Although history of Sardinia and culture are outstanding, tourists visit the Italian island mainly for its wonderful sandy beaches.
The 2nd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located between Italy, Spain, Tunisia, and France (Corsica).
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Sardinia attractions
Cagliari
The capital of Sardinia was built on the coast in the southern part of the island. It has a rich historical past dating back to the Nuragic culture, and its cityscape has been influenced by Phoenician, Roman, Pisan, and Spanish conquests.
The modern part of the city stretches along the coast, while the old part of the city, Castello, was founded on top of high hills, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas and the sea. The walls and towers of the Castello district, such as the Elephant Tower and the San Pancrazio Tower, still stand and are important tourist attractions.
There are several renowned museums in the city. The most famous is the National Archaeological Museum, which displays the island’s prehistory and remains from the Roman era.
Castelsardo
Located in the northern part of Sardinia, the town sits on a high rock and offers a wonderful view of the Gulf of Asinara. It was founded in the 12th century by the Genoese Doria family and has preserved its medieval character with winding streets and narrow alleys.
Its most significant attraction is the Castello dei Doria, a well-preserved fortress. Today it houses the Mediterranean Weaving and Spinning Museum (Museo dell’Intreccio Mediterraneo), showcasing the region’s traditional craft techniques, especially basket weaving.
Alghero
Located on the northwestern coast of Sardinia. The city is a unique blend of Italian and Catalan cultures, thanks to the historical Catalan conquest.
The general opinion about its old town is that its buildings are very similar to the structures of Catalan medieval architecture. Locals often refer to Alghero as „Barceloneta” (little Barcelona). Its most characteristic building is the cathedral, which clearly bears the features of the Catalan Gothic style.
Neptune’s Caves
The cave system near Alghero is one of the most popular natural attractions on the island.
There are two ways to reach the caves: by sea via boat or from the mainland, where a steep staircase, the Escala del Cabirol (Goat’s Staircase), leads down to its entrance through more than 650 steps.
Inside, there are huge halls and wonderful stalactite formations, including bright stalactites and giant stalagmites. The most famous section is the „Music Room”, known for its special acoustics. One of the most beautiful parts of the cave is the lake, whose crystal-clear water reflects the decorations on the ceiling and walls of the cave.
Olbia
Located in the northeastern part of the island, this settlement is an important port city and tourism center.
Olbia’s history dates back to Phoenician times, and it was later an important Roman port. There are numerous archaeological sites in the city, including the remains of the famous Roman-era bridge and the ancient San Simplicio Basilica. The imposing early Christian church is one of Sardinia’s most important Romanesque buildings.
The area has several wonderful beaches that attract tourists. Among these, the Costa Smeralda resort stands out with two popular beaches, Liscia Ruja and Capriccioli.
Bosa
This medieval town is famous for its colorful houses lined along the Temo riverbank and the well-preserved Malaspina Castle.
The castle stands on a hilltop and was built in the 12th century. It bears the name of the Malaspina family, who ruled this area for a long time and played an important role in local history. The castle offers a wonderful view of the Temo River, the town, and the surrounding landscape. Today it functions as a museum, showcasing the region’s history and culture.
The town’s beach is Bosa Marina, famous for its beautiful sandy shore and crystal-clear water.
Sassari
Sardinia’s second-largest city is located in the northwestern part of the island. The city has been under various rules, so its historical and cultural heritage is significant.
The „Corso Vittorio Emanuele” is the main street of the medieval city, surrounded by interesting buildings of different ages, which are typical examples of the Catalan-Gothic style (for example, the baroque church of Sant’ Andrea). It is known for its „palazzo”, neoclassical squares such as Piazza d’Italia, and the Teatro Civico.
The gastronomy should also be highlighted. Typical foods of the city are various types of snails (locally called „ciogga”), as well as the Sardinian specialty, favata, made with cabbage, broad beans, and sausage. Another local dish is the roasted meat called „ziminu”.
The most beautiful beaches in Sardinia
La Pelosa
Located in the northwestern tip of Sardinia, near Stintino. It is one of the most popular and most photographed beaches in Italy.
Famous for its fine, white sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water that extends shallowly into the sea. It’s also an ideal beach for families with children.
It’s worth visiting the nearby 16th-century Torre della Pelosa watchtower, as well as the opposing Isola Piana island and the more distant Asinara National Park.
La Cinta
Located near the town of San Teodoro in the northeastern part, it’s also a popular beach.
This long, curved beach is famous for its fine, white sand and crystal-clear, shallow turquoise water. The San Teodoro lagoon rising behind it and the distant mountains, which are home to many bird species, including flamingos, are spectacular.
Porto Giunco
Located in Villasimius, in the southeastern corner of Sardinia.
On the southern part of the white sandy beach rises the Torre di Porto Giunco, an old watchtower that offers a great view of the surroundings.
The path to the beach itself is an experience, as it passes by the lagoon where pink flamingos are often seen.
Poetto
Cagliari’s main beach has a wide sandy stretch and excellent infrastructure.
The approximately 8 km-long beach connects Cagliari with Quartu Sant’Elena. Its promenade is full of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
It’s very popular among water sports enthusiasts. The clean, shallow water is ideal for families, especially those arriving with small children.
Spiaggia di Is Arutas
The beach is famous for its „rice grain” sand, which is actually made up of tiny, shiny quartz crystals. Its colorful shades – from white to pink and green – offer a wonderful sight.
The beach is quite secluded, and access is not easy. That’s why there’s no crowd here; it’s a perfect place for a peaceful rest.
Spiaggia de La Sciumara
Located in a bay in the northern part of the island, next to the village of Palau.
The several hundred meters long sandy-pebbly beach has crystal-clear and shallow water, so it can be safely recommended for children as well. It’s easily accessible on foot from the village.
Cala Brandinchi
The beach is located in a small bay, also known as „Sardinia’s little Tahiti”.
With the white sandy beach and the surrounding landscape, it really feels like you’re not in Italy.
Spiaggia di Punta Molentis
It got its name from a local pack animal, the molentis (donkey), which was once used by miners working in the surrounding areas.
An imposing rocky section rises next to the beach and, together with the turquoise, crystal-clear sea water, provides a great sight.
Although it’s a popular destination during the summer months, it’s not so crowded due to its relatively isolated location. It can be a good choice for those who don’t like crowds.