The Best Things to Do in Sardinia, Italy: First-Timer’s Guide

When it comes to the best things to do in Sardinia, I’m sharing everything I wish I’d known before our first visit. After spending a few weeks exploring the island, Sardinia quickly became one of our favorite places in Europe. The variety you get in a single destination is hard to beat.

What surprised me most was just how many standout beaches there are, each with its own landscape and character. From the western shores near Alghero to the dramatic cliffs along the Baunei coast, the island is filled with beaches, historic towns, and outdoor experiences that feel entirely different from one another.

Sardinia is best understood as a collection of very different regions rather than a single experience. The north (Costa Smeralda) is known for its beaches and boat trips. The east (Baunei Coast) draws visitors for its dramatic cliffs and wild, boat-only calas. The northwest (Alghero) is all about historic towns and a slower pace. This guide focuses on the top experiences across those regions, especially for a first visit.

I’ve taken the very best of our time on the island and distilled it into this first-timer’s guide to the best things to do in Sardinia. It’s a large island and a destination worthy of a 10-day itinerary. Come to Sardinia to be wowed by its natural beauty, explore its historic citadels, and slow down by the sea.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for Where to Stay in Sardinia:

1. Costa Smeralda (staying at Romazzino, A Belmond hotel), for the best first-time base in northern Sardinia with the easiest access to top beaches and day trips
2. Baunei Coast (staying at Su Gologone Experience Hotel), for the best base to experience Sardinia’s wild coastline and iconic boat-only beaches
3. Alghero (staying at Villa Las Tronas), for the best west-coast base combining historic charm with easy day trips

Things to Do

La Maddalena and the Gulf of Orosei were two absolute highlights for us. Here are the best ways to experience them based on your travel style.

Visit La Maddalena

1. La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour (Bigger Group, Full Day), budget-friendly full-day route that covers multiple islands with classic swim stops
2. La Maddalena Archipelago Sailboat Tour (Small Group, Full Day), more intimate sailing day through the islands with a calmer pace and fewer people onboard
3. La Maddalena Archipelago Private Tour with Skipper, private, skipper-led day tailored to your pace for maximum flexibility

Visit the Gulf of Orosei

1. Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Cruise with Swim Stops (Small Group), small-group outing from Cala Gonone combining coastal cruising with multiple swim stops
2. Cala Gonone Dinghy Rental (No Boat License Required), rent your own dinghy and explore the Gulf of Orosei independently (most don’t require a license)
3. Gulf of Orosei Cruise with Cala Goloritzè Stop (8-Hour Tour), longer, big-group day cruise hitting headline calas with a dedicated Cala Goloritzè stop

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

If you’re planning a longer trip, I recommend starting with my 10-day Sardinia itinerary, which focuses on the northern half of the island and links Costa Smeralda, the Baunei Coast, and Alghero into a single, well-sequenced route. If you’re deciding where to base yourself along the way, my guide on where to stay in Sardinia breaks down the best towns and curated hotels by region, and my guide to the best beaches in Sardinia covers our favorite beaches on the island. For a deeper dive into the north, you may also find my Costa Smeralda travel guide helpful, with recommendations for beaches, boat trips, and planning tips along the Emerald Coast (including La Maddalena and San Pantaleo). Lastly, my La Pelosa beach guide details how to reserve your spot.

Travel Tip: The best way to explore Sardinia is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Sardinia is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

The Best Things to Do in Sardinia, Italy: A Travel Guide

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Sardinia Planning Tips Before You Arrive

Best Time to Visit Sardinia

Sardinia has a very defined summer season when all hotels and restaurants are open. From mid-May to about mid-September, the island is at its busiest. You will also have the most crowds, so if you want the “perfect” time on the island, when it’s warm enough to swim and not too busy, I’d choose September. Know that the rest of the year, the island can be visited, but the beaches will be cooler, and many of the resort hotels close down for the season.

How Much Time is Needed for Sardinia

I think the ideal time for visiting Sardinia is between 10 days and 2 weeks. With this amount of time, you can focus on the northern half and both coasts, which will give you a wonderful, balanced experience. My 10-day Sardinia itinerary combines the best of these things to do into an easy-to-follow plan.

