What to see in Sardinia: a tour to discover the most beautiful places
It's often said that the sea in Sardinia is so beautiful it rivals the exotic beaches of the Caribbean. With such an abundance of sun-kissed paradises, how does one choose where to go during a week-long summer vacation in Sardinia? And if you want to explore Sardinia by car, what does the inland offer in terms of nature experiences or discovering the region's history and culture? In this article, we'll tell you what to see in Sardinia in every season.
Must-see places in Sardinia: where to find the best beaches
Sardinia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with crystal-clear waters and seabeds teeming with marine life. The Costa Smeralda, in the northeast of the island, is certainly the most well-known area, beloved by both locals and foreign tourists alike, with its paradisiacal beaches like Capriccioli and La Maddalena, and the lively nightlife in places like Porto Cervo.
Heading to the west coast, you can visit the beach of Is Arutas, with its sand composed of quartz grains creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere. In the northwest, another extraordinary beach is Stintino, with its turquoise waters and the famous Asinara Island providing a backdrop to one of the island's most stunning landscapes.
On the opposite side of Sardinia, you can visit the beach of Chia, surrounded by sand dunes and Mediterranean scrub that create a wild and unspoiled atmosphere. In the south, Tuerredda Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Sardinia, with shallow waters that make it ideal for families with children.
Touring Sardinia to discover ancient villages
Sardinia is rich in ancient villages and millennia-old traditions that are worth discovering. Alghero is a city full of history and charm, famous for its medieval walls and characteristic alleys. We recommend taking the time here to taste the delicious Sardinian dishes, such as Gallurese soup and Malloreddus alla Campidanese, and enjoying a stroll along the seafront while watching the sunset over the sea.
With your car, you can then head inland to visit Orgosolo, a town famous for its huge and splendid murals that tell the story and traditions of Sardinia. Lose yourself among its narrow streets and discover the local artisan shops, where you can buy unique and original souvenirs.
Another enchanting place to include in your Sardinian road trip is Bosa, located along the western coast of Sardinia. This charming medieval village is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses along the Temo River, and an imposing castle overlooking the landscape. Similarly medieval is Castelsardo, situated on a rocky hill dominating the Gulf of Asinara. Here too, narrow alleys filled with artisan shops open up to the majestic view of the medieval castle.
Unmissable Sardinia: traditions and historical monuments
Besides its breathtaking beaches and ancient villages, Sardinia also offers monuments and historical testimonies of incomparable value, dating back to the Nuragic civilization that inhabited the island during the Middle and Late Bronze Age and the Iron Age.
Among the most fascinating and interesting sites to visit are the nuraghi, ancient megalithic constructions from the Bronze Age, the "tombs of the giants," funerary monuments characterized by huge stone blocks, and the Domus De Janas, burial caves carved into the rock.
The main archaeological sites include the Nuragic complex of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological site of Tharros on the west coast with its Phoenician and Roman ruins, and the Nuragic complex of Palmavera near Alghero, offering valuable insights into life in ancient Sardinia. These are just a few examples of the many archaeological sites scattered across the island, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in its rich history and culture.
All year round, there are many village festivals expressing the centuries-old traditions and unique identity of the island. Among the most significant celebrations is the Feast of Sant'Efisio in Cagliari, which takes place on May 1st and features a procession of the patron saint of Sardinia, accompanied by traditional costumes, decorated horses, and folk groups from all over the island. Another highly celebrated event is the Feast of Saint John the Baptist in Sassari, on June 24th, during which the city comes alive with parades, concerts, and fireworks in honor of the patron saint.
In Barbagia, one of the most fascinating and mysterious traditions is that of the Mamuthones: these enigmatic characters are an integral part of the Carnival celebrations, parading through the streets of villages wearing dark wooden masks, heavy sheepskin cloaks, and bronze bells on their backs.
Would you like to tour Sardinia by car but don't have a suitable vehicle? We recommend contacting one of these Locauto offices:
Or you can consult the complete list of our rental offices in Sardinia.
