When I first arrived in Sardinia, I thought I knew what to expect: white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of sunshine. And while the island certainly delivers on its postcard-perfect coastlines, what surprised me most was everything else that came with it. Sardinia is a place where rugged mountains meet medieval towns, where ancient stone towers stand next to chic seaside resorts, and where every meal feels like a celebration of local flavors.
Whether you’re here to relax on beaches that rival the Caribbean, hike through dramatic gorges, explore colorful villages, or savor slow-roasted porceddu with a glass of Cannonau wine, Sardinia offers an experience that feels both laid-back and unforgettable.
Here are my favorite things to do in Sardinia the beaches, towns, food, and adventures that made me fall in love with this Mediterranean gem.
Relax on Sardinia’s Dreamy Beaches
When people imagine Sardinia, they often picture endless white sand and turquoise waters and honestly, the reality is even better. The island is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe, each with its own personality. Whether you’re looking for a glamorous beach club, a quiet cove you hike to, or a shallow lagoon perfect for families, Sardinia has it all.
Costa Smeralda
The Costa Smeralda is Sardinia’s crown jewel when it comes to luxury. Stretching along the island’s northeast coast, it’s dotted with glamorous resorts, exclusive marinas, and famous beach clubs where yachts pull in from around the world. But you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy it there are plenty of public beaches that are just as stunning.
One of my favorites was Capriccioli Beach, a soft crescent of golden sand surrounded by granite boulders and pine trees. The water here is shallow, calm, and warm ideal for wading out for ages or floating under the sun. Families love it for the gentle entry, but I also found it perfect for simply drifting with the waves. A little further along, Spiaggia del Principe feels wilder, with crystal-clear waters that shimmer between shades of emerald and blue. It’s easy to see why Prince Karim Aga Khan fell in love with this coastline in the 1960s and transformed it into a playground for the rich and famous.
Parking can be tricky and expensive in peak summer, so arrive early or visit in May, June, or September for a more relaxed vibe.
Cala Goloritzé
For me, Cala Goloritzé was one of the most rewarding adventures in Sardinia. Unlike most beaches where you just walk from the car park to the sand, this one requires effort. After about an hour’s hike down through the Supramonte mountains, you reach a tiny bay where towering limestone cliffs meet a strip of dazzling white pebbles. Offshore, a dramatic rock pinnacle rises from the sea like a natural monument, making it one of Sardinia’s most photographed spots.
The water is unbelievably clear, with shades of blue that don’t seem real. Snorkeling here felt like swimming in an aquarium, with schools of fish darting through the shallows. Because it’s protected, boats can’t dock on the beach which keeps it pristine and peaceful compared to more accessible spots.
The climb back up is steep and can be tiring in the summer heat, but I found the reward of that swim worth every step. If you only have time for one “adventure beach,” make it Cala Goloritzé.
Zee Tip: Bring plenty of water and good shoes for the hike. And don’t expect beach bars or sunbeds this is nature at its purest.
Spiaggia La Pelosa
In the northwest corner of Sardinia lies Spiaggia La Pelosa, often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. I remember walking onto the sand and feeling like I’d stepped into the Caribbean: shallow, electric-blue waters stretch out endlessly, framed by views of the historic Torre della Pelosa, a 16th-century watchtower that guards the bay.
The sand is soft and powdery, perfect for laying out a towel, and the lagoon-like shallows make it one of the safest beaches for families with kids. The water stays knee-deep for what feels like forever, and the calm conditions make it ideal for paddleboarding or just lounging in the shallows.
That said, La Pelosa is no secret in peak summer, it gets very crowded. The local government has even introduced ticketed entry and rules to protect the fragile ecosystem, such as requiring mats under towels to preserve the sand. I found arriving before 9 a.m. was the best way to enjoy the beach at its quietest, with the morning light making the water sparkle even more.
Zee Tip: Combine a visit here with a boat trip to Asinara National Park, just offshore. It’s a wild island with donkeys, hiking trails, and some of the clearest waters in Sardinia.
Explore Colorful Sardinian Towns
Beyond the beaches, Sardinia’s towns bring a completely different side of the island to life. Each place has its own rhythm, shaped by centuries of history and traditions. Walking through them gave me some of my favorite memories from vibrant markets to quiet cobblestone streets where time seemed to slow down.
Cagliari
As the island’s capital, Cagliari is often the first stop for travelers, and it’s a city that quickly grows on you. I started my visit wandering the Castello district, perched high above the city. Its narrow alleys twist past ancient stone walls, churches, and hidden courtyards, and from the top you get sweeping views of the Gulf of Cagliari.
The Bastione di Saint Remy was one of my favorite sunset spots, where locals gather in the evening with gelato or aperitifs as the city lights begin to glow. During the day, I explored San Benedetto Market, one of Italy’s largest covered markets, overflowing with fresh seafood, cheeses, and colorful produce. It felt like a crash course in Sardinian flavors.
