Dreaming of secret beaches, ancient ruins, and seafood so fresh it practically swims to your plate? Say ciao to Sardinia – Italy’s wild, wonderful island that’s got a little bit of everything: sparkling coves, rugged mountains, rich culture, and a pace of life that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who’s explored Sardinia from its hilltop towns to its hidden coves. After road-tripping the north, sampling handmade pasta in Bosa, and island-hopping around La Maddalena, this guide brings together first-hand tips and local insights to help you plan your perfect Sardinian adventure.
Where Exactly Is Sardinia? 📍
Sardinia (or Sardegna in Italian) floats in the heart of the Mediterranean, just south of Corsica and west of mainland Italy. It’s the second-largest island in the Med – and yet somehow still feels like a secret.
Forget cookie-cutter resorts. Sardinia is where you find beaches that rival the Maldives, Bronze Age ruins older than Rome, and mountain villages where time slows waaaay down.
✈️ Main airports: Cagliari (south), Olbia (north-east), and Alghero (north-west)
⛴️ Ferries: Regular sailings from mainland Italy (Rome, Genoa, Naples) and Corsica.
Quick Facts: Know Before You Go💡
🇮🇹 Language: Italian (and Sardinian dialects)
💶 Currency: Euro (€)
🕰️ Time Zone: Central European Time (CET)
🔌 Electricity: 230V, European plug
✈️ Flight Time from London: ~2.5 hours
🍝 Must-Try Dish: Fregola con arselle (tiny pasta + clams = magic)
Best Time To Visit Sardinia ☀️
Sardinia has that glorious Mediterranean climate – long summers, short winters, and plenty of sunshine.
🌸 Spring (Mar–May): Wildflowers, mild weather, perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug): Beach season! Hot days, turquoise water, lively towns – especially on the Costa Smeralda.
🍇 Autumn (Sept–Nov): Warm seas, grape harvests, fewer crowds. Bliss.
🎄 Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet and peaceful, with crisp mountain air and festive traditions.
💛 Tip: September is golden – literally. Still hot, fewer crowds, and perfect sea temps.
Where to Go in Sardinia 🚗
Sardinia’s got layers – beach towns, hilltop villages, ancient ruins, and rugged wilderness. Here’s the lowdown by region:
⛰️ Interior Highlands: Traditional Sardinia – slow towns, shepherd trails, and hearty mountain food.
💎 Costa Smeralda: Flashy and famous – luxury yachts, perfect beaches, and Porto Cervo’s glitz.
🌆 Alghero (NW): Spanish vibes, coastal paths, and a charming old town.
🏛️ Cagliari (South): The capital city – history, culture, and Poetto Beach.
🏝️ La Maddalena Archipelago: Protected island chain – nature at its best.
🚤 Eastern Coast (Golfo di Orosei): For hikers, kayakers, and boat-lovers.
🎨 Bosa & West Coast: Colourful villages and hidden coves.
Getting Around Sardinia 🚙
To be honest, Sardinia begs for a road trip. The best beaches and villages are often tucked far off the main roads.
🚗 Car rental: The best way to explore. Roads are scenic (and occasionally twisty). Try Discover Cars for car rental comparisons.
🚌 Buses/trains: Fine between main towns, but limited inland.
⛴️ Ferries: Great for hopping to smaller islands like La Maddalena or San Pietro.
Beaches of Sardinia: The Caribbean of Europe 🏖️
If you’re coming for the coastline, you’re not alone. Sardinia’s beaches are legendary. Powder-soft sand, jewel-toned water, and dramatic backdrops? This island could give the tropics a run for their money.
🏝️ La Pelosa (Stintino): Shallow, crystal-clear waters and a medieval tower backdrop.
⛰️ Cala Goloritzé: Reachable only by hike or boat – an iconic limestone arch and turquoise sea.
🌊 Cala Mariolu: Pebbly perfection and water so clear it looks edited.
💦 Tuerredda (South Coast): Calm, Caribbean-like, and great for snorkelling.
🌅 Chia: Endless golden dunes and a dreamy sunset spot.
🛶 Cala Luna: Half cave, half beach – reachable by boat or hike. Unforgettable.
Top Things to Do in Sardinia 🎒
🌊 Beach-Hop the Best Bays – from Spiaggia della Pelosa to Cala Goloritzé.
🏰 Discover Nuraghe Ruins – explore the mysterious Bronze Age towers dotting the island.
🍝 Feast Like a Local – try culurgiones, malloreddus, and pecorino, with a glass of Cannonau.
🥾 Hike the Selvaggio Blu – Sardinia’s wild east-coast trek with jaw-dropping views.
🌆 Explore Alghero’s Old Town – cobbled streets, Catalan charm, and sunset strolls.
⛵ Cruise the Maddalena Archipelago – island-hop through emerald waters.
