Top 10 Places To Visit In Sardinia - Travel Guide

Discovering the Beauty of Sardinia: Top 10 Places to Visit
Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and white sandy beaches. Located off the coast of Italy, this island is a haven for nature lovers, beach-goers, and adventure-seekers. With its unique blend of Italian and Spanish cultures, Sardinia has something for everyone. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 places to visit in Sardinia and discover what makes this island so special.
  1. Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda, also known as the Emerald Coast, is a famous destination in Sardinia. With its turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and luxurious villas, it's no surprise that this area is a playground for the rich and famous. Here are some of the top attractions in Costa Smeralda:
  • Porto Cervo: A luxurious marina with designer boutiques, fine restaurants, and trendy bars.
  • Spiaggia del Principe: A picturesque beach surrounded by rocks and crystal-clear waters.
  • Cala di Volpe: A beautiful bay with a stunning view of the coastline.
  1. Cala Luna and Grotta del Bue Marino
Cala Luna, located on the east coast of Sardinia, is a beautiful beach with clear waters and white sand. It's accessible only by boat or by hiking through the mountains, which makes it a secluded and peaceful spot. Here are some of the top attractions in Cala Luna:
  • Grotta del Bue Marino: A fascinating cave system that can be explored by boat. The cave has a unique ecosystem and is home to several species of animals, including monk seals and bats.
  • Cala Mariolu: A nearby beach with crystal-clear waters and a rocky coastline.
  • Kayaking: A popular activity in the area, allowing visitors to explore the coastline and nearby caves.
  1. Kala Fuli and Pedra Longa
Kala Fuli is a beautiful beach located on the east coast of Sardinia. It's accessible by car and is only a few minutes' drive from Kala Kanone. Here are some of the top attractions in Kala Fuli:
  • Sea caves and grottoes: The area is full of sea caves and grottoes to explore, making it a perfect spot for adventure-seekers.
  • Pedra Longa: A granite monolith with a height of 128 meters, surrounded by phenomenal mountains. It's a popular spot for rock climbers, and the area is full of hiking trails and secluded beaches.
  1. Porto Flavia and Capo Caccia
Porto Flavia is a beautiful harbor with a unique mine that has a tunnel coming out of the cliff to transport minerals onto boats. It's located about an hour's drive from Cagliari and is worth a visit. Here are some of the top attractions in Porto Flavia:
  • Capo Caccia: A rocky peninsula with some insanely massive cliffs that rise over 300 meters from the sea. It's a spectacular place to watch the sunset.
  • Rock formation in the sea: There's a really cool rock formation in the sea called Lake Panda Zucchro that's worth a visit.
  1. Sand dunes of Piscinas
The Sand Dunes of Piscinas are located on Sardinia's west coast and are home to Sahara-like sand dunes that rise up to the mountainside. It's one of the largest natural beaches in Europe and a cool spot to visit. Here are some of the top attractions in Sand dunes of Piscinas
The Sand Dunes of Piscinas are located on Sardinia's west coast and are home to Sahara-like sand dunes that rise up to the mountainside. It's one of the largest natural beaches in Europe and a cool spot to visit. Here are some of the top attractions in Piscinas:
  1. The Beach: The sand dunes stretch out over 5 miles and are up to 250 feet tall. The beach is located at the bottom of the dunes and is a great spot to relax and soak up the sun. The crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
  2. The Mining Town: The Sand Dunes of Piscinas were once a mining town and the remnants of the mining industry can still be seen today. The old mine buildings and equipment can be explored, and visitors can learn about the history of the area.
  3. The Hiking Trails: The Sand Dunes of Piscinas are surrounded by some of the best hiking trails in Sardinia. Visitors can hike up to the top of the sand dunes and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area.