Getting to Sardinia

It’s best to start by flying into Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which offers the widest range of flight options in northern Sardinia. Another option is to depart from Alghero Airport; while it has fewer connections within Italy, it works well if your next stop is Tuscany or Rome. If your travels continue south to Cagliari after completing this itinerary, flying out of Cagliari Airport is also a convenient choice. Just be sure to arrange a one-way car rental in advance.

Do You Need a Car in Sardinia?

Renting a car is essential for exploring Sardinia. Especially if you want to visit beaches, smaller towns, or multiple regions. As the Mediterranean’s second-largest island, distances add up quickly, and public transportation outside major cities is limited and time-consuming. Having a car gives you the freedom to move between beaches, hilltop towns, and coastal viewpoints at your own pace. We relied on our rental car for the entire trip.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Sardinia is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Cash and Credit Cards in Sardinia

Credit cards are widely accepted in Sardinia, especially at hotels and restaurants, but it’s still worth carrying some cash. Smaller towns, beach bars, and beach parking areas may be cash-only. ATMs can be limited outside major hubs, so it’s best to withdraw cash in advance and have a few euro coins on hand for parking or public toilets.

Language in Sardinia

Italian is the main language spoken in Sardinia. In many hotels and restaurants, we found some English spoken, and it was easy to get around without knowing Italian fluently. A few common words can still go a long way, like:

• “ciao” (hi/bye)
• “grazie” (thank you)
• “per favore” (please)

You’ll Want Cell Data in Sardinia

Navigating Sardinia is easy, but easiest when having access to data. Holafly’s eSIM worked great for us while we were there, keeping us connected, and I’d recommend purchasing your data plan and installing your eSIM before arrival.

Cell Data Travel Tip: Read my Holafly review, which covers why I think they are the best eSIM for Europe.

Download Google Maps Offline Before You Go

Even with cell data, I strongly recommend downloading Google Maps offline for Sardinia. It’s especially useful once you leave the main coastal towns. Service can drop quickly in mountainous areas, rural inland roads, and along parts of the Baunei Coast, where you’ll still want reliable navigation.

Before your trip:

• Open Google Maps
• Search for Sardinia
• Tap “Download offline map” and save the full island

With offline maps downloaded, you’ll still have access to turn-by-turn navigation, saved places, and basic directions even without service. This small step will make driving in Sardinia noticeably easier.

Other Helpful Tips

• Pre-book the popular beaches you want to visit that require reservations.
• Understand the wind directions and sea-roughness when choosing beaches and day trips on the boats.
• Pre-book hotels and restaurants; the top ones book out weeks in advance.

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Where to Stay in Sardinia

Editor’s Note: I spent countless hours researching where to stay in Sardinia, and put all of my research and experience into a comprehensive Where to Stay in Sardinia Guide. This guide has the best of everything, with extensive information on where to base yourself. Below, I’m including my top recommendations.

Costa Smeralda

1. Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel ($$$$), for my top pick for the best luxury boutique stay with a quieter, residential feel near Porto Cervo’s top beaches
2. Hotel Cala di Volpe ($$$$), for the most iconic luxury hotel in Costa Smeralda, with a lively, social atmosphere
3. Pitrizza ($$$$), for the best romantic stay, with a secluded feel near Porto Cervo
4. 7Pines Resort, ($$$$), for the best luxury resort stay, plus an easy base for coves and beach days
5. CPH, Pevero Hotel ($$$), for the best relaxed resort stay, plus easy access to Costa Smeralda beaches
6. Hotel Capriccioli ($$), for the best budget beachfront hotel, steps from Capriccioli Beach
7. Hotel Balocco ($$), for the best design-for-dollar hotel, plus a Porto Cervo-adjacent location

Baunei Coast

1. Su Gologone Experience Hotel ($$), for the best immersive hotel stay in Sardinia, plus an ideal base for Golfo di Orosei day trips
2. Hotel L’Oasi ($$), for the best budget hotel stay near Cala Gonone boat departures
3. Hotel Barbagia ($), for the best countryside budget resort with a quieter inland setting

