Is Sardinia Worth Visiting in 2024?
Is Sardinia worth visiting? This Italian island in the Mediterranean has grown quite a bit in popularity in recent years.
In my opinion, Sardinia is definitely worth visiting. Although it’s apart of Italy, it has a very different feel from the rest of the country.
Everything from the cuisine, landscape, souvenirs, lifestyle and even languages are different in Sardinia from mainland Italy. So, spending time in Sardinia is a unique experience.
The main thing that brought me to Sardinia during a trip to Italy was the scuba diving. I typed in “scuba diving in Italy” and Sardinia popped up. I was so excited when I looked at the dive spots, and decided to book a trip there from mainland Italy.
Having gone to Sardinia knowing very little about it other than that it had good scuba diving, I was surprised by the things that made it a worthwhile trip.
From my experience, there are also a few things to keep in mind about going to Sardinia too that I want to shed a light on for other travellers.
Let’s go through what makes Sardinia a great place to visit, and other things to keep in mind.
Reasons Why Sardinia is Worth Visiting
Here are the reasons why you should consider adding Sardinia to your Italian itinerary, or at least your travel bucket list
1. The beaches
The beaches deserve a first mention, as they’re often people’s main reason for wanting to come to Sardinia. With 1,849 km (1,149 miles) of coastline, Sardinia has an abundance of sandy beaches.
Some are highly touristy, with parking lots, and others are more off the beaten path. The beaches in Sardinia are often sandy, with Caribbean blue water.
Many of the Sardinian beaches are in coves, encircled by mountains and rock formations – which just makes them even prettier. I’m not a big beach person myself, but even I can appreciate the beaches in Sardinia.
2. The towns are walkable
We spend quite a bit of time walking around different towns of Sardinia. It has a different feel and pace from mainland Italy.
The cities and towns are very compact, with Old towns (Centro Storicos) that have cobbled streets – much like mainland Italy.
What set Sardinia apart though was how different it looked from the mainland. With the exception of the one major city (Cagliari) it has a more relaxed, slow paced lifestyle.
We had flown to Sardinia from Rome, and if I didn’t know better, I’d feel like we’d gone to a different country.
3. The cuisine
While the cuisine in Sardinia does have some Italian influence, it’s pretty different from the traditional Italian cuisine that everyone is familiar with.
Sardinia has dishes that are influenced by the island’s position in the Mediterranean Sea, such as their own take on seafoods, pastas, cheeses and even their own unique desserts.
Don’t worry – you can find traditional Italian food on the island (we ate lots of pizza and pasta in Sardinia, as that mainly what my 5 year old wanted) but I recommend branching out and trying some of the Sardinian dishes too.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave Sardinia without trying Sardinia’s tarrone (pictured above), which is has been a staple in Sardinia for 500 years. Tonara in central Sardinia is the capital of Sardinia’s tarrone, but you can find it in throughout the island.
4. It has great hiking
Another great attraction of Sardinia is its fantastic hiking trails. The island is very mountainous, with unique flora and fauna, a rugged terrain, and gorgeous views.
If you’re looking for an epic hike, Punta La Marmora is the tallest point in Sardinia at over 5,900 feet (1,800 metres). The trail to the top would be a 14 km (8.6 mile) trek.
But there are countless hikes around Sardinia. Follow this resources to see some of the best treks on the island.
5. It has good snorkelling and scuba diving
Sardinia is one of the best locations in Italy for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts of all levels. This was what drew me to Italy and what I spent most of my time doing while I was there.
One of the main spots for snorkelling is La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, known for its rich marine life and a no-fishing policy.
For scuba divers, there are caves and shipwrecks, and lots of sea life to see – eagle rays, tuna, dolphins, octopuses, and moray eels.
I went diving with Nautilis Dive Centre in Palau, whom I’d recommend. The coolest thing I saw (in addition to the fish and eels) was a plane engine from WW2.
6. It’s less crowded than other touristy parts of Italy
Don’t get me wrong – Sardinia is very popular and highly visited, especially from June to August. But it doesn’t receive the same volume of tourists as mainland Italy.
One thing I liked about exploring Sardinia was that it felt like it was off the beaten path; like we were visiting a small town that was away from it all.
7. The history
Sardinia has a fascinating past, inhabited by various civilizations for centuries, including the Phoenicians, Byzantines, Aragonese, Romans, and more.
Sardinia only became part of Italy in 1861 under King Victor Emmanuel II and has remained so since. Because of its diverse history. Different languages are spoken here, although Italian is the main language.
8. The fascinating archaeological sites to visit
Having been inhabited by so many past societies, there are some amazing archeological attractions to see in Sardinia.
Whether or not you’re a history buff, its impossible to deny that the archaeological sites in Sardinia are pretty cool looking.
