The Best of Sardinia: 10 Unforgettable Places to Visit - Scenic Hunter

Sardinia, an island of mysteries, beauty and millenary traditions just waiting to be discovered. From Cala Luna, set between granite cliffs and crystal clear sea, to Porto Cervo, where elegance meets wild nature, up to the magic of the archipelago of La Maddalena, whose intact beauty will leave you speechless .

In this post we will take you on an epic journey through the best kept treasures of Sardinia, where history merges with nature, creating breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of endless emotions, on an unforgettable journey through Sardinia, one of the most fascinating islands in the world.

Here is our personal top 10 places to see in Sardinia.

#1 - Costa Smeralda

It is one of the most famous and luxurious coastal areas of Sardinia, located in the north-eastern region of the island. This area extends for about 20 kilometers of coastline and offers a breathtaking landscape of fine white sand beaches, hidden coves, cliffs and coves with crystalline and turquoise waters.

Today, the Costa Smeralda is known for its luxury villas, high-end resorts, gourmet restaurants, exclusive clubs and high-end fashion boutiques.

However, despite the atmosphere of luxury and exclusivity, this area still offers many untouched natural places, ideal for those seeking tranquility and the beauty of nature. Among the most famous beaches we can mention the Principe beach, the Grande Pevero beach, the Liscia Ruja beach and the Capriccioli beach.

In summary, the Costa Smeralda is a tourist destination of charm and luxury, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, high-level services and an exclusive atmosphere.

#2 - Porto Cervo

Porto Cervo is an exclusive tourist village located on the Costa Smeralda. Created in the 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Porto Cervo has become an important luxury tourist destination, known for its high-end villas, gourmet restaurants, high-end fashion boutiques and exclusive clubs.

The tourist port of Porto Cervo is the beating heart of the city, with its pleasure boats, yacht shops, fish restaurants and trendy bars. The atmosphere of the port is one of great elegance and charm, with a vast range of luxury boats alternating on the docks, in a veritable parade of style and beauty.

Porto Cervo also offers a wide range of services and activities for visitors, including golf, water sports, excursions on foot or by bicycle, luxury shopping, relaxation in the spa and the discovery of culture and tradition Sardinian. Furthermore, from Porto Cervo it is possible to reach some of the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Smeralda, such as the Principe beach, the Grande Pevero beach and the Liscia Ruja beach.

#3 - Archipelago of La Maddalena

Archipelago of La Maddalena is a group of islands and islets located in the north-east of Sardinia, off the Costa Smeralda. It is made up of seven main islands: La Maddalena, Santo Stefano, Caprera, Budelli, Spargi, Razzoli and Santa Maria, and a series of smaller islands. 

This archipelago is characterized by unspoilt and breathtaking nature, with fine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a rich marine fauna. The most famous beaches of the archipelago are Cala Corsara, Cala Coticcio, Spiaggia Rosa, Cala Granara and Cala Santa Maria.

The archipelago was included in 1996 in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and today, it is a very popular tourist destination, especially for lovers of nature, the sea and water sports. Activities such as kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and diving can be practiced, as well as excursions on foot or by bicycle, to discover the naturalistic treasures of the island.

#4 - Cagliari

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia, located on the southern coast of the island. Cagliari is a vibrant and lively city with a rich culture and a wide range of tourist attractions. Its historic centre, known as the Castle, is a labyrinth of medieval narrow streets, picturesque squares and historic buildings, including the cathedral of Santa Maria, the Palazzo Viceregio and the Torre dell'Elefante.

The city also offers many other attractions, including the seafront, the Poetto beach, the national archaeological museum, the San Benedetto market and the Molentargius park, a naturalistic oasis where it is possible to admire pink flamingos.

In summary, Cagliari is a city rich in culture, history and natural beauty, which offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

#5 - Villasimius

Villasimius is a popular seaside resort located on the southeastern coast of Sardinia, about 40 km east of Cagliari. It is famous for its fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island.

Villasimius offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, boat excursions and nautical activities such as windsurfing and sailing. Among the most famous beaches are Porto Giunco, Simius, Punta Molentis, Cala Pira and Campulongu. In addition to the beaches, it also offers numerous restaurants, bars, shops and accommodation facilities, which make it a complete tourist destination equipped to satisfy every need.

