Well yes, there are several good reasons to organize your vacation in Sardinia… did you think it was only worth it for the sea? Sardinia offers many surprises to tourists who visit it, unforgettable experiences that go far beyond the paradisiacal beaches. Of course, the sea is a great reason to choose it as a must-visit destination for your vacation, but there’s much more.

Let’s discover it together!

1 – Sea and Dream Beaches

Most tourists choose to go on vacation in Sardinia for the beaches. It’s hard to find equals just a few steps from home, without having to travel to much farther and more expensive locations. Thanks to the white sand, crystal-clear sea, and natural setting surrounding the Sardinian sea, it feels like swimming in a natural pool in front of a breathtaking panorama.

Which are the most recommended beaches? It’s hard to make a selection, and it largely depends on the features you’re looking for. Among the best beaches for families with children, easily reachable, we find:

  • San Teodoro, Olbia-Tempio
  • Alghero, Sassari
  • Cala Domestica, Carbonia-Iglesias
  • Poetto, Cagliari
  • Porto Giunco, Villasimius
  • Tortolì (Lido di Orrì and Lido di Cea), Ogliastra
  • the beaches of Chia
  • La Caletta, Punta Nera and Girin, Carloforte

If you prefer beaches with steeper seabeds instead:

  • Is Arutas and Mari Ermi, Oristano (the quartz beach)
  • San Nicolò, Buggerru
  • Le Dune di Piscinas, Arbus and the entire Costa Verde.

2 – Archaeological Sites

From Nora to Barumini, from Santa Cristina to Tharros, from Monte Prama to Arzachena, every area of Sardinia features fascinating archaeological sites related to different historical periods.

The Nora archaeological area, right by the crystal-clear sea, encompasses one of the most prosperous areas from the Phoenician-Punic and Roman eras. It is considered one of the island’s most important Phoenician cities, which in 238 B.C. came under Roman rule. This area remained hidden under sand for centuries until a storm around 1889 uncovered the Phoenician-Punic cemetery. Subsequent excavations revealed the remains of the Tanit temple and the Nora stele.

In Barumini, we find Su Nuraxi, the archaeological area dating back to 1500 B.C. that houses one of the island’s largest Nuragic villages. In 1997, the site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Santa Cristina well offers another perspective on the Nuragic people. The sanctuary was one of the most important sacred sites of the Nuragic period and still preserves the well and the temple profile intact today.

The Tharros archaeological area is one of the island’s most beautiful open-air museums. Here stands a prehistoric-origin village, with two nuraghi, and it is believed that during the Punic period this site was of great commercial importance. To this day, remnants of Roman domination can be seen: baths, aqueducts, road networks, and much more.

In Cabras, we find the Monte Prama archaeological site, particularly famous for the Giants of Mont’e Prama, discovered by chance in 1974. These Nuragic stone statues depict archers, swordsmen, and wrestlers and stand between 2 and 2.5 meters tall.

In Arzachena, there is a archaeological park with beautiful finds from pre-Nuragic and Nuragic ages. We recommend a visit to the Nuraghe La Prisgiona, the Coddu Vecchiu Giants’ Tombs, and the Li Muri Necropolis.

3 – Historic Cities

Visiting Cagliari, Alghero, Olbia, Nuoro are just some of the most beautiful cities that can tell how past influences coexist with the modernity of our days within them.

Not to mention that Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia are the cities that connect the island with the rest of the world thanks to their airports. From here, you can reach Sardinia and organize your vacation. Rent a vehicle or a scooter, or choose to reach tourist destinations using public transport.

4 – Characteristic Villages

Sardinia is known for its wonderful coasts, historic cities, and refined cuisine. But there’s more to this land, something that only the most curious travelers discover: its characteristic villages. These fascinating places are true hidden gems, where you can taste ancient Sardinian traditions and discover the true spirit of the island. Which are the most fascinating villages?