There are over 20 archaeological sites throughout Sardinia that you can visit.
9. It has exotic wildlife living in their natural habitat
Sardinia has an abundance of wildlife that you rarely see elsewhere – it’s one of the last few places that has wild horses (the Giara horse, which is native to Sardinia.)
There’s also Sardinian deer, flamingos, and plenty of marine life in the waters surrounding Sardinia – dolphins, moray eels, and clown fish (the Nemo breed.)
It’s possible see dolphins swimming in playing from the shoreline in Sardinia, and several tours that can bring you out for a closer look.
10. There’s something for everyone
Sardinia is a popular choice for honeymooners, and many areas of the country cater to visitors looking for an upscale, luxury experience.
At the same time, Sardinia is very family friendly. I went to Sardinia with a friend of mine, along with my 4 year old daughter. There are lots of things you can do in Sardinia as family.
We had travelled all over Italy, but the slow paced lifestyle was a nice place for families to enjoy activities, but also some downtime on this beautiful island.
For this reason, I’d recommend Sardinia to everyone; young and old.
Downsides to Sardinia (To Keep in Mind)
I would recommend visiting Sardinia to most visitors, but our trip did have a few hiccups. Here are the things to keep in mind about Sardinia before visiting
1. It can be pretty pricey
When we arrived in Sardinia, and started shopping around for food and other items, we automatically noticed a difference in price. The bills for eating at a restaurant were significantly higher.
We found out later that the area we’d stayed in (the northeast, called Costa Smeralda) was the priciest area of Sardinia.
The Costa Smeralda is beautiful, but its expensive for a reason. It draws celebrities, and honeymooners and people looking for a luxury experience. (I went there for the scuba diving.) It caters to a luxury experience.
If you’re travelling on a budget, then I recommend staying anywhere in Sardinia but the Costa Smeralda. Read my post Is Sardinia Expensive?, which will give you some more budget tips, and other ideas of where to stay in Sardinia.
2. It’s hard to get around without a car
One thing I love about mainland Italy is how easy it is to get around just using the train system. Sadly, the same can’t be said about Sardinia.
They have busses in Sardinia, but the system is a bit hard to navigate. The bus is fine if you’re going to stay in one place (for example, fly to Olbia and stay near Olbia the whole time.)
But if you want to explore the island Sardinia, -visit different towns, cities, and go hiking – then you’ll definitely need a car.
You can bring a car on a ferry to Sardinia, or rent one from any of the airports.
3. A lot of the popular beaches have hefty parking fees
There are countless beaches in Sardinia. When having a beach day, most people want the beaches with amenities (bathrooms, umbrella rentals, food sold on site, etc.)
Quite a few of the most ‘visited’ beaches that are built up for tourism do charge for parking. It can be anywhere from €2 at the smaller beaches, to €18 at the most popular ones.
If you read about the ‘best beaches in Sardinia,’ just be aware of parking costs, and if its possible to reserve in advance.
Some of the priciest beaches to park at are: Turreda Beach (€9 per day) and Prince’s Beach (Spaggia del Principe) -€18 per day.
4. Non-residents may be charged extra to fly there
The biggest shock I encountered the first time I visited Sardinia, was that I had accentually was that I had accidentally chosen a resident’s price airfare ticket.
When we arrived at the Rome airport for our flight to Sardinia, we were told that the fare we paid for the tickets was for residents of Sardinia only; we were sent to the ticket office to buy new tickets. This was through flying through Meridiana, which no longer flies to Sardinia.
They never refunded us for the original tickets we bought; I kept emailing for a while, but it never happened.
So, it’s just something to be aware of. If you’re flying to Sardinia, just double check the terms of the ticket you’re buying and make sure it doesn’t say “residents only” anywhere.
5. The popular spots get over-crowded in the summer
The Sardinian beaches are beautiful, but many of them aren’t as remote and undiscovered as some of the photos you see online make it seem.
Sardinia may be less touristy than mainland Italy, but it isn’t immune to over-tourism. Some of the beaches are absolutely packed in the summer months, which makes them not as enjoyable to visit.
As someone who isn’t a beach person, I much prefer quieter beaches. You can find these on the west coast.
The Best Things to Do in Sardinia
1. Go sea kayaking
Sardinia’s clear water and cliffside rock formations make it a really scenic place to go kayaking. Kayaking tours in Sardinia generally cater to all levels, and kids as young as 4 years old can take part.
You can either book a small group tour in the Golgo Arancini (northeast Sardinia) or rent kayaks for anywhere from € 50to € 75 per day.
Sea Kayak Sardinia is a popular place to rent kayaks from, and they also provide you with a local cellphone in case you get lost!
2. Swim at beaches
Visiting the Sardinian beaches means being able to relax on the sand (many have umbrella rentals) and swim in crystal-clear waters.
