Sardinia: 7 most beautiful places on the island of sun and pleasure

Air travel to Sardinia is served by various airlines.

The most convenient way to get around the island is by rental car, but there is good bus service between cities, or you can take a taxi. There are also well-developed ferry connections to other Mediterranean islands (primarily Corsica and Sicily) and the mainland.

Accommodation in resort areas includes a variety of hotels, apartments, and villas. Prices vary significantly depending on the location of the accommodation, proximity to the beach, and most importantly, the season. For instance, in winter, the price of accommodation can be up to 50% of the summer cost. For example, staying at a 3* hotel in Chia in August starts at €120, while 5* hotels start at €550. Renting apartments (with two bedrooms) for the summer starts at €650 and higher in different parts of the island.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

In Sardinia, tourists love to relax on some of the coolest beaches in Europe, stroll through old towns and villages, watch flamingo flocks in the south of the island, rent the best yachts, try various water sports, and taste exquisite seafood cuisine.

The best times to visit the island are from May to June and from September to October, when rental prices are lower than in July-August and there are fewer tourists.

NORTH

Best beaches: Spiaggia La Pelosa, Spiaggia Rosa, Spiaggia Poltu Di Li Cogghj.

Castelsardo

Castelsardo is a charming medieval town included in the list of "the most beautiful in Italy." The breathtaking view of it opens from the top of the castle, built by the Doria family. It rises above the town and the Asinara Gulf. Elite vacation in this locality involves renting a yacht to sail around the entire northern coast.

Beach: Yes.

Distance: 2 km from the center.

Sassari

Sassari, the second-largest city in Sardinia, is a lively university and cultural center boasting beautiful buildings in Catalan Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Walking along Vittorio Emanuele II Avenue, you can see 500-year-old porticoes and windows in houses from the Spanish period. Sassari is also rich in other interesting attractions, such as the National Museum, the Duomo, and several churches in Pisan architecture.

Beach: No.

SOUTH

Best beaches: Porto Pino, Tuerredda, Su Giudeu, Spiaggia di Porto Giunco.

Cagliari

The administrative and cultural center of the island is the city of Cagliari. Most flights from the mainland land here, marking the start of the most exciting journey across Sardinia. This city is the perfect embodiment of a tourist's vacation. It has many interesting historical monuments, cultural sites, parks, and one of the island's coolest beaches, Poetto. Must-see attractions include the Cathedral, the Bastion, the San Michele Fortress, the Molentargius Park, the Roman Amphitheater, the Santa Maria Cathedral, and the Royal Palace.

Beach: Yes.

Distance: 1.5 km from the center.

Carloforte

This small village with a population of just 6,500 is located not on Sardinia itself, but on the neighboring island of San Pietro, part of the Greater Sardinia archipelago. It is a calm and beautiful place with small charming beaches and narrow, picturesque streets. Here, people speak their own Ligurian dialect, further emphasizing Sardinia's uniqueness.

Beach: Yes (3 beaches).

Distance: 2, 4, 7 km from the center.

WEST

Best beaches: S’Archittu, Is Arutas, Spiaggia di Cala Domestica.

Bosa

This medieval town delights with its maze of narrow streets, stone bridges over the Temo River, and the majestic Malaspina Castle. Walking through the old quarters, you'll be surprised by the mix of humble houses of common townsfolk and grand stone houses once owned by merchants. On the outskirts, there's a beautiful promenade along the coast with cozy cafes where you can spend hours watching the crashing waves. Within the town, there are two beaches, which are more suited for thrill-seekers as there is no easy entry into the water, but there are very beautiful caves.

Beach: Yes (2 beaches).

Distance: 1.7 and 1.8 km from the center.

Alghero

This small town has a strong connection with Spain because Sardinia was part of Aragon in the Middle Ages. Thus, the town features many Spanish heritage sites: a cathedral, a defensive fort, and more. A favorite tourist activity is climbing the top of the bastion walls to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean.

Beach: Yes (3 beaches).

Distance: 0.5, 2.5, and 4 km from the center.

EAST

Best beaches: Cala Brandinchi, Berchida, Cala Luna, Cala Goloritzé.

Costa Smeralda

This area can be considered the northeast of the island. From the port city of Olbia to the peak of Capo di Testa, you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. They are nestled in rocky coves, washed by a sea so green that the area is called Costa Smeralda — "Emerald Coast." The center of life along this coastal strip is Porto Cervo, a resort village and private yacht harbor. The most modest resort spot in the region is the bustling village of Cannigione in the Gulf of Arzachena.

Beach: Yes (several dozen).

Distance: Scattered along the coast, generally close to settlements.