Porto Flavia
Located about an hour's drive from Cagliari, Porto Flavia is an incredibly beautiful harbor with a unique mind that has a tunnel coming out of the cliff to transport minerals onto boats. It was completed in 1924 and was quite the engineering feat, especially back then. It's a unique location and doesn't even look real. Also, in Porto Flavia, there's a really cool rock formation in the sea called Lake Panda Zucchero. It's definitely worth a visit.
Bosa
The town of Bosa is located about two hours' drive from Obia. Bosa is a historic city founded during Phoenician times. It prospered during the Roman Empire and during the Middle Ages and was invaded by Arab pirates. As a result, a hilltop castle was built to fortify the town in the 12th century. Today, Bosa is home to about 8,000 residents, and it's full of colorful buildings. One thing I love is how the River Temmo runs through the town as it exits into the sea.
Algero
Another cool coastal town in the area is Algero. It's located about an hour's drive from Bosa. It's Sardinia's fifth biggest town, and it also has a medieval old town encircled by ancient walls. Algeria began to grow in the 11th century as it became a fortified port thanks to the Genoese. One amazing spot just 30 minutes outside of Algeria is Capocacia. It's a rocky peninsula with some insanely massive cliffs that rise over 300 meters from the sea, and it's just such a beautiful area and a spectacular place to watch the sunset.
Spiaggia La Pelosa
Located on the very northwestern point of the island, Spiaggia La Pelosa is such a cool spot. It's a long white sand beach with crystal clear waters, and what I like about this is there's this little island with a 16th-century tower that was used for Sardinia's marine defense back in the day. Another cool spot on Sardinia's northern coast is Calaspinosa. It's located about an hour's drive from Obia, and you'll be able to see Corsica from there. The beach is just really beautiful with its boulders contrasted with crystal blue waters.
Maddalena Archipelago
Located on the northeast coast of Sardinia, the Maddalena Archipelago is a group of islands full of beautiful coves and crystal clear waters. The archipelago is made up of seven main islands.
  1. Visit the mining village of Ingurtosu
Once a prosperous mining village, Ingurtosu is now a ghost town that provides an intriguing glimpse into Sardinia's industrial past. The abandoned buildings and machinery offer a stark contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
The village was once home to the largest lead and zinc mine in Europe, and its remains provide a unique historical perspective. Visitors can explore the deserted streets, old mining facilities, and even walk inside the mine tunnels. The village is also located in the heart of the Geomineral Park of Sardinia, where visitors can learn more about the island's mineral heritage.
  1. Take a hike in the Gennargentu National Park
The Gennargentu National Park is located in the center of Sardinia and covers an area of over 70,000 hectares. The park is home to some of the island's most stunning landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep valleys, and pristine forests.
Hiking is a popular activity in the park, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. One of the most popular routes is the Selvaggio Blu, a 6-day trek that takes visitors through some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the park. Along the way, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, hidden coves, and ancient ruins.
  1. Explore the Nuraghe Su Nuraxi
The Nuraghe Su Nuraxi is one of Sardinia's most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Nuraghe is a type of ancient stone tower that was built by the Nuragic civilization between 1900 and 730 BC.
The Su Nuraxi site is one of the most impressive examples of this ancient architecture and includes a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers and a village area. Visitors can explore the ruins of the towers, see the remains of the village, and learn more about the history of the Nuragic civilization at the on-site museum.
  1. Relax on the beaches of Costa Smeralda
No trip to Sardinia would be complete without a visit to the beaches of Costa Smeralda. Located on the island's northeast coast, Costa Smeralda is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.
The most famous beach in the area is probably Porto Cervo, which is lined with luxury hotels and resorts. However, there are plenty of other options for visitors looking for a quieter, more secluded beach experience. Some of the other popular beaches in the area include Capriccioli, Spiaggia del Principe, and Cala di Volpe.
Conclusion
Sardinia is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for every type of traveler. From stunning beaches and ancient history to rugged mountains and national parks, there's no shortage of things to see and do on this beautiful island. So why not plan your next vacation to Sardinia and discover all that this magical place has to offer?