8 unmissable places to visit in Sardinia, Italy

20.03.2024 - 23:59 / lonelyplanet.com / Maria Di-Santa

Sitting pretty between Spain, Tunisia, the French Riviera and the Italian mainland, Sardinia is one of Europe's most alluring Mediterranean getaways. With its splendid white sands and translucent turquoise waters, the island is justifiably famed as a beach holiday destination – but it's well worth digging deeper to discover Sardinia's walking trails, urban attractions and unique cultural heritage. 

Best for urban excitement

Sardinia's capital and largest city makes a great place to begin or end your trip. Stroll through the narrow lanes of Il Castello, Cagliari's medieval hilltop citadel, to admire the dizzying mix of architectural styles at Cattedrale di Santa Maria and the far-reaching views atop Torre dell'Elefante. Get a feel for Sardinia's multi-layered history at the magnificent Museo Archeologico Nazionale, then ogle the artwork at the Galleria Comunale d'Arte. 

For shopping, dining and nightlife, head for the bustling Marina district down by Cagliari's palm-fringed waterfront. When you're ready for something more tranquil, get away to the fountains and gardens of the Orto Botanico, or hop a bus out to the sweeping sands of Poetto Beach.

Best for dramatic coastlines and scenic boat trips

With limestone escarpments plunging headlong into the sparkling Mediterranean, the Golfo di Orosei is one of Europe's most dramatic coastal destinations. The meeting of land and sea here is so abrupt that the gulf's best beaches, such as Cala Mariolu, are accessible only by boat or foot. The most straightforward way to explore this stretch of coast is on a boat tour from the holiday resort of Cala Gonone, which will take you dipping in and out of caves and coves all day, with ample opportunities to sunbathe and swim. 

Hikers with the stamina to explore further will be richly rewarded by one of Sardinia's finest coastal trail networks, extending south of Orosei from Cala Luna to Cala Sisine. For climbing enthusiasts, the ultimate prize is Selvaggio Blu, a multi-day route that takes you up cliff faces into idyllic seaside landscapes that few tourists ever see. 

Planning tip: For a demanding but unforgettable all-day hike, catch an early boat to Cala Sisine, then hike the 12km one-way back up the coast to Cala Gonone, pausing midway for the obligatory photo op at Arco di Lupiru, a massive natural stone arch.

Best for island-hopping

Sprinkled across the placid seas of northeastern Sardinia is this stunning archipelago, preserved since 1994 as a national park. From the tiny coastal resort of Palau, small boat operators offer island-hopping day trips to watch dolphins and explore remote beaches, while ferry boats make the 15-minute crossing to the archipelago's two largest islands, Maddalena and Caprera. 

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