  • Castelsardo, a medieval village perched on a hill overlooking the sea, famous for its narrow and winding streets, colorful houses, and splendid view of the Asinara Gulf.
  • Bosa, a picturesque village on the Temo river, famous for its pastel-colored houses, its charming historic center, and the Serravalle Castle, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the river.
  • Carloforte, on the Island of San Pietro, is the island’s only inhabited center and preserves traces of its Genoese origins.
  • Atzara, a village with a long history, famous for its wine production and well-preserved historic center, ancient stone houses, Romanesque churches, and quiet squares.
  • Orgosolo, a village known for its murals, which tell stories of life, resistance, and struggle. This place is a true open-air museum, where art blends with everyday life.

These are just some of the most characteristic villages that will allow you to visit an unknown Sardinia to visitors but capable of deeply surprising you.

5 – Suggestive Landscapes

If you’re passionate about natural landscapes and looking for a place to get lost in the wonders of nature and the Sardinian panoramas, you’re in the right place. Prepare your camera and get ready to capture the most beautiful panoramic roads!

  • Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda, one of Sardinia’s most beautiful roads. It crosses the island from north to south, offering breathtaking views of mountains, sea, and charming villages.
  • Strada Statale 195 Sulcitana, offers a splendid panorama along Sardinia’s southwestern coast. From Cagliari to Teulada, you’ll pass through landscapes of sand dunes, white beaches, and crystal-clear sea.
  • Strada Provinciale 71 – Montiferru Road, offers an incredible view of the Montiferru mountain chain and the surrounding green hills.
  • Alghero-Bosa Coastal Road, one of the island’s most evocative routes. This road winds along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and small fishing villages.
  • Northeast Coast Panoramic Road, from Olbia to Palau this road offers stunning views of white beaches, turquoise waters, and lush hills of the Northeast Coast.

6 – Trekking and Excursions

In our blog, we’ve already talked about the most beautiful excursions you can organize in Sardinia. During your vacation, we suggest visiting:

  • the La Maddalena island
  • Asinara
  • excursions in the Gulf of Orosei and a visit to the Bue Marino caves
  • trekking in the Tiscali Nuragic village, Su Gorroppu, and Cala Goloritzè
  • horseback excursions in Ogliastra

7 – Traditions and Folk Festivals

Sardinia, with its deep roots and unique cultural heritage, is also a place where ancient traditions and folk festivals still play a fundamental role in daily life. These events, often dating back hundreds of years, represent not only the island’s cultural heritage but also an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic Sardinian atmosphere.

Which events and festivals can’t you miss?

  • La Cavalcata Sarda, one of Sardinia’s most important and spectacular events. This festival takes place in Sassari, usually on the last Sunday of May, and features thousands of knights in traditional costumes from across the island. La Cavalcata Sarda is a true horseback parade, enriched by equestrian skill competitions, folk dances, and traditional songs.
  • La Sartiglia, an event held in Oristano during Carnival with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. La Sartiglia is a spectacular equestrian joust, where knights, wearing traditional masks, attempt to spear a suspended star with a sword while galloping at full speed. The highlight is the “Pariglia,” a demonstration of skill and courage where knights perform acrobatics on horseback. The event concludes with the “remada,” where the knights, holding hands, gallop together along the joust route, in a moment of great emotion and communion.
  • The Sant’Efisio Festivals, patron saint of Cagliari, is another unmissable appointment. Every year, on May 1st, a long procession of faithful in traditional costumes parades through the streets of Cagliari to pay homage to the saint. The procession is accompanied by traditional music and dances, creating an atmosphere of celebration and devotion.

8 – Food and Flavors

You can’t leave Sardinia without tasting the typical specialties. In particular:

  • pane carasau
  • pecorino cheese
  • bottarga
  • fregola
  • malloreddus
  • culurgiones
  • roast suckling pig
  • seadas
  • torrone
  • Cannonau wine
  • Mirto liqueur
  • Filu e ferru

The best way to easily visit Sardinia is by choosing car rental at Olbia, Cagliari, or Alghero airport. Looking for a vehicle for your trip? Discover our website and book your car now!