23 Places to See in Sardinia
Sardinia is not just an island, but a whole world to discover. Here, every corner tells a thousand-year-old story of crystal-clear sea, wild mountains, ancient traditions and a cuisine that tastes like home. It is a place where you can wake up to the song of the white donkeys of the Asinara, walk among the dunes of Piscinas that look like the Sahara, and end the day with a glass of Cannonau under a starry sky that will make you believe you can touch infinity.
But Sardinia is not only nature and relaxation: it is an open-air museum. Every nuraghe, every medieval village perched on a hill, every hidden beach is a gateway to a past that still lives on today, through the island's authentic songs, dances and flavours.
Get ready for a journey that will take you from the mundanity of the Costa Smeralda to the silences of the Supramonte, passing through fishing villages, towns rich in history and places so beautiful they look like paintings. It doesn't matter if you are an adventurer, a romantic or a lover of good food: in Sardinia you will always find something that will make you fall in love, and come back, again and again.
Ready to discover the 23 most fascinating places in Sardinia? Get comfortable, put on your explorer's hat and prepare to be conquered by an island that never ceases to amaze!
1. La Maddalena Archipelago
Zone: North-East Sardinia
Close to: Palau, Santa Teresa Gallura
A natural paradise made up of over 60 islands and islets, the Maddalena Archipelago is a place that looks like something out of a postcard. Its beaches of fine white sand, such as Cala Coticcio in Caprera, alternate with secret coves and crystal-clear waters ranging from turquoise to deep blue. The area is perfect for those who love snorkelling or diving. Caprera, one of the main islands, is home to the house-museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi, adding a touch of history to your day in paradise.
2. Pelosa beach, Stintino
Zone: North-West Sardinia
Close to: Porto Torres, Castelsardo
One of the most famous beaches in Sardinia and Europe, Spiaggia della Pelosa welcomes you with shallow, incredibly transparent waters that look like a natural swimming pool. The fine, white sand will make you forget any other beach you have ever seen. Be sure to admire the Pelosa Tower, towering over the dreamlike scenery. Here, even a simple walk in the water will feel like a luxurious experience.
3. Costa Smeralda
Zone: North-East Sardinia
Close to: Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Arzachena
Costa Smeralda is synonymous with glamour and natural beauty. Here you can spend the day between enchanting beaches such as Liscia Ruja and Cala di Volpe, before strolling through the boutiques of Porto Cervo or sipping a cocktail at an exclusive beach club. But it is not just for VIPs: the rocky landscapes and crystal-clear sea are accessible to all and offer unforgettable views.
4. Alghero and Capo Caccia
Zone: North-West Sardinia
Close to: Fertilia, Bosa
The city of Alghero, with its historic centre of Catalan origin, is a mix of culture, sea and good food. Stroll along the sea ramparts and enjoy a spectacular sunset. Capo Caccia, not far away, is famous for its impressive cliffs and Neptune's Caves, a natural wonder that you can visit by boat or by walking the spectacular Escala del Cabirol, a flight of 654 steps that will leave you breathless (literally).
5. Castelsardo
Zone: North Sardinia
Close to: Valledoria, Sassari
Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, Castelsardo is one of Italy's most charming villages. Its narrow streets, medieval castle and panoramic views are an irresistible lure. Also famous for its local handicrafts, such as woven baskets, it is the perfect place for an immersion in Sardinian history and traditions.
6. Island of Tavolara
Zone: North-East Sardinia
Close to: Olbia, San Teodoro
The island of Tavolara is an imposing limestone mountain that emerges from the sea like a sleeping giant. It is the ideal place for hiking, snorkelling and diving. With its rugged coastline and seabed rich in marine life, Tavolara is a must-see destination for those seeking unspoilt nature. It also hosts a curious open-air film festival every summer.
7. Gulf of Orosei and Cala Moon
Zone: Central-East Sardinia
Close to: Dorgali, Arbatax
The Gulf of Orosei is a spectacular stretch of coastline, with hidden beaches, sea caves and water so transparent it feels like floating in a vacuum. Cala Luna, one of its pearls, is a beach nestled between rocky walls, with natural caves offering refreshing shade. Accessible only on foot or by boat, it will make you feel like an explorer discovering a piece of paradise.
