8 places to see in Sardinia, the greatest treasure of the Mediterranean

In this article I show you what to see and do in Sardiniaone of the most attractive islands in the entire Mediterranean. Its paradisiacal beaches with turquoise waters, its history, its ancestral traditions and its rich gastronomy make it a first choice destination for millions of tourists from all over the world.

I traveled to Sardinia in May on a 6 day trip. Although my main interest was to get closer to some of its most beautiful coves and beaches, it is curious how finally what captivated and caught me the most in Sardinia were the many moments of coexistence with the Sardinian people. The Sardinian people are kind, hospitable people, in love with their land and who are willing to show you their greatest charms.

Here are the places to visit and what to see and do in Sardinia. You are ready? Let’s start!

1. Alghero, one of the most beautiful towns to see in Sardinia

Our trip to Sardinia began upon arrival at Alghero airport. As soon as we got into the car that we had reserved to tour the island, we went to our accommodation to leave the packages. As we had several hours ahead of us, we decided to go to Alghero (Alghero or Alghero in Spanish, Alghero in Italian, S’Alighèra in Sardinian and L’Alguer in Catalan), for many, the most beautiful city in Sardinia.

If you have little time, this is recommended. guided tour of Alguero. It was curious for me to hear an Italian with a lot of influence from Sardinian and even from the Catalan language on the streets of Alghero. We must not forget the conquest of this small fishing village by the Crown of Aragon and that the Catalan language was official between the 14th and 17th centuries).

To visit Alghero is to go back in history and discover the medieval past of a Mediterranean island located in a strategic place. Thousands of tourists come here just to see its old town dating from the twelfth century. The historic center is very small and for this reason, walking through its labyrinth of cobbled streets makes it easy to get to know the best of the city. The ocher color and its old appearance give it a special charm. Alguero boasts the enormous wall that surrounds it and the attached watchtowers built in the Catalan-Aragonese style. From this place you get extraordinary views of the sea.

2. Castelsardo

We had reserved our second day to go to the famous Pelosa Beach and then visit Stintino and the Grotta di Neptuno (by boat) in Capo Caccia. However, since the weather forecast threatened heavy rain, we were forced to change our objective and visit the incredible and picturesque town of Castelsardo, Castelsardo is a place of narrow streets with houses of different colors that give the town a distinctive touch. .

Castelsardo is a town located on the slope of a hill that treasures two architectural jewels of enormous value: the Cathedral of San Antonio Abate (16th century, Romanesque origin) and the castle. From the top of the latter there are magnificent panoramic views of the city, the Gulf of Asinara (Golfo dell’Asinara) and the neighboring island of Corsica.

We didn’t have time to visit the famous Rocca del Elefante, an elephant-shaped rock that was eroded by wind and water. Castelsardo is undoubtedly an essential visit what to see in Sardinia.

3. Bosa

The third day dawned with more of the same: rain, rain and more rain. Since there was no point in trying our luck in La Pelosa and Neptune’s Grotto (due to the strong swell), we decided to visit another of the cities recommended by our Sardinian friends, Bosa, one of the biggest surprises of our trip to Sardinia.

Bosa is located on the banks of the Termo river and at the foot of the hill where the Malaspina castle reigns. From the top of the castle you get wonderful views of the city.

Its historic center, dominated by narrow cobbled streets with houses in reddish, yellow, blue and orange tones, captivated us. Without a doubt, it is one of my main recommendations for a trip to Sardinia.

4. Cala D’Inferno, one of the best things to do in Sardinia

Our fourth day dawned with a radiant blue sky that encouraged us to get closer to discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, La Pelosa. Before, our Sardinian friends recommended us and brought us to Cala D’Inferno, one of the most spectacular and unknown places what to see in Sardinia.

5. La Pelosa, the best beach to see in Sardinia

La Pelosa beach is located a few kilometers from Stintino. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on the entire island, in fact many think that its turquoise waters intermingled with a burst of blue and green colors of different intensity make it worthy of being called the best beach in Sardinia.