Alghero

1. Villa Las Tronas ($$$), for the best luxury hotel close to Alghero’s historic center
2. Hotel Domomea ($$), for the best boutique hotel near the citadel
3. Hotel Catalunya ($$), for the best modern design hotel, plus a central Alghero base
4. Hotel Calabona ($$), for the best elevated resort stay just outside the old town

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The Best Things to Do in Sardinia, Italy

Take a Boat to the La Maddalena Archipelago

One of the standout experiences in this region is a trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago, a stunning chain of protected islands just off Sardinia’s northeast coast. The water is a translucent turquoise, the granite formations are sculpted and dramatic, and the landscapes feel completely untouched. Most boat tours and rentals depart from Palau Harbor, roughly a 45-minute drive north of the Costa Smeralda. The day quickly became one of our favorites of the trip.

We chose to rent a small inflatable boat from MD Service Palau, selecting this Marlin 630, which was the largest model available that didn’t require a boating license. We spent the entire day cruising and stopping around La Maddalena, Spargi, and Caprera, moving at our own pace and lingering wherever the water looked especially inviting.

Boat Rental Tip: Dinghy rentals typically cost between €180 and €400 per day, depending on the size of the boat and whether you’re visiting in low, mid, or high season. While same-day rentals can sometimes be found during quieter months, it’s smart to start monitoring wind and sea conditions in advance and reserve your boat at least 48 hours ahead.

Rather than tying up at docks, we anchored offshore and swam directly to beaches that caught our attention. Most boats in the archipelago do the same thing, and you’ll see them anchored up all throughout the day.

If piloting your own boat isn’t appealing, there are also excellent guided excursions that cover the same iconic islands and include stops at highlights like the famous Blue Pool:

• Best Budget Tour: Bigger Group Tour, Full Day and Every Island
• Best Small Group: Full Day Sailboat, Small Group Tour
• Best Private Tour: La Maddalena Archipelago Private Tour with Skipper

Travel Tip: Although the waters around La Maddalena are generally sheltered, weather conditions can change quickly. Begin checking wind and wave forecasts about a week in advance to identify the best day to go. We relied on Windfinder, using the forecast for Porto Turistico di Cala Gavetta on La Maddalena Island to guide our plans. For a deeper breakdown on how to gauge the wind and wave forecast, see my Costa Smeralda guide.

Dine at a Historic Agriturismo

When it comes to experiencing Sardinian cuisine, an agriturismo is the place to go. I found La Colti, set about 30 minutes inland from Costa Smeralda, and reserved a table weeks in advance. The meal turned out to be the best dining experience we had on the island. A several-hour dinner unfolded in their stunning courtyard, where dish after dish arrived. Every one was fantastically delicious.

The meal was one of those experiences where I felt like we really got to taste classic Sardinian cooking across a wide range of styles, from local charcuterie and spit-fired pork to traditional pastas. I highly recommend making time to eat at La Colti at least once.

Beach Hop in Costa Smeralda

Set on Sardinia’s northwestern shores, the best beaches on the island are one after the other in Costa Smeralda. We spent over a week here, each day exploring some of the best beaches. The water was crystal-clear, the sand soft and powdery, and I found them in general impressively clean. My top recommendations to visit would be:

• Spiaggia del Grande Pevero
• Spiaggia La Celvia
• Spiaggia di Capriccioli (nord)
• Spiaggia del Principe
• Spiaggia del Romazzino

Visit a Nuraghe Site (or Two)

Near Costa Smeralda, several Nuraghe sites offer a fascinating window into Sardinia’s ancient past. One easy stop is Nuraghe Albucciu, which sits within a broader archaeological area that also includes the Tomba dei Giganti di Moru, a collective burial site tied to Nuragic ritual life. Together, they date back to the Bronze Age and hint at the island’s earliest social and spiritual traditions.

Another standout is Nuraghe La Prisgiona, one of the best-preserved Nuragic villages on the island. Beyond its central stone tower, you can walk through the remains of dozens of circular huts and nearby tombs. The scale makes it easy to imagine how these communities lived more than 3,000 years ago.

If you only have time for one visit, Nuraghe La Prisgiona is the most rewarding choice for its scale and clarity. The sites are also surprisingly engaging for kids. Our daughter loved exploring the stone structures and open pathways. One of those rare historic stops that genuinely worked for the whole family.