8. Gorropu Gorge
Zone: Centre Sardinia
Close to: Orgosolo, Urzulei
Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe', the Gorropu Gorge is one of the deepest canyons on the continent. It is a trekking enthusiast's paradise, with trails that take you through breathtaking landscapes and rock walls up to 500 metres high. The experience is challenging, but the view and the feeling of being in a unique place are worth every step.
9. Nuraghe of Barumini
Zone: Centre Sardinia
Close to: Villanovaforru, Sanluri
The Nuraghe of Baruminiknown as Su Nuraxi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia. This ancient Nuragic structure, dating back to the Bronze Age, is an extraordinary example of prehistoric engineering. Walking among these ancient stones will make you feel like a time traveller, immersed in the island's thousand-year history.
10. Supramonte of Orgosolo
Zone: Centre Sardinia
Close to: Oliena, Mamoiada
Supramonte is a wild and fascinating land, famous for its rocky landscapes and the traditional murals that adorn the streets of Orgosolo. This area is perfect for hiking, with trails that take you through centuries-old forests, canyons and crystal-clear springs. After a day of trekking, don't miss a lunch with the shepherds, where you can enjoy cheese and roast meat prepared according to local traditions.
11. Cala Mariolu Beach
Zone: Central-East Sardinia
Close to: Baunei, Arbatax
Cala Mariolu, in the Gulf of Orosei, is one of the most spectacular beaches in Sardinia. Its transparent waters and white pebbles sparkling in the sun create a magical atmosphere. Accessible only by boat or through impervious paths, it is the perfect place for those seeking a piece of paradise away from the crowds.
12. Asinara National Park
Zone: North-West Sardinia
Close to: Porto Torres, Stintino
A wild and fascinating island, Asinara is famous for its white donkeys and its past as a penal colony. Today it is a national park where you can explore unspoilt beaches, old prison structures and nature trails. A unique experience combining nature, history and adventure.
13. Dunes of Piscinas
Zone: South-West Sardinia
Close to: Arbus, Ingurtosu
The Piscinas Dunes are one of Sardinia's most spectacular and wild landscapes. Here stretches one of the largest dune systems in Europe, with sand hills that reach a height of 60 metres and dip gently into a crystal-clear sea. Walking through the dunes, accompanied only by the sound of the wind and the sea, is an almost surreal experience. The area is also rich in mining history: old tracks and abandoned industrial structures tell of a past linked to mineral extraction.
14. Bosa
Zone: Centre-West Sardinia
Close to: Alghero, Tresnuraghes
Bosa is a small jewel set along the river Temo, the only navigable river in Sardinia. Its historic centre, with the colourful houses of the Sa Costa district and the Serravalle Castle dominating from above, seems straight out of a fairy tale. It is the ideal place to get lost in the cobbled streets, discovering craft shops and tasting the famous Malvasia di Bosa, a sweet wine that is a true symbol of the town.
15. Cala Goloritzé
Zone: Central-East Sardinia
Close to: Baunei, Santa Maria Navarrese
Cala Goloritzé is one of Sardinia's most iconic beaches, famous for its natural rock arch and pinnacle towering 143 metres above the sea. Its beauty is so unique that it has been declared a Natural Monument and Italian National Heritage Site. The beach can only be reached on foot, via a trekking path offering breathtaking views, or by boat. Its transparent waters, rich in shades of turquoise, are an irresistible invitation to swim or snorkel.
16. Tharros and the Phoenician ruins
Zone: Centre-West Sardinia
Close to: Oristano, Cabras
Tharros is an ancient Phoenician and later Roman city located on the Sinis Peninsula, an area of extraordinary beauty and historical importance. Here you can walk among the ruins of temples, baths and cobbled streets with the sea in the background. Within walking distance, you will find pristine beaches such as Is Arutas, famous for its sand made of tiny quartz grains, and Maimoni. Don't miss the opportunity to taste mullet botargo, a typical delicacy of this area.
17. Caves of Su Mannau
Zone: South-West Sardinia
Close to: Fluminimaggiore, Iglesias
The Su Mannau Caves are a true spectacle of nature, a labyrinth of underground tunnels stretching some eight kilometres. Here you can admire impressive stalactites and stalagmites, underground lakes and ancient altars dedicated to the cult of water. The guided tour will take you into a mysterious world, also telling you about the ancient civilisations that frequented this sacred place. It is an experience that combines adventure, nature and history in an unforgettable mix.
