities in Italy. Just ten kilometers from Sassari, a system of buildings dating back to the Nuragic period opens up to the eyes of travelers. The most famous of them are San Giovanni, Li Luzzani.
Those wishing to learn more about the cultural life of Sassari should come here in May, when the street festival - the Sardinian Cavalcade - takes place on the streets of the city. Participants, dressed in national clothes, perform folk songs and dances and show small representations of important historical events in these places.