Furthermore, in the area surrounding Villasimius you can also find archaeological sites of historical and cultural interest, such as the necropolis of Pranu Mutteddu and the archaeological site of Nora.

#6 - Alghero

Alghero is a city located on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, known for its Catalan architecture, white sand beaches and unspoilt surrounding nature. The old town of Alghero, known as "Barceloneta", was built by the Catalans in the 14th century and still retains its original medieval appearance, with its narrow cobbled streets, ancient walls and defensive towers. The old town is also known for its many churches and the cathedral of Santa Maria, an example of Catalan Gothic architecture.

Alghero also offers many natural attractions, including its beaches, such as Maria Pia beach and Bombarde beach, and the Porto Conte natural park, which offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as trekking, cycling and bird watching. In summary, Alghero is a fascinating city, rich in history, culture and natural beauty, which offers visitors a unique and authentic experience of Sardinia.

#7 - Bosa

Bosa is a beautiful city located on the western coast of Sardinia, overlooking the crystalline waters of the river Temo. The historic center of Bosa is an enchanting maze of paved streets, arches and alleys, which wind through colorful houses and picturesque flower-filled courtyards. The beating heart of the city is represented by the Malaspina Castle, located on top of the hill and from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Temo valley.

The city is famous both for the promenade and the beach of Bosa Marina, with its golden sand and crystal clear waters, and for the production of wine, in particular Malvasia wine, with an intense and characteristic flavour. In summary, Bosa is an enchanting and unique city, which manages to capture the hearts of those who visit it with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

#8 - Sant'Antioco

Sant'Antioco is a place that captures the hearts of sea and nature lovers. The island offers incredible sceneries: from fine white sand beaches to cliffs beaten by the waves of the sea, from brackish lagoons where it is possible to admire pink flamingos, to salt pans where you can watch salt being worked.

It is also a destination of great cultural interest. The historic center of the town is a real treasure chest, with its cobbled streets and stone houses, where it is possible to admire the church of Sant'Antioco Martire and the Archaeological Museum which preserves numerous archaeological finds from the island .

Among the most beautiful and suggestive beaches are the Maladroxia beach, the Saline beach and the Coaquaddus beach, an ideal place to practice water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. In short, Sant'Antioco is an ideal destination for those looking for a holiday dedicated to the sea, nature, culture and good Sardinian cuisine.

#9 - Cala Luna

Cala Luna is a beautiful beach located on the east coast of Sardinia, characterized by crystal clear sea, white sand and very high seas cliffs that surround it. Imagine walking along the path that leads you to the beach, between rocks and Mediterranean vegetation, with the sound of the waves accompanying you.

Arriving at the beach, you will find yourself in front of a spectacular panorama: the cobalt blue sea breaking on the white sand and the high limestone cliffs, which create a unique and suggestive atmosphere. You can choose to relax in the sun on the beach, dive into the crystal clear waters or snorkel to admire the rich marine life.

In summary, Cala Luna is an enchanting and wild beach, where you can enjoy the beauty of Sardinian nature in all its splendour.

#10 - Cala Goloritzè

Cala Goloritzè is one of the most spectacular beaches in Sardinia, located in the heart of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park. This beach is famous for its spectacular cove surrounded by high limestone rock walls , its fine white sand and crystalline waters with an intense color that varies between turquoise and cobalt blue. To reach the beach, you have to take a path that starts from a parking lot about 10 km from the town of Baunei.

The journey, which lasts about an hour, is a real adventure, crossing a canyon, overcoming rocks and strenuous uphill and downhill stretches, but the view of the beach from the surrounding promontory is worth all the effort.

In addition to the beauty of the beach, Cala Goloritzè is also famous for the homonymous cave, which is located not far from the beach, and for the characteristic "Pietra del Cielo", an enormous mushroom-shaped rock that stands near the beach. In summary, Cala Goloritzè is a true natural jewel, a perfect destination for lovers of the sea, adventure and nature, who will be enchanted by its pristine beauty and unique charm.

Conclusion

We can therefore conclude by saying that Sardinia is an island of pristine beauty, full of natural and cultural treasures that are worth discovering.

We hope that this selection of the top 10 beaches and places to see has inspired you and made you discover the unique charm of this wonderful island.