Cagliari also has a lively waterfront promenade, the Poetto Beach nearby for a quick swim, and plenty of historic churches. It’s the kind of city that balances the buzz of urban life with the laid-back charm of the island.
Alghero
Nicknamed “Little Barcelona,” Alghero reflects centuries of Catalan influence, and you can feel it in everything from the architecture to the food. The old town, surrounded by medieval walls, is a maze of narrow lanes where Gothic churches stand beside cozy trattorias. I loved walking along the Lungomare (seaside promenade), especially at golden hour when the stone walls turned amber in the setting sun.
Seafood here is legendary. I tried a plate of aragosta alla catalana (lobster with tomatoes and onions), and it’s still one of the best meals I had in Sardinia. Alghero is also famous for its red coral jewelry, which you’ll see in shop windows throughout the old town it makes for a meaningful souvenir if you’re looking for something uniquely local.
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere: lively but not overwhelming, with just the right mix of history and seaside relaxation.
Bosa
Of all Sardinia’s towns, Bosa might be the most photogenic. Pastel-colored houses climb the hillside below Malaspina Castle, and the Temo River reflects the rainbow facades like a mirror. Walking along the riverside, I couldn’t resist stopping every few minutes to take in the view.
Bosa has a slower, more romantic pace. The old town streets are full of tiny artisan shops and cafés where locals linger. Climbing up to the castle rewards you with sweeping views over the river, town, and countryside.
I also learned that Bosa is known for its unique wine, Malvasia di Bosa a sweet, golden dessert wine that pairs beautifully with local pastries. Sharing a glass in a small enoteca felt like the perfect way to end the day.
Orgosolo
Nestled in the Barbagia mountains, Orgosolo is unlike anywhere else in Sardinia. The town is famous for its murales (murals) bold paintings that cover the walls of homes, shops, and streets. Originally political, they now tell stories of Sardinia’s culture, struggles, and identity. Walking through Orgosolo felt like visiting a living art gallery where every corner has something to say.
The surrounding mountains add to its character. Many visitors combine a trip to Orgosolo with hikes into the Supramonte region, and it’s also a gateway to agriturismos where you can try traditional shepherds’ meals. I had a hearty feast of roasted meats, pecorino cheese, and homemade wine that made me feel like I’d been invited into someone’s home.
Go Hiking in Sardinia’s Mountains
Sardinia isn’t just about the sea its interior is wild, rugged, and breathtaking. The mountains here are home to deep gorges, ancient forests, and trails that feel worlds away from the coast. Hiking gave me a chance to see the island’s quieter, more untamed side.
Gola Su Gorropu
Often called Europe’s Grand Canyon, Gola Su Gorropu is a dramatic gorge carved into the limestone cliffs of eastern Sardinia. The walls rise up to 500 meters high, dwarfing anyone who enters. Walking through the gorge, I felt tiny compared to the towering rock faces, some of which seemed to block out the sky.
The hike itself can vary in difficulty depending on the trail you choose, but the payoff is incredible: silence, raw nature, and a sense of awe that’s hard to put into words. I spotted rare plants along the way, and locals told me the gorge is home to the endangered Sardinian wildcat. Even without wildlife sightings, the sheer scale of the place left me in awe.
Supramonte Region
If you want to step into Sardinia’s wilderness, the Supramonte mountains are the place to do it. This rugged limestone plateau stretches across the heart of the island and offers hikes that range from scenic walks to challenging treks.
One of the highlights here is the Tiscali Village, an ancient settlement hidden inside a collapsed cave. Reaching it involves a moderately tough hike, but standing among the stone ruins surrounded by forest made me feel like I’d discovered a secret world.
The Supramonte is also known for its karst landscapes caves, sinkholes, and sheer cliffs that drop into hidden valleys. Hiking here is less about ticking off a destination and more about immersing yourself in wild Sardinia. It’s remote, raw, and one of the most authentic parts of the island.
Zee Tip: Spring and autumn are the best times for hiking in Sardinia. In spring, the hillsides bloom with wildflowers, and in autumn, the air is cooler and the trails quieter. Summer can be scorching, so if you hike then, set off early in the morning and carry more water than you think you’ll need.
Taste Sardinian Food & Wine
Food is central to the Sardinian experience, and every meal feels memorable.
- Porceddu: Slow-roasted suckling pig, crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Pane Carasau: Thin, crispy flatbread that locals eat with everything.
- Culurgiones: Handmade pasta stuffed with potato, cheese, and mint.
- Cannonau wine: Sardinia’s famous red, known for its longevity and health benefits.
- Vermentino wine: Crisp white that pairs perfectly with seafood.
One of my favorite memories was sitting at a small agriturismo in the countryside, eating porceddu by candlelight with a glass of Cannonau in hand.
