The turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning, lush landscapes of Sardinia make it a must-visit destination. Beyond the beautiful scenery, the idyllic island of Sardinia is home to vibrant Italian towns, such as Cagliari and Bosa, that brim with culture and history.
During a week in April, I explored the stunning island of Sardinia with my family. Exploring the picturesque coastline, pristine beaches, and discovering the capital of Cagliari. I share with you my experience of Sardinia, including helpful travel tips and why I can’t wait to go back.
Essential Information for Visiting Sardinia
- Sardinia has three main international airports. These are located in Alghero, Olbia, and Cagliari.
- Cagliari, located on the island’s south coast, is Sardinia’s capital city.
- The official language in Sardinia is Italian, however, many native Sardinians also speak Sardo. English is spoken however, it is less commonly spoken outside of the tourist areas.
- The currency in Sardinia is the Euro.
- July and August are peak seasons in Sardinia, with many Italians and tourists flocking here for a summer holiday.
What is the best time to visit Sardinia?
The beautiful island of Sardinia is sunny with warm weather almost all year round, so when you visit depends on what you plan to do during your trip:
- June to September: This is the peak season with hot, sunny days and warm sea temperatures ideal for swimming and taking boat excursions around the island. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months, with August often being the busiest due to Italian holidays (Ferragosto around August 15th). Come to Sardinia to experience the best of Sardinian beach life, with many beach clubs in full swing. If you visit during these months, expect higher prices and more crowded beaches.
- May and October: These shoulder months still offer warm weather for beach activities, with fewer crowds and more pleasant temperatures for other activities. May and October are perfect for exploring hiking trails or taking in the many historical and cultural sights around the island.
- November to April: This is the off-season with cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain, although Sardinia generally has mild winters. The more popular coastal resorts and some restaurants may be closed during this time, so expect a quieter, more local atmosphere. Prices during this period will be cheaper with no crowds in the towns and cities.
Must-visit towns in Sardinia
Sardinia boasts a wealth of charming towns, each offering a unique glimpse into the island’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some must-visit towns in Sardinia:
● Cagliari
Often overlooked, the beautiful capital city of Cagliari is worth a visit. Brimming with excellent restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Dal Corsaro, and stunning historic architecture. Highlights include the impressive Bastion Saint Remy, Poetta beach, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
I spent four days here exploring this vibrant city with my family. We enjoyed wandering around the historic castello quarter, visiting the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, and eating plenty of delicious pasta and freshly made pastries at Pbread. We found Cagliari very charming and the perfect base for exploring other areas of Sardinia, thanks to its excellent transport links.
● Castelsardo
Perched on a rocky high point overlooking the Gulf of Asinara, Castelsardo offers breathtaking views with an interesting medieval history. Explore its well-preserved castle, wander through the maze-like old town, and discover local artisan crafts. The best time to visit Castelsardo is during the springtime when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and exploring this town’s picturesque historic sights.
● Bosa
The quaint Sardinian town of Bosa is known for its beauty, a result of the brightly colored buildings stacked along its hillside. Spend time here discovering authentic Sardinia with charming streets and delicious food. Hike to the hilltop Castle of Serravalle or swim in the natural ocean pool of Cane Malu for enjoyable experiences.
● Olbia
Nestled on Sardinia’s northeastern coast, Olbia is a vibrant gateway to the island, with a bustling port and an airport. The town has plenty of historical charm with its Roman ruins and modern Nuragic sites. Visitors can enjoy the lively town life with plenty of authentic Sardinian restaurants and boutique shops. Olbia also makes for a great base to explore the stunning beaches along the famed Costa Smeralda coast.
● Alghero
Situated on the northwest coast, Alghero is a picturesque medieval town surrounded by beautiful beaches. The town’s historic features are ideal for history enthusiasts who can discover the Chiesa di San Michele and the 14th-century Chiesa di San Francesco. Beyond Alghero’s cultural sights are a variety of stunning beaches, including Lazzaretto and Spiaggia delle Bombarde.
The Best Beaches in Sardinia
Sardinia is abundant in beautiful, pristine beaches, and no matter where you are on the island, you are not far from white sand and crystal clear waters. With that being said, here are some of the most stunning beaches Sardinia has to offer:
North Coast: La Pelosa, Cala li Cossi
North East: La Maddalena Archipelago, La Cinta
East Coast: Cala Goloritzé, Cala Brandinchi, La Caletta
West Coast: Piscinas, Mari Ermi, S’Archittu
South Coast: Poetta, Chia, Cala Giunco
How to get around Sardinia: Trains, Buses, and Car Rental
Public Transport
- Sardinia has a good rail network, with buses reaching more rural areas.