Spend the Day at La Pelosa

Set on the far northwestern tip of Sardinia, La Pelosa is one of those rare beaches that truly looks exactly like the photos. The water is shallow and impossibly blue and the sand is fine and white. It’s also one of the most regulated beaches on the island. During high season, entry is by reservation only, so you’ll want to book in advance through the official system and plan to arrive early to secure parking before crowds build.

It’s an easy place to spend the entire day. Bring lunch, settle in, and take advantage of how calm and swimmable the water is. Just note that towels aren’t allowed on the sand to help protect it. You’ll need to bring a bamboo mat instead.

This turned out to be our favorite beach day of the entire trip. We rented beach chairs at nearby Spiaggia della Pelosetta from Ristorante Bar La Pelosetta. The setup made the whole day feel relaxed and gave us an easy base just off La Pelosa itself.

Stroll the Citadel of Alghero

Wandering the old town of Alghero is one of those experiences that instantly slows you down. The cobblestone lanes, seaside promenades, and golden-hour light along the walls make it easy to lose track of time. It’s a place that invites lingering, especially over long meals. Some of our favorite dinners on the island were here. Al Vecchio Mulino was a standout (order the culurgiones).

There’s so much history to savor here, especially once you take the time to wander beyond the main streets. Founded in the 12th century as a fishing village, Alghero was later conquered by Spain and resettled by the Catalans. That influence still shapes the city’s architecture, language, and rhythm. In parts of the old town, it’s easy to feel echoes of Barcelona as you move through the streets.

Today, Alghero’s medieval walls and towers define the historic core, and it’s one of the most worthwhile cities to explore in northern Sardinia. I’d recommend spending a few days here to really take it in. The Centro Storico is filled with landmarks like San Francesco Church, San Michele Church, and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria. The mix of Gothic, Catalan, and Renaissance styles reflects the city’s layered past.

Explore the Charming Hilltop Town of San Pantaleo

One of the most charming towns I discovered while exploring Sardinia for a few weeks sits just inland from Costa Smeralda. San Pantaleo is an absolute stunner, framed by dramatic granite peaks. The town is an artist enclave with small shops and inviting restaurants, all centered around the main square. By early evening, the square comes alive as locals and visitors alike gather for sunset drinks. We loved it so much that we came back twice.

Plan to spend a few hours here, and keep in mind that many shops close during the afternoon siesta before reopening in the evening. I’d start with a drink at Caffè Nina, which overlooks the Chiesa di San Pantaleo, then wander through the boutiques. Be sure to stop into TIPICO, Domomea, Yashu e Prem, and Cruna for locally made finds.

Visit Cala Brandinchi and Spiaggia di Lu Impostu

Cala Brandinchi is well worth adding to your itinerary. Located along Sardinia’s northeast coast near San Teodoro, it’s often ranked among the island’s most beautiful beaches. The sand is powdery white, the water is calm and turquoise, and the setting feels protected and quiet. One of the things that stood out to us most is how shallow the water is. You can wade surprisingly far from shore before it ever reaches waist height, which makes it feel especially relaxed and easy.

Because of its popularity, access is managed through an online reservation system designed to protect the beach. You’ll need to book in advance, select a date, and pay a small fee. The same reservation also gives you access to nearby Spiaggia di Lu Impostu. Both beaches share the same parking area, so it’s easy to visit both in one outing.

See the Flamingos in San Teodoro

Did you know that Sardinia is home to pink flamingos? One of the biggest surprises of our trip was spotting them while driving along the eastern coast near San Teodoro. The island has several flamingo colonies, with the San Teodoro Lagoon being one of the most reliable places to see them. There’s a small viewing area overlooking the protected habitat, and if they’re there, you won’t miss them.

Stay Overnight at a Colorful Hotel

If I had to pick a bucket-list stay on the island that embodies the artisan and authentic local heritage, it would be Su Gologne Experience Hotel. Set high up in the mountains, this lodge, which has been run for three generations by the Palimodde family, is an absolute haven and a destination of itself. There are several room types available, and it makes a great base for exploring the Baunei Coast, as you’re just 20 minutes inland.