Discover Archaeological Sites
Sardinia isn’t just about sun and sea it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating open-air museums. The island’s history stretches back thousands of years, with traces of ancient civilizations that remain remarkably intact. Exploring these sites felt like stepping into another era, where myths and history blend together.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Su Nuraxi is the most famous of Sardinia’s Nuraghe, mysterious stone towers built by the Nuragic civilization around 1500 BC. The main tower rises in layers of basalt stone, surrounded by smaller towers and a village of circular huts.
Walking through its narrow passageways and climbing up the ancient staircases, I couldn’t help but imagine what life was like for the people who built such a complex without modern tools. Guides often share theories about whether these structures were fortresses, temples, or community hubs. Whatever their purpose, the craftsmanship is staggering, and the sense of age is humbling.
Giants’ Tombs
Scattered all over Sardinia, the Giants’ Tombs (Tombe dei Giganti) are megalithic burial sites dating back to the Bronze Age. Their name comes from local legends that giants once roamed the island, and standing in front of one, it’s easy to see how those stories began.
These tombs are built with massive stone slabs, some arranged in semi-circles that create dramatic entrances. I visited Coddu Vecchiu near Arzachena, one of the best-preserved examples, and the sheer size of the stones left me in awe. Unlike smaller graves you see elsewhere in Europe, these were collective burial sites a reminder of the communal life and rituals of Sardinia’s early people.
Exploring them gave me a deeper appreciation of the island’s long continuity of human settlement, stretching from prehistoric cultures to modern villages nearby.
Nora Ruins
On the southern coast, near Pula, lie the Nora Ruins the remains of Sardinia’s first Phoenician city, later expanded by the Romans. Set against the sea, the site is breathtaking not only for its history but also its setting: mosaic floors glistening under the sun, amphitheater rows facing the waves, and columns rising with the Mediterranean as their backdrop.
I spent hours wandering through the old streets, imagining merchants arriving by ship centuries ago. The Roman amphitheater is still used for concerts today, making it a place where past and present intersect beautifully. For me, Nora was proof that Sardinia’s coastline has always been a crossroads of cultures.
Sail Sardinia’s Coastline
If there’s one experience that captures the magic of Sardinia, it’s being out on the water. Sailing along the island’s coast felt like discovering secret worlds: hidden coves, sea caves, and lagoons where the shades of blue are so vivid they barely look real.
La Maddalena Archipelago
The La Maddalena Islands, off Sardinia’s northeast coast, were one of the highlights of my trip. This cluster of islands and islets is part of a national park, where the water is so clear it looks like glass.
I joined a small boat tour from Palau, and every stop felt more surreal than the last. At Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach on Budelli Island), I admired the blush-tinted sand from a distance (it’s protected to preserve its color), while at Cala Coticcio on Caprera, I swam in a lagoon so still and turquoise it felt like a natural infinity pool.
What I loved most was the freedom of hopping between islands some wild and untouched, others with charming fishing villages. By the end of the day, I understood why this archipelago is often compared to the Caribbean.
Gulf of Orosei
On Sardinia’s eastern coast, the Gulf of Orosei is a wild, dramatic stretch of cliffs, caves, and beaches accessible mostly by boat. Sailing here felt like slipping into an untouched world.
The highlight for me was Cala Luna, a crescent-shaped beach framed by caves where you can shelter from the sun. Swimming out into the bay, I looked back at the cliffs towering above the sand, and it felt like a secret hideaway carved by nature itself. Other stops included Cala Mariolu and Cala Biriola, each with impossibly blue water and pebble beaches that glittered like jewels.
Boat trips also visit sea caves like the Bue Marino Grotto, once home to monk seals, where stalactites drip into underground pools. The combination of adventure and tranquility made this coastline one of my favorite parts of Sardinia.
Zee Tip: Summer is the most popular time for boat trips, with calm seas and guaranteed sun, but I found May and September to be even better. The water is still warm, the weather is perfect, and the crowds are far lighter. If you want more privacy, consider booking a smaller boat or private skipper rather than joining the big group tours.
Adventure Activities in Sardinia
If you’re looking for more than sunbathing, Sardinia delivers.
- Rock climbing: Cala Gonone has world-class routes for climbers.
- Snorkeling & diving: Capo Carbonara and Tavolara are teeming with marine life.
- Windsurfing: Porto Pollo is famous for steady winds and a vibrant surf scene.
Practical Sardinia Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: May–June and September are ideal for warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer.
- Getting around: Renting a car is the best way to explore. Public transport exists, but can be limited.
- How long to stay: One week is enough for beaches and a few towns, but two weeks lets you circle the island.
- Budget: Sardinia can be as affordable or as luxurious as you want agriturismos are great for budget-friendly, authentic stays.
Conclusion
For me, Sardinia felt like a place of contrasts: glamorous yet rustic, relaxing yet adventurous, familiar yet completely unique. Whether I was sailing through La Maddalena, hiking into Gorropu Gorge, or eating my way through Alghero, I felt like I was experiencing the island in layers, each one revealing something new.
If you’re dreaming of a Mediterranean trip that combines beaches, culture, and food, Sardinia is one of those destinations that lingers with you long after you’ve left.
