Sardinia fascinates with its rugged landscapes, where ancient nuraghi rise amidst gentle hills. The shimmering beaches of the Costa Smeralda, with their golden sands and crystal-clear waters, serve as a playground for the rich and famous. In the north, the Maddalena Archipelago offers a paradise of secluded coves and pink sand beaches, perfect for sailing and snorkeling. Meanwhile, the lively city of Cagliari, with its historic charm and bustling markets, embodies the island's cultural heart.
Top 10 Highlights of Sardinia
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Su Nuraxi
Su Nuraxi is a nuragic archaeological site in Barumini, Sardinia, Italy. Su Nuraxi simply means The Nuraghe in Campidanese, the southern variant of the Sardinian language.
Su Nuraxi is a settlement consisting of a seventeenth century BC nuraghe, a bastion of four corner towers plus a central one, and a village inhabited from the thirteenth to the sixth century BC, developed around the nuraghe. They are considered by scholars the most impressive expression of the nuragic civilization and were included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997 as Su Nuraxi di Barumini.
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Neptune's Grotto
Neptune's Grotto is a stalactite cave near the town of Alghero on the island of Sardinia, Italy. The cave was discovered by local fishermen in the 18th century and has since developed into a popular tourist attraction. The grotto gets its name from the Roman god of the sea, Neptune.
Beautiful Cove
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Cala Goloritzè
Cala Goloritzé on Sardinia's east coast delights with crystal-clear water and white pebble beach. The 143-meter-high Monte Caroddi attracts climbers from around the world. A 3.5 km long hiking trail through Supramonte di Baunei leads to this picturesque spot. Alternatively, you can arrive by boat, with the mooring point 300 meters offshore. The steep cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation create an unspoiled natural landscape, perfect for a day trip.
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Asinara National Park
Asinara is an Italian island of in area. The name is Italian for donkey-inhabited, but it is thought to derive from the Latin sinuaria, and meaning sinus-shaped. The island is virtually uninhabited. The census of population of 2001 lists one man. The island is located off the north-western tip of Sardinia, and is mountainous in geography with steep, rocky coasts. Because fresh water is scarce, trees are sparse and low scrub is the predominant vegetation. Part of the national parks system of Italy, the island was recently converted to a wildlife and marine preserve. It is home to a population of wild albino donkeys from which the island may take its name.
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Island of La Maddalena
La Maddalena, Sardinia
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Parco Archeologico Santa Cristina
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Nuraghe Santu Antine
Santu Antine, also known as Sa domo de su re is a nuraghe in Torralba, one of the largest in Sardinia. It is located in the centre of the Cabu Abbas plain. The main structure was built around the 19-18th century BC, and the other parts of the nuraghe date back to the 17th–15th century BC. The main tower originally reached a height of 23–24 metres and contains three tholoi chambers on top of each other. The central tower with diameter of 15 metres is 17 metres high. Santu Antine is made of huge basalt blocks. It has three floors. The top floor is now gone. Some 27 meters long corridors built with the corbel arch technique can be observed inside of the Nuraghe, superimposed on two floors, the Nuraghe was provided with three wells.
Near the Nuraghe lie the remains of a Nuragic village.
The nuraghe has also been studied several times from an archaeoastronomic point of view, and these studies have shown how its structure is oriented following the solstices. These claims were supported, among others, by the archaeologist Ercole Contu and archaeostronomists Mauro Peppino Zedda, Juan Antonio Belmonte and Michael Hoskin. In particular, Hoskin, science historian and emeritus professor at Churchill College in Cambridge, called Santu Antine the most sophisticated dry stone monument on earth's surface.
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Museo Cabras / Civico G. Marongiu
Cabras, Sardinia
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Nuraghe Palmavera
The nuraghe Palmavera is an archaeological site located in the territory of Alghero, Sardinia. It is classified as a complex nuraghe, that consists of several towers joined together. The nuraghe and the surrounding village were built in various phase during the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.
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Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria
Cagliari, Sardinia
The Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria also known as Our Lady of Fair Winds is a Marian title associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary as Star of the Sea and patron of sailboats. In addition, it is first associated with a Roman Catholic shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary located in Cagliari, Sardinia.
The Shrine is part of a complex of buildings which include the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria and the monastery which houses the friars of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. The Basilica and the other structures are under the administration of the Mercedarians, a religious order which has overseen the care of the shrine continuously since October 17, 1335.
Mary under this Marian title, is often portrayed carrying the Child Jesus, along with a golden sailboat and a candle in her right arm is invoked as the Patroness of Sardinia as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina, to which Pope Francis is also a known devotee.
Travel Information
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Sardinia is from May to October, with May-June and September-October being particularly delightful.
Spring (March to May)
- Perfect for nature and culture lovers
- Temperatures are mild, ranging from 13°C to 22°C in May.
- May is especially suited for activities like hiking and cycling.
Peak Season (June to August)
- Ideal for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts
- Temperatures rise from 27°C to 30°C, and the sea reaches a pleasant 24°C. In the hot summer months, especially July and August, temperatures can soar up to 40°C.
- The peak season sees many tourists, and prices are higher.
Early Autumn (September to October)
- Perfect for a peaceful beach holiday
- Temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C. The sea remains warm, and the weather is stable.
Winter (November to February)
- Not a popular holiday season
- Temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C. November marks the start of the rainy season, though showers are usually brief. Winter in Sardinia is mild compared to northern and central Europe. In higher elevations, there can even be snowfall.
Arrival
Sardinia boasts three international airports: Cagliari-Elmas in the south, Olbia-Costa Smeralda in the northeast, and Alghero-Fertilia in the northwest. Direct flights from many European cities are available, particularly during the summer months. You can find affordable flights with airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Alitalia.
Traveling in Sardinia
Rental Car
Renting a car is the best way to explore Sardinia. The roads are well-maintained, giving you the freedom to visit remote beaches and charming villages at your own pace. Several car rental companies are available at the airports and in the larger cities.
Train
Sardinia's train network is relatively limited but connects the main cities of Cagliari, Sassari, and Olbia. Trenitalia and the Regional Railway ARST operate the train services.
Buses
Buses, primarily operated by ARST, also connect smaller towns and villages. While bus travel is inexpensive, it often requires patience due to less frequent schedules and occasional delays.
Tips for relaxed Travel
Everything You Need to Know About Car Travel in Italy
Car trips in Italy are the best way to explore the picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and quieter beaches at your own pace. To help you plan, we offer numerous road trip recommendations for Italy, complete with detailed itineraries. You can find these on our Italy page or by browsing through the various regions. If you're driving in Italy for the first time, there are a few important things you need to know:
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Getting to Italy is a breeze. As Europe's third most popular travel destination, Italy offers numerous ways to arrive. Here you'll find essential information about how to get to Italy by plane, train and car.