18. Temple of Antas
Zone: South-West Sardinia
Close to: Fluminimaggiore, Iglesias
The Temple of Antas is one of Sardinia's most fascinating archaeological testimonies. Dedicated to the god Sid Addir, of Punic-Roman origin, the temple stands in an enchanted valley surrounded by mountains and forests. The site is a perfect example of how nature and history come together in Sardinia. After exploring the temple, you can continue your adventure with a walk in the surrounding area, among paths immersed in the Mediterranean maquis.
19. Geomining Park of Sardinia
Zone: Scattered throughout the island, but with particular concentration in Sulcis-Iglesiente
Close to: Iglesias, Carbonia, Montevecchio
The Geomining Park of Sardinia is an open-air museum that tells the island's mining history, a fundamental chapter of its culture. Visit the abandoned mining villages of Montevecchio or Ingurtosu, explore tunnels carved into the rock and discover how miners lived and worked in often harsh conditions. The park is also a perfect place for excursions into spectacular scenery, including mountains, dunes and wild coastlines.
20. Caves of Neptune (Alghero)
Zone: North-West Sardinia
Close to: Capo Caccia, Alghero, Fertilia
These caves are not just a place to visit, but a journey into an underground world that will leave you speechless. Stalactites, stalagmites and an inner lagoon that looks like the setting of an Indiana Jones film (but without snakes, thankfully). To get there, you have two options: tackle the Cabirol Staircase, 654 steps that will make you wonder if you really had to eat all that pasta, or get there by sea in a comfortable boat. Either way, the wow-factor is guaranteed.
21. Moon Valley (Capo Testa)
Zone: North Sardinia
Close to: Santa Teresa Gallura, Palau, La Maddalena Archipelago
A place that seems to have come from another planet. La Valle della Luna is an expanse of granite rocks shaped by the wind overlooking a dreamlike sea. This place has long been a refuge for artists, hippies and free spirits who felt at home among these unique forms. At night, with the moonlight illuminating the rocks, the atmosphere becomes almost magical. And during the day? Perfect for those looking for secret coves where they can feel in harmony with nature.
22. Beach of Cala Brandinchi (San Teodoro)
Zone: North-East Sardinia
Close to: San Teodoro, Olbia, Tavolara
They call it 'Tahiti' and there is a reason. Cala Brandinchi is an expanse of soft, white sand, surrounded by a lagoon that looks like it has been painted. It is the ideal place to relax, but also to enjoy paddleboarding or snorkelling. Get there early, because you are not the only one who wants to see paradise! And if you can tear yourself away from the beach, pop into San Teodoro for an aperitif that tastes of authentic Sardinia.
23. Tiscali Village
Zone: Centre Sardinia
Close to: Oliena, Dorgali, Nuoro
We are not talking about a telephone company, but about a unique archaeological site. The Tiscali Village is hidden inside a karstic sinkhole on Mount Tiscali, and reaching it requires a bit of trekking. Once there, however, you will discover the remains of an ancient Nuragic settlement that seems suspended in time. The atmosphere is surreal, and the view of the valley below will make you forget the effort. Tip: bring comfortable shoes and a good supply of water. There are no bars at the top, but nature will offer you a drink of pure beauty.
Sardinia is more than just a destination: it is a journey into the most authentic essence of the Mediterranean. This extraordinary island, rich in history, nature and traditions, offers endless places to see that know how to surprise and enchant. Heavenly beaches, wild mountains, picturesque villages and ancient ruins: every corner of Sardinia offers a unique and memorable experience.
After exploring the 20 places to see we have selected, you will discover that Sardinia is not just a place to visit, but a land to live and love. Here, the crystal clear sea and the tranquillity of its coves alternate with the mystery of the nuraghi and the beauty of the breathtaking views. Every detail will remain in your heart: from the colour of the sea to the scent of the Mediterranean maquis, from the taste of pecorino cheese to the genuine smiles of the people.
And as you leave Sardinia, watching its coastline disappear into the horizon, you will feel that a part of you will remain there, among the dunes of Piscinas, the turquoise waters of Cala Mariolu and the alleys of Bosa. But don't worry: its places to see are an irresistible call to return, each time with new destinations to explore or old corners to rediscover.
Whether you are a lover of nature, history or relaxation, Sardinia is ready to welcome you and leave you speechless. Now is the time to plan your adventure: the places to see in Sardinia are waiting for you, ready to amaze you once again!