Some of the most sought after beaches are: Tuerredda, La Pelosa, Cala Brandichini (nicknamed “Little Tahiti”), Spaggia El Principe. Keep in mind, all of these ones are popular, so expect to see lots of other people – especially between June and September.
If you want to avoid crowded beaches, your best bet is Western Sardinia, which doesn’t receive nearly the same amount of tourists.
But wherever you go, in terms of beaches in Sardinia, it will be beautiful. This Sardinian Beaches resource is a great way to narrow it down to which beaches you want to visit, based on which area in Sardinia you’ll be.
Some of the beaches have services that can be reserved in advance – so double check those before you visit.
Pro Tip: The Italian word for beach is “spaggia” so many beaches have Spaggia at the front of their name. This may be helpful if you’re looking for a certain beach on Google maps.
2. Go dolphin watching
Tursiops truncatus (bottlenose dolphins) hang out in the waters surrounding Sardinia, and there are many tours that take you out to watch for them.
It’s never guaranteed that you’ll see dolphins, but going with a guide increases the chances, as they know where the pods tend to hang out. Sometimes, the dolphins even swim under your boat!
This half day tour takes place in Sardinia’s northeast coast. You’ll pass a couple attractions, such as the X lighthouse.
Book your dolphin watching tour (near Olbia) here
3. Visit an archaeological site
Dozens of archaeological sites are scattered across the island, and allow you to experience history anytime from the bronze age through medieval times of Sardinia.
There are temples, stone circles, protective forts, defence towers, Roman amphitheatres and basilicas.
One of the best (and easiest to get to) archeological sites in Sardinia is the walls of the northern city, Alghero. They were built in the 1100s and are still in great condition now. There’s also the amphitheatre near Cagliari, the capital in south Sardinia. (You can see it on the old city tour.)
For other archeological sites, you may need a car to get to them as they tend to be located in central Sardinia away from the towns. Some of the most popular are:
- Su Nuraxi di Barumini Archaeological Museum (central Sardinia – pictured above) is from the Bronze age. Its a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and completely unique to Sardinia.
- Nuraghe Santu Antine (north central Sardinia) featuring ruins from the Nuragic Civilization, which are believed to have lived on Sardinia from the 18th to the 23rd century BC
Here is a guide on 20 of the archaeological sites you can find in Sardinia, and what you need to know about visiting them.
4. Take a boat tour to Maddalena archipelago
One of the best excursions you can do while visiting Sardinia is to take a boat tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago. This group of islands is known for its great beaches, national park, and incredible snorkelling opportunities.
This boat tour to Maddalena is the perfect full-day adventure. It will take you to hidden coves and beautiful beaches and even allow you to swim and sunbathe. It’s the perfect way to experience some of the untouched land off the coast of Sardinia.
Book your Maddalena Archipelgo tour here
5. Walk through the old towns
I would never recommend spending all your time in Sardinian towns and cities, as there’s so much to see outside of them. But they are worth a visit, especially the centro storicos.
The Centro Storico is called “Old town” in English. It’s the historical city centre of any town or city. Just walk around the streets- everywhere you look is so cozy, quaint and charming.
The towns and cities in Sardinia to check out are:
- North Sardinia: Alghero, Olbia, Paulau
- South Sardinia: Cagliari, Pula, Chia, and others
In these cities and towns, you’ll find countless medieval buildings with tone walls, hole in the wall restaurants and cafes, old stone churches, and many flower beds. The Sardinians love flowers, especially in summertime.
I stayed near Paulau, and found walking around the town to be an experience in itself – the stone buildings and narrow cobbled streets were are very quaint.
6. Visit the Neptune Caves grotto
Neptune’s Cave, located near Alghero in north Sardinia, is known for its stunning stalactites and picturesque setting along the coastline.
According to legend, it gets its name because Neptune (a Roman god in Greek mythology) sought refuge in this cave.
You can access the cave by descending a steep staircase (Escala del Cabirol) or joining a boat tour.
The Escala del Cabirol is almost as amazing as the cave itself – its a medieval looking staircase of 654 steps steps along the oceanside. Here’s a Youtube video about what the experience looks like.
Boat tours to Neptunes Caves are only available from April through to November. More info here.
7. Shop for traditional Sardinian souvenirs
Much like cuisine, landscapes, history and language – Sardinia has its own unique souvenirs too. One of the most iconic things to buy are Sardinian ceramics.
The ceramics often have farm animals depicted on them, such as chickens, goats, pigs and cows, and usually have designs with deep blue colours.
Like other Italian souvenirs, you can find the authentic local handcrafted kind of these Sardinian souvenirs, or there are cheaper souvenirs that you can find in shops around the country.
Pro Tip: If you want to shop for ceramics, you can find them all over Sardinia, but there are two towns that are particular famous for art, and ceramic production. They are Oristamo in western Sardinia, or Assemini, which is near the capital, Cagliari.
