Europe
Mar 16

Sardinia guide: All highlights and dream beaches

Nico Hintz
Sardinia guide: All highlights and dream beaches

Sardinia guide: All highlights and dream beaches

Sardinia means Caribbean feeling in the Mediterranean. The Italian Island offers dream beaches, great nature, pretty towns and an independent culture. You definitely shouldn't underestimate this beautiful yet huge island. Be sure to travel with your own car or rent a car to make the island unsafe.

Costa Smeralda

Luxury and beauty

The famous Costa Smeralda, also known as the “Emerald Coast”, stretches in northeastern Sardinia and is known for its countless bays with turquoise water and white beaches. The 55-kilometre-long coastline attracts visitors with its picturesque landscape and is a paradise for beach vacationers. Shimmering turquoise to dark green water invites you to swim and sunbathe, while the impressive natural backdrop offers perfect relaxation.

alghero

Catalan charm

The Port City of Alghero on the West Coast of Sardinia impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and unique Catalan flair. The Well-Preserved Fortress Walls, Gothic Churches and Charming Squares invite you to explore. You can find Sardinian specialities at the markets, and shops sell traditionally crafted coral jewelry. Alghero is a perfect base from which to discover both the sea and the island's cultural treasures.

Porto Cervo

Exclusive retreat

Porto Cervo is the exclusive heart of the Costa Smeralda. This Classy Port City attracts high society with its designer boutiques, fine restaurants and first-class hotels. The View of the Super Yachts in the Harbor and the Lively Hustle and Bustle of the Piazzas Make the Town Particularly Attractive A visit to Porto Cervo means luxury and glamor, where the coffee is expensive but the atmosphere is priceless.

Neptune's Grotto

Mysterious caves

An absolute highlight is the Neptune Grotto, which is hidden in the steep rocks on the west coast of Sardinia. Getting there, whether by boat or on foot over the steep stairs, is an adventure in itself. The Huge Stalactite Cave with its Fascinating Stalagmites and Stalactites is one of the largest in the Mediterranean and is a must for every visitor.

La Maddalena Archipelago

Island paradise

Off the northeast coast of Sardinia lies the La Maddalena Archipelago, a true paradise of crystal clear water and picturesque landscapes. The main island of La Maddalena is easily accessible by ferry and attracts visitors with pastel-colored houses and cozy restaurants. The surrounding waters are an El Dorado for water sports enthusiasts, and the unique pink color of the sand at Spiaggia Rosa on the island of Budelli is a particular highlight.

Gennargentu National Park

Pure nature

The Gennargentu National Park in the heart of Sardinia is an impressive nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna. The park covers over 73,000 hectares and offers hiking trails through steep gorges, deep valleys and extensive plateaus. Here you can discover Mediterranean scrub, oak and beech forests and rare orchids. Animals such as mouflons, eagles and wild horses live here and make every hike a special experience.

Tharros

Travel Back in Time to Antiquity

The ancient city of Tharros in western Sardinia is one of the island's most fascinating archaeological sites. The remains of the city, which date back to the 8th century BC, testify to its importance as a trading center in the Mediterranean. Temples, Necropolises, Baths and Residential Buildings tell the story of a flourishing metropolis that continued to flourish after the novel Conquest and today offers an impressive backdrop for history buffs.

Gola Gorropu

Adventurous gorge hike

The Gola Gorropu, one of the deepest gorges in Europe, is located in the eastern hinterland of Sardinia and is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The Flumineddu River has created an impressive gorge over thousands of years, whose steep rock walls and bizarre karst rock formations invite you to embark on an adventurous hike. The Trail through the Gorge is also suitable for beginners and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

San Pantaleo

Romantic dinner

The small village of San Pantaleo is the ideal place for a romantic dinner. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, San Pantaleo offers a charming atmosphere and excellent restaurants serving local delicacies. An evening here, surrounded by traditional Sardinian architecture and under a starry sky, will be an unforgettable experience.

Rent a boat

Discover the coasts of Sardinia

A private boat trip along the Sardinian Coast is the perfect opportunity to discover the island's beauty from the water. Charter a boat and explore hidden bays, secluded beaches, and spectacular rock formations. You've never gone boating before? No problem! In Italy, it is also possible to rent smaller motorboats without a driving license, Italy is simply great. A tour around the La Maddalena archipelago is particularly recommended, where you can experience some of the most beautiful places on the island up close.

Cala Spinosa Beach

Hidden paradise

This secluded beach in northern Sardinia is a real secret tip. Surrounded by high rocks and crystal-clear water, Cala Spinosa is the perfect place for peace seekers and nature lovers. The way down is a bit adventurous, but the reward is an unforgettable bathing experience.

Cala Goloritze

Hidden gem

Cala Goloritzé on the east coast of Sardinia is a true natural paradise. The Beach Impresses with Fine White Sand and Turquoise Blue Water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling Surrounded by high limestone cliffs and Mediterranean scrub, the town offers a breathtaking backdrop. Access is via a picturesque hiking trail through fragrant pine forests, with spectacular views of the coast. The distinctive limestone arch formation above the beach is a special feature of this idyllic place.

Tip

To explore Cala Goloritzé, you should rent your own boat in Cala Gonone, even without a license. This allows you to discover this hidden and beautiful stretch of coast and marvel at Cala Goloritzé in peace and quiet.

Rena Majori Beach

Space and freedom

Rena Majori Beach offers miles of fine sandy beach and clear, turquoise water. The beach is ideal for long walks and relaxing days by the sea. Thanks to the extensive area, you can always find a quiet spot here, even in high season.

Cala Luna

Natural Wonders by the Sea

Cala Luna, located on the east coast of Sardinia, is known for its picturesque surroundings with high cliffs and caves. The beach can only be reached on foot or by boat, which gives it a special charm. The turquoise water and fine sand make Cala Luna one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Spiaggia di Capriccioli

Family-friendly paradise

The Spiaggia di Capriccioli is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Sardinia. This beach stretches around a headland and offers several sections of fine, white sand and clear water. The good infrastructure with changing rooms, a beach bar and the possibility to rent sun beds and umbrellas makes it ideal for families. Numerous pine and olive trees provide shade, and a large car park nearby ensures easy access.

Spargi island — Cala Corsara

Pure nature

If you want to experience wild and romantic natural beauty, you should get on a boat and visit the island of Spargi. The Pink Granite Rocks Form Enchanting Bays Which, According to Legend, Were Once a Shelter for Pirates. Cala Corsara is particularly popular with diverse, where a sunken Roman ship from the 2nd century BC can be admired. Chartered Boat Tours depart from Porto Cervo, La Maddalena and Palau and offer the perfect opportunity to explore this natural beauty.

Cala Mariolu

Quiet Beach Dream

The gem of Cala Mariolu is located on the east coast of Sardinia. The beach, which consists partly of white marble stones, is popular with snorkelers and divers, as the crystal-clear water is home to a diverse underwater world. You can only reach this secluded beach on foot or by boat, making it a quiet and idyllic retreat.

La Pelosa

Postcard idyll

La Pelosa, about 150 kilometers west of the Emerald Coast, is a snow-white sandy beach in the small community of Stintino. This Breathtaking Landscape with Slate Rocks and Maquis is one of the most popular postcard motifs on the island. The sparkling blue sea is ideal for wind and kite surfing, and the view of the offshore island of Asinara gives the beach a special touch.

Sardinia offers much more than just dream beaches. The island is rich in history, culture and natural wonders that are waiting to be discovered. Pack your bags and be enchanted by the diversity of Sardinia!

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