If you’re not able to stay overnight at the property (it books far in advance), at a minimum, stop in for a meal at their main restaurant. Call to book in advance to eat out on the patio; the food is fantastic. Afterward, stroll up their incredible gardens and head to their artisan boutique, where you can shop for some of the best art and home decor on the island.

Shop for Coral Jewelry in Alghero

While exploring the historic citadel of Alghero, you’ll see coral jewelry shops throughout the old town. Red coral has been central to the economy here for centuries, and it’s one of the city’s most distinctive traditions. Coral harvesting is tightly regulated, with fishing permitted only from May to October and strict limits in place to protect the ecosystem.

In 2015, the Corallium Rubrum consortium was created to help safeguard sustainable coral production and support local artisans working responsibly. Look for its emblem when shopping. The seal marks quality and authenticity, which is especially important given the number of imitation coral pieces sold elsewhere.

There are roughly twenty coral shops clustered within Alghero’s old town. If you’re considering a purchase, confirming that a piece is certified by Corallium Rubrum is the best way to ensure it’s genuine and sustainably sourced.

Marvel at the Yachts in Porto Cervo

Even if you’re not particularly into yachts or luxury boats, a stroll through the marina in Porto Cervo is still worth it. Beyond the stunning setting, it’s a chance to see some of the most beautifully designed yachts and sailboats that return to the port each year. I’d recommend grabbing a gelato after dinner at Insula Gelato Experience by Michele Bosisio, then taking a relaxed walk along the marina.

Hike in the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte

About 30 minutes north of Alghero, the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte is home to a network of coastal and forested hiking trails. If you’re looking to hike, this is where I’d go, with popular routes around Capo Caccia and out to Punta Giglia.

Alternatively, it also makes for a great scenic drive. One afternoon, we drove up toward Capo Caccia and treated it less like a single destination and more like a slow wander, stopping at viewpoints, small beaches, and historic sights along the way. It’s the kind of place that rewards taking your time and pulling over whenever something catches your eye.

Explore the Beaches of the Baunei Coast

If I had to pick one area to spend a full day exploring, it would be the Baunei Coast. The best way to experience the beaches is by boat, especially since many require demanding, multi-hour hikes across steep, rugged terrain. From Cala Gonone, three popular boat options make the journey accessible, each offering a slightly different balance of comfort, flexibility, and adventure:

1. Join a small group boat tour
2. Hire your own dinghy (most don’t require a boat license)
3. Hire a boat/dinghy with a skipper (What I Did)

All three entirely depend on your budget: the boat tours are often $70-100 per person, whereas the private boat will be $250-300 for the day without a skipper and $600+ with one. For myself, I decided to rent a dinghy with a skipper for the day with Cala Gonone Rental, which gave me full control without worrying about the boat itself or adhering to a schedule. I’d even consider booking this small group tour as another option. The two most popular big-group tours are this 8-hour tour and this one.

If I had to prioritize which beaches and calas to see on the Gulf of Orosei:

• Cala Luna
• Cala Mariolu
• Cala Sisine
• Cala Goloritzè
• Cala Biriola

Walk the Stairs of Scalinata di Santa Lucia in Arzachena

In the small town of Arzachena, there is this stunning set of steps that lead up to the small Church of Santa Lucia. Local artists often paint them to create an image, and it’s one of those hidden gems out in Gallura. If you’re passing through, it’s worth stopping in to see the small historic center and this public art piece.

Travel Tip: There are a handful of public parking spots directly behind the church on Via Gorizia (maps link). They’re often full, but if you get lucky (like we did), it’ll save you the walk up the hill into town from the lower parking lots.

Explore Neptune’s Grotto in Capo Caccia

Near Alghero, Neptune’s Grotto is one of Sardinia’s most-visited natural wonders, a vast sea cave carved into the limestone cliffs of Capo Caccia. Inside, monumental stalactites and stalagmites rise from and descend toward a still, saltwater lake, their reflections doubling the sense of scale and drama. Reached either by boat or via the dramatic Escala del Cabirol staircase, it’s one of the better grottos to visit on the island.

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