Sardinia: what to see from North to South

Whether for a romantic getaway, a friends’ group, a family holiday or a business trip, Sardinia is ready to welcome its visitors with open arms. An island that always surprises, in every season and in every hidden corner of its territory. 

From turquoise waters and wild mountains to ancient villages and archaeological sites, you will find everything here. Precisely for this reason, you may be wondering what to see in Sardinia! The answer certainly depends on the time of year, your lifestyle, your travelling companions but, above all, the area you want to explore. Each area of the island has its own character, traditions, festivals and unique beauty. 

In this guide we will take you on a short tour from North to South and to the Centre of the island, to help you plan your dream holiday.

What to see in Sardinia : which area to choose?

If you are not sure which area to pick or you have not yet found the right destination, ask yourself a few simple questions, such as: what kind of trip am I looking for or who will I travel with? 

Here are some quick tips if:

• you are looking for crystal-clear sea, white beaches and picture-postcard islands: the North and East Coast are perfect. They offer warm waters and stunning views, ideal for couples looking for romance or friends who want to enjoy boat trips and dives together.

• you love to soak in traditions, history and picturesque villages: head for the island’s central areas and the countryside for a journey through time, with fascinating village festivals and folk traditions. Perfect for families and those who enjoy slow tourism.

• you are looking for a mix of nature, history and flavours: the West and South-West coasts are ready to surprise you with spectacular cliffs. Also a good choice for business trips combined with a few free days.

• you want absolute relaxation or a romantic getaway: the South-East with its coves is a paradise for two. Traditional festivals in the interior, such as country weddings or historical processions also provide magical moments.

If you are travelling with children, focus on areas with equipped beaches, nature parks and aquariums, available in every part of Sardinia. 

If, on the other hand, you are on a business trip and want a taste of the island, you can choose well-connected locations with nearby attractions: Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia are good starting points.

What to see in Sardinia  according to the time of the year

Summer, autumn, winter or spring? The season can also make a difference, so take into account our tips on what to see in Sardinia depending on the time of the year.

In the North, the ideal time to enjoy the seaside is from May to October, while in spring and autumn, the mild temperatures make for perfect village walks and nature excursions. 

The North-East, with the La Maddalena Archipelago, shines from late May to mid-September, a period that still offers warm waters and far fewer crowds.

The South is at its best in the summer season, when you can alternate between trekking among the cliffs or visiting old mines and enjoying the lively atmosphere of sea resorts. 

Especially in the West, spring and early autumn are perfect for festivals and cultural tours, while summer attracts surfers and water sports enthusiasts. 

The East Coast is at its best in September, when the weather is ideal for excursions and boat trips, while October is the month of traditions and folk festivals. 

Finally, the Centre of Sardinia can be visited all year round, especially to attend festivals and celebrations that reveal the island’s soul.

What to see in Northern Sardinia

The North is the realm of charming beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here you will find the famous Costa Smeralda, with resorts such as Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia, but also authentic villages such as Castelsardo, perfect for strolls through its stone alleys. Let’s not forget the La Maddalena Archipelago, a nature paradise not to be missed.

Northwest

Sea, historic towns and unspoilt nature. Alghero welcomes you with its Catalan city walls, cobbled streets and the nearby Neptune’s Caves. Further south, Bosa enchants with its colourful houses and a relaxed atmosphere that combines history, culture and spectacular sunsets.

Norteast

Sardinia is also home to the exclusive resort of Costa Smeralda, with Porto Cervo, Baja Sardinia and the world’s most photographed beaches. Another gem is the La Maddalena Archipelago: in addition to its natural beauty, it offers a delightful historic centre with cobbled alleys, craft shops and small restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood.

Visit La Maddalena with Lady Luna

La Maddalena welcomes you to a different world, where the sea has all the shades of blue and nature is still pristine. The archipelago, which has seven main islands, is a paradise for those who love the sea and authentic atmospheres. 

To experience the archipelago at its best, book a boat trip on Lady Luna! For over thirty years and with Sardinia’s most modern ship in service in the archipelago, we have been accompanying travellers to its main islands: Spargi, Budelli with its Natural Pools and Pink Beach, Santa Maria, and La Maddalena with its charming town centre. 

It will be an opportunity to dive into crystal-clear waters and discover places that can’t be reached from land.

If you want to find out more or want to prepare in the best possible way, follow our tips for your boat trip to La Maddalena.

What to see in Southern Sardinia

The South is a mosaic of coastal landscapes: from the white beaches of Villasimius or Chia, to the sand dunes of Porto Pino, to the sheer cliffs at Nebida. 

There is also Masua, the beach framed by mountains and abandoned mines, and Pan di Zucchero, the imposing limestone rock, among the largest in Europe, a symbol of the Sulcis-Iglesiente coastline. 

Archaeological sites also abound, such as Nora, one of the island’s most ancient towns, whose ruins overlook a picturesque coastal landscape.

Finally, for couples and families with children, the historic centre of Cagliari is a great choice, with the Castello district and its views of the sea, as well as its folk festivals, such as the Sant’Efisio festival in May.

What to see in Western Sardinia

The West coast offers cliffs, villages and archaeological sites, a wild and authentic area. From Alghero to the cliffs of Capo Mannu, the archaeological site of Tharros and the fascination of the old mines in the countryside around Iglesias. A perfect area if you like to discover the historical heritage of the places you visit.

What to see in Eastern Sardinia

The Gulf of Orosei offers a jaw-dropping experience to sea lovers, with the stunning beaches of Cala Luna, Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu. Families with children can also visit the Cala Gonone Aquarium, focused on the sea life of the Mediterranean and Sardinia.

What to see in Central Sardinia

The heart of the island is the most authentic part, rich in traditions and culture. Inland, the mountainous Barbagia district has villages such as Orgosolo, famous for its murals, and Mamoiada, with its traditional Carnival masks. 

In the south, you can visit the ancient stone fortresses known as “nuraghi”, such as the Su Nuraxi complex in Barumini, a UNESCO heritage site, but also take part in local festivals and discover typical cuisine. 

Sardinia’s interior offers mountains, plateaus and forests which are perfect for hiking or horseback riding.

 

With a little organisation, Sardinia offers so many possibilities: the island is large and varied, and each place has a different soul... ready to welcome you!