When it comes to Sardiniaimmediately the mind flies to its enchanting sandy beaches and the crystal-clear sea. But there is so much more to discover on this wonderful island, where every corner offers a sea view spectacular and places of interest that tell thousands of years of history. If you are looking for what do in Sardinia beyond the sea, I recommend you explore the nuragic civilisation and the phoenixes who have left their mark all over the island. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Coral Museum in Cagliari or the Giara di Gesturia plateau that offers incredible views.
Sardinia is not only the sea, but also a land of culture, traditions and breathtaking landscapes. If you ask yourself what to see in Sardinia over the famous beaches and covesthe answer is simple: its most beautiful villages in Italy, the cities in Sardinia and inland mountains. For example, the Pan di Zucchero is an imposing rock formation that rises on the west coast, while theLa Maddalena archipelago is a true piece of paradise that will leave you breathless.
Every region of Sardinia has something unique to offer. From north to southyou can discover the charm of the Eastern Sardinia with its mountains and picturesque villages. If you are in the southern Sardiniado not miss a visit to the St Mary's Cathedral in Cagliari, one of the city's main tourist attractions. If you are short on time, you can still plan a trip to Sardinia in a week, but be sure to include at least 10 locations unmissable, such as the Cave of Neptune or the pink beaches of the West Coast.
Sardinia: an all-round experience
A visit to Sardinia is a journey that allows you to explore extraordinary places, both cultural and natural. Don't forget to take a tour by sea to enjoy the whole of Sardiniafrom the most beautiful beaches to the places to visit less known. You will also see over 200 murals in the streets of the villages, each one with a story to tell.
If you are looking for a tourist resort by the seathere is no better place than Sardinia: the azure sea e transparent will accompany you to every corner of the island. Don't forget that Sardinia is beyond the seawith a rich offer of things to do and see also inland, where the breathtaking views extend towards the sea.
Finally, a special mention goes to the Central Sardiniathe beating heart of the island, where unspoilt nature blends with ancient history. If you want not only to see, but also to experience Sardinia, explore its most hidden corners, such as the west coast of Sardinia and the beaches to see that appear to be painted in the most vibrant colours.
Frequently asked questions on places to see in Sardinia
What are the most beautiful places to see in Sardinia?
Sardinia offers a wide variety of spectacular places, such as the Maddalena Archipelago, the Pelosa Beach, Cala Mariolu, and the Nuraghi of Barumini. Every corner of the island has something unique to offer!What is the best time to visit places to see in Sardinia?
Spring and summer are perfect for enjoying the beaches and hiking, while autumn offers pleasant temperatures for visiting villages, archaeological sites and inland areas without the crowds.Are there places to see in Sardinia suitable for families with children?
Of course! The Pelosa beach and those in the Gulf of Orosei have shallow waters that are safe for children, while the Asinara National Park and the Gorropu Gorge offer fun experiences for the whole family.What are the best places to see for trekkers?
The Gorropu Gorge, the Supramonte of Orgosolo and the paths leading to Cala Goloritzé are unmissable destinations for trekking enthusiasts, with routes through breathtaking landscapes.What are the lesser-known but unmissable places in Sardinia?
Places like the Su Mannau Caves, the Dunes of Piscinas and Tharros on the Sinis Peninsula are authentic gems that offer unique experiences away from the crowds.Is it possible to visit places to see in Sardinia without a car?
Yes, but it is advisable to rent a car to explore the island to the fullest. However, some locations such as Alghero, Cagliari and La Maddalena are easily accessible by public transport or organised excursions.What are the places to see for those who love history and culture?
The Nuraghe of Barumini, the Temple of Antas and the historical centres of Bosa, Alghero and Castelsardo are perfect for discovering Sardinia's rich history and culture.Are there places to see in Sardinia ideal for diving or snorkelling?
Absolutely! The Maddalena Archipelago, the island of Tavolara and the waters of Cala Mariolu offer spectacular seabed and rich marine life for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.What are the best places for a romantic holiday in Sardinia?
The Costa Smeralda, Cala Moon and the sunsets at Alghero are perfect for couples looking for unforgettable moments in picturesque locations.What typical dishes to taste in places to see in Sardinia?
Each area has its own specialities! Try porceddu (roast suckling pig) in the interior, botargo in Cabras, and culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli) in the south-east. Wherever you go, the food will be part of the unforgettable experience.