8. Sample Sardinian dishes
You’ll have no problem finding traditional pizzas and pastas on Sardinia island, but I recommend branching out and trying some of the local delights as well.
One of the most popular dishes is Fregula, a pasta with small spherical shapes, often served with clams and bottarga, a type of dried mullet fish roe.
Then there’s Pane Carasau (pictured above) a crispy round bread that pairs well with cheeses, a side to meals, or as a snack. It’s like a fried tortilla but versatile enough for lasagna or broth.
9. Ride in a tuk tuk
Yes, they have tuk tuks in Sardinia! Prior to visiting Sardinia, I’d only ever seen tuk tuks in southeast Asia and was surprised to know that you can find them in certain parts of Sardinia too.
A tuk-tuk is a compact vehicle with the driver usually seated up front and a few passengers in the back. It resembles a blend of a small car and a motorcycle. You can book tuk tuk rides as a fun way to explore a city. (Tuk tuk rides are mainly offered in Olbia and Cagliari)
During this guided excursion, you can hop on a tuk-tuk as your driver takes you to four important historical sites in Cagliari. It’s a fun ride and an excellent way to explore the city.
Book your tuk tuk tour in Cagliari here, or in Olbia here
10. Visit the underground tunnel in Cagliari
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, has a whole underground area with caves, tunnels, bomb shelters, crypts and even a museum!
Cagliari’s underground was once a shelter for students during World War II bombing raids. Today, these underground spaces offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the sights.
The ideal way to experience these underground tunnels is by arranging a guided tour that can teach you more about the underground area’s rich history.
The tours are about 2 hours long, and offered in several languages. Keep in mind- its cooler underground in the summer – so bring an extra layer in the summer.
Book your underground tunnel tour here!
11. Go diving and/or snorkeling
The best time to experience snorkelling and diving in Sardinia is during the warm summer months of June, July, and August.
The Mediterrian waters surrounding Sardinia are clear, full of wildlife, some shipwrecks, caves, and unique rock formations underwater.
If you plan to scuba dive – keep in mind that you’ll need to wear a full wet suit, with a head covering as well because the waters are not tropical. But they are absolutely worth it – I went diving with Nautilis Dive Centre, and they took me to some fascinating dive sites.
If you want to snorkel – then there are countless places to do it. I recommend this 4 hour tour in a marine protected area where you can see a lot of wildlife.
13. Do a wine tour
Italy is famous for its wine. Like the cuisine however, Sardinia’s wine is completely unique to the geographical region, and is different from the wine on mainland Italy.
Most of Italian’s wine grapes are cultivated either in the very north, or the very the south. So if you’re near Cagliari, or Alghero, then there are several wineries to visit to do tastings.
Read more about the history of Sardinian wine, its grape varieties, and flavours here. You can also book this tour to visit some of the vineyards in the Cagliari (south) area.
Pro Tip: If you don’t visit a winery, but you want to try the wine – then some of the most popular brands to look for on menus are Cannonau (red – unique to Sardinia) and Vermentino (white)
Where to Stay in Sardinia
Generally, most places you want to see in Sardinia are in the north (although there is still plenty to do in the south too.) I’ve stuck to places in Olbia here, because it has an airport and a ferry port, and is near many of the things you want to do in Sardinia
- Budget: City Garden Guesthouse (Olbia) Comfortable, no frills hotel with breakfast included
- Mid Range: Olbia Domus Inn ( Olbia) has beautiful beautiful spacious rooms, is right in the medieval old town
- Luxury: White House Luxury Hospitality (Olbia) have your own spacious, luxurious suite leading right out to a swimming pool
Visiting Sardinia FAQ
Here are the most commonly asked questions about whether Sardinia is worth considering for a vacation
Is it worth it to go to Sardinia?
It is definitely worth going to Sardinia. The island has a rich history, dreamy beaches, delicious foods, stunning views, and so much more. It’s such a unique place to visit in Italy, because of how different it is from the rest of Italy.
What is so special about Sardinia?
Sardinia is special because of its clear blue waters, gorgeous beaches, historical roots, and unique culture. It’s unlike any other place in Italy and worth exploring to learn about its rich past and cultural influence.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Sardinia
Sardinia is a fantastic place to visit, offering a mix of unique cuisine, stunning beaches, rich history, and endless activities. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, enjoying Sardinian cuisine, hiking scenic trails, or lounging on beautiful beaches, Sardinia is a fantastic place to visit.
Like any place, Sardinia has a few downsides – such as the summer crowds, high prices, reliance on a car in order to get around. But none of these should deter you from visiting. It’s a beautiful, unique place.
The next choice you’ll have to make is how to get to Sardinia. Read my post on how to get to Sardinia via ferry or flight.