6. Stintino, one of the best things to do in Sardinia

After the visit to La Pelosa we went to visit Stintino, one of the best known and most appreciated towns in Sardinia for its bucolic beaches of enormous beauty, especially La Pelosa.

What most caught our attention about Stintino were the diversity of colors of its houses, its fishing and marina ports and the exhibition of historical photos placed on the facades of its streets.

7. Cala Gogone

The boat excursion through the Gulf of Orosei, departing from Cala Gonone on our fifth day, put the finishing touch on our trip to Sardinia. This Gulf is known for the incredible turquoise color of the coves that are hidden under a spectacular landscape with rocky cliffs.

To visit the Gulf of Orosei we went to the port square of Cala Gonone to see which company offered us the best option. After studying the different navigation possibilities (limited to renting a small boat with or without a driver or renting a large boat with a good handful of tourists) in 3-4 companies we decided to rent for €180 (to be divided among 5 people) plus fuel (about €30) a small boat just for us. This would enable us to stop at any time and also get off in the most paradisiacal coves.

An interesting excursion to do in Cala Gogone is this dolphin and whale visitation.

8. Gulf of Orosei

And so we did, after 5 minutes of learning how to crew one of these boats (summarized to know how to start the engine and go forwards and backwards) we set out to discover one of the greatest treasures of the entire island of Sardinia, the coves of the Gulf of Orosei, among which are Cala Luna, Cala Biriola and Cala Goloritze, three essential what to see in Sardinia.

To get to know the place, the ideal is to do this boat excursion through the Gulf of Orosei or this cruise on the Gulf of Orosei. If you dare to delve into the depths of the Mediterranean Sea to discover what its blue waters hide, you can book this Diving day in the Gulf of Orosei. you can also do snorkeling in the Gulf of Orosei booking this other excursion.

How to get around to see Sardinia

Before traveling to Sardinia you should know that the island is quite large (the second island in the Mediterranean after Sicily). Therefore, the distances between the main points of interest are enormous. For this reason, I recommend that before visiting Sardinia you document yourself well and select a route that is not too long (you will have time to return). In this way you will avoid long trips (you will save time) and you will be able to fully enjoy every corner of this magical island to which you will want to return.

The ideal is rent a car to move at your leisure. I leave you this link in case you dare to rent a car at a good price.

Map with places to see in Sardinia

In the following map I show you where all the places that I mention in this article about what to see in sardinia.

Traveling to Sardinia with children

Sardinia is an extraordinary place to travel with children. Spending a few days on the beach, staying in one of the numerous agrotourism areas, the adventure of getting on a kayak or a small boat to visit different coves and get off in them, will delight the little ones.

In short, do I recommend traveling to Sardinia?

my friends from Holidays in Europe I am always told that the best beaches in the world are located in Sardinia and that due to its infinite beauty and the fact that I am fascinated by beaches, I should be encouraged to visit them.

Throughout my life I have been lucky enough to get to know incredible and paradisiacal beaches in the Caribbean, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and now that I have been able to get to know a part of Sardinia, thousands of doubts arise in my mind to know which are the best. What I can affirm is that the beaches of Sardinia captivated and surprised me quite a bit and that they are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful I have visited in my life. Sergio, Isa, I want you to know that as soon as I started my way back home, I was certain that I had been in one of the most wonderful places in the world and that I had left a lot behind. I dream of the comforting hope of one day returning with my children to this beautiful corner of the planet that shines turquoise.

infinite thanks

Thank you Fiammetta, Andrea, Pietro, Dionigi and colleagues from the State Forestry Corps for your best advice on visiting the island. Thank you Fofo for showing us so many secrets in Bosa and to you, Sonia, for accompanying us by boat through the Gulf of Orosei. And of course, thanks to my three friends traveling companions, Alberto, Bel-li and Irene, for having given me such good, fun and intense moments in these six days that will be unforgettable.

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