Sardinia: TOP 10 places you must see!
What to see in Sardinia in 7 days? My TOP 10 attractions
Sardinia isn't just an island. In terms of the number of attractions it offers, it's almost like a small continent. The number of beaches, historical sites, mountain trails, and charming towns can be dizzying. I'm often asked: "Jacek, I only have a week! What should I choose to feel the spirit of the island and see the best of it?".
The answer is never simple, but I've taken up the challenge. I've selected "The Best of Sardinia" for you, the absolute best, the essence of the island. These are the places that offer the greatest diversity: from paradise beaches, through mysterious history, to wild mountains.
Important note: in this entry I focus on inspiration and emotionsIf you are looking for accurate maps, GPS coordinates of parking lots, ticket prices i ready-made sightseeing plans day by day, you will find all this in my complete, huge study here:
Sardinia – the biggest attractions, map, sightseeing plan and practical information [click]
Ready for a quick journey through 10 wonders of Sardinia? Let's get started!
1. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
We're starting with a heavyweight. It's the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sardinia and, in my opinion, a must-see, even if you're not a fan of archaeology. Su Nuraxi is a massive stone fortress dating back 3500 years. Walking through the narrow corridors within the walls, you'll experience the history of a civilization that built skyscrapers before the first stone was laid in Rome. This place is magical, mysterious, and impressive in its sheer scale.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini: full description of attractions and sightseeing tips – see the main guide to Sardinia [click]
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
If you're looking for the definition of paradise on Earth, you'll find it in the northeast of the island. The archipelago comprises seven main islands and dozens of islets scattered across a turquoise sea. The water here has colors that seem to have been enhanced by Photoshop. A boat trip through the archipelago, a swim in the "Piscine Naturali," or a view of the famous Pink Beach in Budella are memories that will last a lifetime. This is Sardinia at its most beautiful, maritime.
La Maddalena Archipelago: Directions, prices and more information in my main guide [click]
3. Cala Goloritze
An icon of the east coast, this beach is a natural monument and looks like the work of a mad artist. A 143-meter-high rock spire rises above the white pebbles and emerald water, and next to it, a natural rock arch plunges into the sea. Best of all (!), you can't get here by motorboat (mooring near the shore is prohibited). You must walk along a mountain trail or swim from a buoy. This creates a tranquility and wilderness that's increasingly rare in Europe.
Cala Goloritze: more photos and detailed instructions can be found in my main guide [click]
4. Alghero and Neptune's Grotto
Alghero It's called "Little Barcelona," and indeed, walking along the ramparts at sunset will truly capture the Catalan spirit. This city has an incredible atmosphere! But that's not all! Right nearby, on the Capo Caccia promontory, lies a hidden geological treasure: Neptune's GrottoYou can reach it by boat, but I recommend descending the famous Escala del Cabirol (or both, and why not?). It's 654 steps suspended from a vertical cliff. The views as you descend are breathtaking!
Alghero and Neptune's Grotto: Directions, prices and more information in my main guide [click]
5. La Pelosa (Stintino)
photo: Tommie Hansen on the rules CC BY-SA 2.0
A beach that's fallen victim to its own beauty, but still worth a visit. La Pelosa looks like something straight out of the Caribbean. The water is hundreds of meters shallow and has an unreal blue color, and in the background looms the Saracen tower. This is the most famous "swimming pool" in the Mediterranean. Just remember that admission is limited and requires reservations (details on how to arrange this are described in the main guide).
6. Gorropu Gorge (Gola di Gorropu)
To balance it all, there's something for mountain and nature lovers. Gorropu is the "Grand Canyon of Europe." The gorge walls rise 500 meters, and you stand at the bottom, among gigantic white boulders. It's stark, quiet, and majestic. After trekking, you can cool off in the icy, emerald lakes. This place reveals a completely different, more rugged side of Sardinia.
Gorropu Gorge: Directions, prices and more information in my main guide [click]
7. Cagliari
The island's capital is a complete city. It has everything: history, excellent cuisine, and nature. Be sure to climb to the terrace of the Saint Remy Bastion in the Castello district for a panoramic view of the city. Visit the Archaeological Museum to come face to face with the stone Giants of Mont'e Prama. And to end the day? A stroll along the city's lagoons, where hundreds of pink flamingos wade against the backdrop of apartment blocks and the setting sun. An incredible sight!
Cagliari: more photos and detailed instructions can be found in my main guide [click]
8. Ancient City of Tharros
History in the most beautiful natural setting. The ruins of the Phoenician and Roman city of Tharros lie on a narrow promontory. Walking along the ancient cobblestones, you can see the sea on either side. Two Corinthian columns standing against the blue bay create one of the most beautiful photographic frames on the island. And while you're in the area, be sure to visit the nearby beach. Arutas, covered with quartz grains resembling rice.
Tharros: full description of attractions and sightseeing tips – see the main guide to Sardinia [click]
9. Castelsardo
This is the most photogenic town in northern Sardinia. Colorful houses cling to the volcanic rock, atop which a medieval castle dominates. The view from the walls towards Corsica is unparalleled. Castelsardo is also famous for its wickerwork. You can still spot women weaving baskets in the narrow streets. The perfect place for a romantic stroll and dinner with a view.
Castelsardo: Directions, prices and more information in my main guide [click]
10. Porto Flavia and Pan di Zucchero
Finally, a unique place in the world. Porto Flavia is a port that… hangs on a cliff. It's a tunnel carved into the mountain, culminating in a spectacular balcony overlooking the sea. An engineering masterpiece from the early 20th century. As if that weren't enough, opposite the "balcony" rises from the sea, Pan di Zucchero! The highest limestone cliff in the Mediterranean. The combination of industrial history and the power of nature is colossal.
Porto Flavia: Directions, prices and more information in my main guide [click]
This is my "The Golden Ten”, but the truth is that Sardinia has plenty of such places to offer.
Want to know how to get to these attractions? Where to park (and how much it costs)? How to book tickets to La Pelosa or Cala Goloritzé?
I have collected all this practical information, along with a map and a ready-made sightseeing plan, for you in this article: Complete guide to Sardinia: map, 40 attractions, 7-day plan – [click]
Cheap flights
Below, you'll find a tool I created that looks like a regular search engine, but is actually really fast and clever. It allows you to instantly check flight prices to your destination.One click on the "OK" button without entering anything, you can check the current prices of airline tickets from all airports in the country (Poland is entered by default). The form works in real time and immediately generates current call prices! If you want to check connections from another country (or city), simply enter its name in the box. Later (if the list proves interesting), you can modify the search parameters on the landing page (starting city, dates, currency, language, etc.). The search engine works on all devices (phone, computer, tablet) and automatically adjusts functionality to the device type and screen size.
The landing page is probably the world's largest airline ticket comparison and search engine: Skyscanner
The website works in 24 languages and if it opens in a language other than your preferred one, simply switch it (in the menu or the globe icon in the upper right corner).
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