Things To Do
in Sardinia
Sardinia is a sun-drenched island in the central Mediterranean famed for its rugged granite coast, turquoise coves, and a dramatic interior. It preserves a distinct cultural identity shaped by nuragic history, pastoral traditions, and generous hospitality. The island offers pristine beaches from the famous Costa Smeralda to secluded coves, along with ruins such as Su Nuraxi that reveal a rich prehistoric past.
Expect a cuisine rooted in seafood, pecorino cheese, and hearty shepherding flavors, paired with a laid-back, family-oriented pace of life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Cagliari Elmas Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sipping espresso and savoring traditional pastries like 'pasta di mandorla'. Take a relaxing stroll through the historic Castello district to soak up the stunning views of the Gulf of Cagliari.
Explore the Roman ruins at the Amphitheatre of Cagliari and visit the Archaeological Museum to learn about the island's rich history. Stop for lunch at a traditional Sardinian trattoria, tasting local dishes such as 'malloreddus' or 'porceddu'. Spend the afternoon shopping for artisanal crafts and local products in the shops lining the narrow streets.
Dine at a seaside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood, and enjoy the local wines. Take a leisurely walk along Poetto Beach, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere as locals and travelers gather. End your day with gelato from a local vendor, watching the sunset paint the sky in beautiful hues.
Drive to Costa Rei, known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. After checking into your accommodation, head out to enjoy a morning swim in the turquoise sea. Relax on the sandy beach, soaking in the sun and the natural beauty of the coastline.
Treat yourself to a beachside lunch at a local restaurant, sampling fresh catch from the sea combined with traditional Sardinian flavors. After lunch, visit the nearby beach of Piscina Rei, famous for its impressive dunes and clear water, perfect for snorkeling. Spend the afternoon basking in the sun or trying various water sports.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before heading out for dinner. Enjoy a relaxed meal at a beach restaurant, where you can taste traditional Sardinian pasta while listening to the gentle sound of waves. Conclude the evening with a stroll along the beach, as the stars illuminate the night sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-180 |
| 🚌Local transit day pass | $4-8 |
| 🧺Grocery basket (per week) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning beaches and landscapes
- Rich Nuragic heritage and culture
- Excellent food and hospitality
- Great base for exploring by car
- Year-round appeal in many areas
- Large island requiring long drives between regions
- Summer crowds at hotspots like Costa Smeralda
- Public transport can be limited in rural areas
- Some remote villages have fewer tourist services
- "Ciao" - Hello / Goodbye
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dove si trova il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Il conto, per favore" - The check, please
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
Places to Visit in Sardinia
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic city views, pastel facades, and a dramatic harbor silhouette – particularly striking at golden hour.
Turquoise channels and rugged coastlines best captured from Capo d’Orso or Capo Testa overlooking the sea.
Sea caves and limestone cliffs offer dramatic lighting and sea-in-sky contrasts.
Massive limestone walls and a sense of scale ideal for wide landscape shots and sunset framing.
Iconic coves with clear water and dramatic rock formations—perfect for color-rich shoreline photography.
Food in Sardinia
Sardinia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pillow-shaped stuffed pasta typically filled with potatoes, pecorino, and mint; a quintessential Sardinian staple.
Must-Try!
Ribbed semolina gnocchi usually served with tomato and sausage ragù, a comforting coastal-pastoral dish.
Spit-roasted suckling pig with crispy skin, often seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
Warm honey-soaked pastry filled with pecorino cheese and lemon zest.
Thin, crisp flatbread that can be served on its own or wrapped around cheese and vegetables.
Dried salted tuna or mullet roe, shaved over pasta or rubbed on bread for a briny finish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering seafood, cheeses, produce, and local street bites—perfect for sampling on the go.
Traditional stalls with fresh seafood, vegetables, and regional specialties reflecting Sardinian coastal life.
Pane carasau sandwiches, fried seafood bites, octopus skewers, and fresh fried vegetables—great for quick tastings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm greeting is appreciated; handshakes or cheek kisses with friends are common. In villages, politeness and a relaxed pace are valued; modest behavior in churches and sacred sites is expected.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; in towns, casual but neat attire is typical for day-to-day activities.
Meals are social occasions; expect relaxed pacing and longer dining experiences, especially in family-run trattorie.
Safety
Tipping in Sardinia
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a small tip (about 5–10%) is appreciated if service is not included; for casual cafés, rounding up is common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in towns and tourist hubs; cash is still useful in rural shops and markets; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Wildflowers bloom, landscapes turn lush, and trails are comfortable for hiking with fewer crowds.
Hot and sunny with peak beach crowds; plan early mornings and late afternoons for outdoor activities and use coastal winds for relief.
Mild temperatures and quieter coastal towns; sea remains warm enough for late swims and outdoor exploration.
Cool but mild coastal days; some mountain routes can be chilly; towns host festive markets and fewer tourists.
Sardinia at Night
Hiking in Sardinia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of Europe’s deepest gorges with towering limestone walls and dramatic scenery.
Extensive network across Sardinia’s highest peaks for challenging hikes.
Iconic coastal hike leading to the pristine Cala Goloritze beach.
Rugged coastal routes with sea-view limestone formations and a dramatic lighthouse overlook.
Airports
How to reach Sardinia by plane.
Main southern gateway with connections to major European cities and domestic flights.
Northeast gateway convenient for La Maddalena and the Costa Smeralda.
Northwest gateway close to the historic town of Alghero and nearby beaches.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents with strong regional identity, language, and pastoral traditions; older populations are common in rural areas.
Bring cultural diversity and seasonal influx, especially in coastal towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed across towns; local clubs feature prominently in regional leagues.
Ideal conditions along the northern coast and in the Maddalena archipelago.
Clear waters around Capo Caccia, Maddalena, and Gulf of Orosei offer rich marine life.
The Gennargentu range and limestone cliffs provide varied terrain for outdoor enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sardinia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Sardinia offers a variety of vegetarian options built around vegetables, legumes, cheeses, and pasta. Look for malloreddus with tomatoes and basil, roasted vegetables, pane carasau with cheese, and fresh salads; when ordering, specify dairy preferences and request that meat-based broths be avoided.