Are you planning a holiday in Sardinia to discover hidden places? Today we want to give you some tips on how to reach by car some of the most characteristic and unusual destinations on the island.

Curious to find out which ones they are? Let’s get started!

What to see in Sardinia off the beaten path?

In Sardinia there are uncrowded places where you can plan alternative and evocative itineraries capable of surprising visitors. There is a hidden Sardinia, known only to a few, far from crowded beaches and reachable by car or via trekking routes.

Murals

Among the lesser-known places to visit, first of all, are the villages of the Sardinian murals. There are several towns, especially inland, that are true open-air museums, colorful canvases under a blue sky. Which destinations do we recommend?

  • Orgosolo, in the heart of Barbagia;
  • San Gavino Monreale, also known for its saffron;
  • San Sperate, officially declared an open-air museum and also famous for the sound stone sculptures by Pinuccio Sciola;
  • Fonni, mainly visited in winter by snow sports enthusiasts.

Beaches

In addition to murals, we suggest visiting some of the less famous beaches that are just as beautiful. In most cases, they are located along the western coast of the island, less well-known compared to other coastal areas. Among the beaches we recommend are:

  • Porto Pino, with its stunning white sand dunes;
  • Porto Paglia Beach, near Nebida and Masua;
  • Cala Domestica, in Buggerru;
  • San Giovanni di Sinis;
  • Is Arutas and Mari Ermi, famous for their rice-grain sand.

Visiting these beaches is recommended during the cooler months because, although less well-known, the places we mentioned are still very popular with local residents.

Nuraghi

Is it possible to visit Sardinia without seeing the nuraghi? Of course not! Few people know that there are more than 7,000 nuraghi on the island, many of them unknown and almost abandoned. Among those we recommend visiting are:

  • Nuraghe Genna Maria in Villanovaforru;
  • Protonuraghe Bruncu Madugui in Gesturi;
  • Nuraghe Saurecci in Guspini;
  • Nuraghe Goni in Goni;
  • Nuraghe Voes in Nule;
  • Nuraghe La Prisgiona in Arzachena.

What is the wildest part of Sardinia?

Among the most curious and least touristy places, Barbagia certainly stands out as the wildest area of Sardinia. Compared to other parts of the island, here you can find numerous locations that preserve the true essence of this land.

In this area, you can enjoy wonderful hiking excursions and discover some routes that will amaze you. Among the most beautiful and recommended ones are:

  • Ulassai rock formations, Punta Genna Obida;
  • Monte Ortobene forests;
  • Sacred spring of Su Tempiesu in Orune, dating back to the Nuragic period;
  • Corbeddu Cave in Oliena;
  • Supramonte and the springs of Su Gologone;
  • The Casa Museo of Grazia Deledda;
  • Su Gorroppu Gorge, the deepest canyon in Europe.

These are just some of the lesser-known destinations you can visit in Sardinia. Our advice is to rent a car or a scooter and travel along the roads to discover fascinating places, often unknown even to those who live on the island. Renting is the best solution to move around the island freely, without time constraints and following only your instinct!