- Getting around Sardinia via train:
- Operated by TRENITALIA, tickets can be bought in advance online or from ticket machines at the station.
- The primary rail routes are the Cagliari – Olbia line and the Cagliari – Sassari line, both of which serve Oristano, Macomer, and Ozieri.
- The town of Cagliari is easily accessible via train from Cagliari Elmas Airport.
- Getting around Sardinia via bus:
- The main regional bus network, operated by ARST, offers links between key cities and towns, with routes reaching some beaches.
- 90-minute tickets (€1.20) and day tickets (€3) can be bought from bus stations and CMT points.
- Bus tickets can be bought and managed using the CTM Bus Finder app (Apple Store/ Google Play).
- Check timetables when travelling to rural areas. Some areas only have 2-3 bus services per day.
- We stayed in Cagliari and found the buses and trains very easy to navigate. The capital city has excellent transport links, making it a great hub if you want to explore the southern region.
Need to know: Train and bus tickets need to be activated before travel. Look out for small machines in train stations and bus stops to activate your ticket, otherwise, you can be refused travel or face a fine.
- Car rental in Sardinia
- Car rental is popular and favourable if you want to visit harder-to-reach areas of the island. Book your car rental in advance as rental cars are in short supply in Sardinia, especially during the summer high season.
Sardinian must-try cuisine
Sardinian cuisine is rich and diverse, reflecting the island’s history and unique landscape. Here are some must-try dishes you should seek during your trip to Sardinia:
- Pecorino Sardo
This is a DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) sheep’s milk cheese that comes in various ages and textures, from young and mild to aged and sharp. It’s used in many Sardinian dishes and is delicious on its own.
- Malloreddus alla Campidanese
This traditional pasta dish is a rustic yet flavourful dish found in Sardinia. Small, ridged shell-shaped pasta is served with a rich ragu sauce made with fresh Sardinian pork sausage. Saffron is often included in either the pasta or the sauce, and the dish is finished off with a generous grating of Pecorino Sardo, a sharp and savory sheep’s milk cheese from Sardinia.
- Culurgiones
Culurgiones are a traditional Sardinian pasta dish, similar to large ravioli, commonly filled with potatoes, Pecorino Sardo, and mint, with variations across the island. I had them several times during my trip at a local restaurant – Feel Cagliari, served with sheep meat in a tasty tomato sauce with a dusting of Pecorino Sardo.
- Porceddu
Porceddu is a must-try dish for any meat-eater visiting Sardinia. This Sardinian dish of a whole, young suckling pig roasted, often over a wood fire, results in incredibly tender and flavourful meat with exceptionally crispy skin. It’s a symbolic dish for special occasions in Sardinia.
- Seafood Specialties
Being an island, Sardinia boasts fantastic seafood. Look for dishes featuring fresh fish (grilled or baked), lobster (aragosta), mussels (cozze), clams (vongole), and sea urchins (ricci di mare, seasonal).
Final Sardinia Travel Tips:
- General Safety: Sardinia is generally a safe place, but it’s always wise to take precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Opening Hours: Shops may close for a few hours in the afternoon (“riposo”), especially in smaller towns. Meal times are typically later than in some other countries (lunch around 1-3 pm, dinner from 8 pm onwards).
- Modest dressing: While casual wear is acceptable in most places, dressing modestly when visiting churches is expected (covering shoulders and knees).
- Sardinia Festivals: Many of the festivals celebrated in Sardinia are religious, with other festivals celebrating fresh produce around the island.
- Sa Sartiglia (Oristano, Carnival Sunday and Mardi Gras): A centuries-old, spectacular equestrian joust held in Oristano during Carnival.
- Festa di Sant’Efisio (Cagliari, May 1st – 4th): The annual procession of Sant’Efisio effigy from Cagliari to Nora (Pula) is reportedly one of the world’s largest and most colourful religious events.
- Cavalcata Sarda (Sassari, Penultimate Sunday of May): A large, vibrant parade featuring the beautiful traditional costumes of Sardinia, along with horses and decorated ox-drawn carts.
Becki Chu
Travel Writer
London, UK