🍷 Go Wine & Cheese Tasting – Vermentino + pecorino = perfection.
🦩 Spot Dolphins & Flamingos – yes, really! Try Alghero or Cagliari’s salt flats.
🏘️ Wander Medieval Bosa – pastel houses, castle views, and riverside cafés.
🧺 Shop Local Markets – find woven baskets, sandals, and Sardinian honey.
👉 Read more about Sardinia’s Prettiest Towns.
Food & Drink in Sardinia 🍋
Sardinia’s cuisine is rustic, rich, and rooted in tradition. Think handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and long, lazy meals that always end with something sweet.
🍝 Culurgiones: Stuffed pasta pockets, often with mint and potato.
🐟 Bottarga: Dried mullet roe shaved over spaghetti – Sardinia’s “gold dust.”
🥖 Pane Carasau: Paper-thin crispy bread, eaten with cheese or olive oil.
🧀 Pecorino Sardo: The island’s signature cheese, nutty and tangy.
🍷 Vermentino & Cannonau: Two local wines you’ll find everywhere – crisp white and smooth red.
🍇 Mirto: A herby liqueur made from myrtle berries – the perfect post-dinner sip.
👉 For a deeper dive into Sardinian flavours, check out my Food in Sardinia: 11 Traditional Dishes & Drinks You Have to Try.
Where to Stay in Sardinia 🏨
Whether you’re splashing out or backpacking, Sardinia has a stay to match every style:
💎 Luxury: Porto Cervo, Forte Village, and Cala di Volpe.
🏡 Boutique: Bosa’s colourful guesthouses, Alghero’s old-town hotels, or a hilltop hideaway in San Pantaleo.
🌿 Rural Retreats: Agriturismos near Oliena or Nuoro with homemade food and mountain views.
For more details, see my Things to Do in North Sardinia and Prettiest Towns in Sardinia guides — both include area tips and hotel ideas.
Top Tours in Sardinia 🚤
🛥️ La Maddalena Archipelago Cruise – emerald coves & swim stops.
🏛️ Nuraghe Su Nuraxi Tour – explore ancient ruins with a guide.
🍷 Cagliari Food Market Tour – local flavours and street eats.
🍝 Olbia Pasta Making – and a chance to eat your produce.
Sustainable Sardinia Tips 🌿
🌻 Stay in eco-friendly agriturismos or locally-run B&Bs.
🚯 Bring reusable bottles and bags, plastic reduction is key here.
🌸 Visit outside peak season to ease pressure on nature.
🧺 Support local artisans and food producers.
Map of Sardinia🗺️
Want to get your bearings? Here is a custom Google Map showing some of Sardinia’s prettiest towns.
Sardinia Travel FAQs 💬
Below are some frequently asked questions about visiting Sardinia.
Is Sardinia family-friendly? 👨👩👧👦
Yes! Shallow beaches, boat trips, and a relaxed vibe make it great for families.
Is it safe to visit Sardinia? 🕊️
Absolutely. Sardinia is peaceful and laid-back – just use standard travel sense.
Do I need to rent a car for Sardinia? 🚗
It’s highly recommended if you want to explore beyond the main towns. Try Discover Cars for car rental comparisons.
Is English widely spoken? 💬
English is spoken in most tourist areas, but in smaller towns a few Italian phrases are helpful.
Are there sandy beaches in Sardinia? 🏖️
Oh my, are you in for a treat. From powder-soft to pebbly coves, Sardinia has them all.
Is Sardinia good for solo travellers? ✈️
Sardinia is great for planning a solo trip – especially if you love nature, hiking, and scenic drives.
When’s the cheapest time to visit Sardinia? 💶
Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) have great weather and prices.
Is Sardinia good for hiking? 🥾
Oh yes, the interior and East Coast offer trails for all levels.
What’s unique about Sardinia? 🧭
It’s a blend of Mediterranean beauty, ancient history, and proud local culture. There’s nowhere else quite like it.
Final Thoughts on Sardinia ✨
Sardinia is one of those rare places that seems to have everything: turquoise bays, mountain air, timeless towns, and food worth travelling for.
Whether you’re sipping Vermentino by the sea, wandering Bosa’s pastel streets, or hiking cliffs above Cala Goloritzé, you’ll quickly see why this island lingers in travellers’ hearts.
If Italy is la dolce vita, then Sardinia is the version you never forget.
Related Reading for Sardinia 📚
Ready to plan your trip? Don’t miss:
🏖️ Things to Do in North Sardinia.
🍝 Food in Sardinia: 11 Traditional Dishes & Drinks You Have to Try.
🏘️ The Prettiest Towns in Sardinia: From Bosa to Castelsardo.
Pin This Post for Later 📌
Planning your Sardinia trip? Save this guide to your Italy travel board for inspiration – and a little reminder of what paradise looks like.
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Tags: Italy, Sardinia
