The autonomous region of Italy Sardinia is known primarily as a resort. Tourists are attracted here by magnificent beaches, picturesque mountains, as well as attractions.
Sardinia - an island in the Mediterranean Sea, is the second largest, second only to Sicily... The administrative center is Cagliari, with a population of more than half a million people.
The climate on the island is Mediterranean. The average temperature in January is 8 ° Celsius, in July 25 ° C. Most of the precipitation occurs in the winter. The best month for a holiday in Sardinia is July... When planning your trip to Sardinia, weigh the pros and cons, whether to go there on your own or buy an all-inclusive package from a travel agency.
What to see in Sardinia?
In our article, we will tell you about the most interesting sights of the island with their photos and descriptions, the best places for families, as well as the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.
Su Nuraxi is a valley where there are unique ancient stone structures, nuraghes, characteristic only of the island of Sardinia. At the end of the last century, the best-preserved Nurague, Nuraghe Barumini, was recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site - an argument in favor of not missing the Nuraghe Valley when visiting Sardinia.
There is a museum under the nuraghe Casa Tsapata, where you can see items from the Bronze Age, found during the excavations of the archaeological site of Su Nuraksi. These are decorations, dishes, weapons.
In 1994, the La Maddalena Archipelago also attracted the attention of UNESCO workers and was included in the World Heritage List. If you have chosen to travel through the archipelago, you will have the opportunity here to join an excursion group. During the excursion, you will be able to see places, the path to which lies exclusively by sea, these are beaches and bays with untouched nature.
One of the best hotels in the archipelago - the five-star Grand Hotel Ma & Ma... For those who prefer a quiet, meditative environment, as well as those traveling with their families, we recommend staying at La Casitta. There are not many villas on the islet of Santa Maria, La Casitta occupies one of them. 
We also recommend seeing the lighthouse at Cape Spartivento, it appeared in 1856 and in our time has been turned into a comfortable hotel. This legendary lighthouse is called Faro di Capo Spartivento and is still active today.... Until the 80s. of the last century, it served as the home for the caretaker's family. The lighthouse was then modernized and converted into a luxury guest house, the authentic atmosphere of a true nineteenth century lighthouse preserved intact.
The lighthouse has interesting features: solar panels were installed here, thanks to which the heating system and water heating work. In addition, a wastewater treatment plant system is used here..
Sou Gorropu Gorge is a canyon in Sardinia, the deepest record holder... It is not enough to see this place, it must be thoroughly explored: here you can contemplate the untouched nature of the island and walk along the so-called "long-livers' road".
According to popular belief, there is an enchanted land in Ogliastra: the one whose foot touches this land will live for a very long time. No one knows for sure the location of the magic path, but you may be able to step on it completely by accident. 
The most beautiful and most famous caves of the island with a total length of underground passages of 2.5 kilometers are dedicated to the ancient Roman god of the seas and are known as the Grottoes of Neptune. There are two entrances to the caves: the first is from the sea side, and you can get to the caves through this entrance only by driving up by boat or boat, the second is a manhole carved into the rock.
To see the unforgettable beauty of the caves, you will need to overcome the six hundred and seventy-five steps down the stairs. Stalactites and stalagmites here really impress with their beauty. 
Lake La Marmora - one of the largest underground lakes in Europe (one hundred meters long) can also be seen here, in the grottoes of Neptune. You will certainly be amazed by all this beauty, but remember that photography in the caves is prohibited..
Mamoiada and Orgosolo are small towns located in the central part of the island, in the Barbagia region... About one hundred and fifty murals called "murales" are a tourist highlight of Orgosolo. The city of Mamoiada is famous for its carnival masks. A huge variety of exhibits awaits you in the town's Mediterranean Mask Museum.
The geographer Ptolemy in the second century AD described in his writings a rock, the profile of which very much resembles a bear. She instilled fear in sailors, as she supposedly had the ability to attract ships passing by. Now the rock "Orso di Palau" is one of the most famous natural attractions in Sardinia... The bizarre "bearish" silhouette was formed due to wind erosion. An unusual rock is located at a distance of five kilometers from the town of Palau. 
The Porto Cervo resort is located in the north-east of Sardinia and is part of the Olbia-Tempio region. Porto Cervo is one of the bohemian tourist resorts visited by the rich and famous.... Here you will see luxury villas, cars, yachts, boutiques of fashion brands and designers, but your children are likely to get bored here. 
Alghero and Bosa are two Italian towns that are undoubtedly worth your attention... In Alghero, the historic center and the good beaches are particularly striking. Boza is a city with a river harbor. It is the only city in Sardinia located on the river. Like all such cities, it has a very romantic atmosphere. 
Entertainment for children
There are many resorts in the south of Sardinia where you can spend your holidays with your family. Rest assured that neither children nor adults will be bored for a single minute. While Dad and Mom are out shopping or tasting Italian wines, the children will be cuddled by the hotel staff. Most hotels have good animators on their staff..
The most popular nature reserve in Cagliari is Molentargius. This tourist site is known for its multi-species fauna, as well as the fact that there are salt ponds on the territory. Staying in the protected area fosters a caring attitude towards nature in children.
Waterfowl that nest and stop for the duration of their flights right in the park are the main object of protection here. Many people visit this place just to see pink flamingos and take their photos..
- Address: Via La Palma Ex Saline- Stagni di Molentargius, 09126.
- Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm. On holidays, the work schedule may be changed.
- The entrance is free.
Diverland Water Park is a large entertainment town covering an area of one hundred thousand square meters. m. Here you can find rides for all ages and tastes.... Slides in the water park - from children's safe to extreme. The infrastructure of the park includes swimming pools for water aerobics and gymnastics. Here you can also take a bath with a hydromassage.
- The park is located twenty kilometers from Cagliari at Strada Statale 125,19,500 Localita Cruxi Lilliu.
- The water park is open to the public every day 10.00-18.00 from June to September.
- The entrance ticket costs 14-18 euros.
Another wonderful water park was built two kilometers from Pula. The park is called Blu fan and offers guests a wide variety of entertainment... Mini-performances are held here, professional animators for children are at your service.
- Address: Strada Statale 19 rv 24, 650.
A place that will not leave any child indifferent is the Dinosario Park. This is an open-air paleontological museum. By visiting this park, you can learn a lot about the life of dinosaurs. Life-size figures of the ancient inhabitants of the Earth are for clarity..
- Located at: Strada Provinciale 57, km 5, 850.
Beaches
Many experienced tourists write that the main attraction of Sardinia is the sea. First of all, Sardinia beckons with clean beaches with incredibly white sand... When you enter the sea, there is no sharp difference in depth, the bottom is not rocky, there are no sharp stones that are dangerous for small children.
The island of Sardinia is a picturesque corner of sunny Italy, a popular holiday destination for Italians and guests of the country. Tourists who have visited Sardinia respond with admiration about the natural beauty and sights of the island.
The island of Sardinia has many unique spots. Celebrities like to drop in here... Where to go? Check out the sights worth seeing.
Cathedral of St. Mary
A majestic medieval building in the historical center - the capital of the island. Reconstructed cathedral recreated from old sketches.
The iconic white marble structure evokes awe and rapturous feelings. The building rises on the Royal Square. The Cathedral is a famous landmark of Cagliari.
Inside the cathedral, ancient frescoes, columns and graceful arches have been preserved. Pilgrims are coming worship holy relics and religious shrines.
On Saturdays, classical and religious music is played under the vaults of the cathedral. The church has excellent acoustics.
The cathedral is located at: Piazza Palazzo, 4... You need bus line 7. Stop Lamarmor. Continue to the cathedral on foot through the beautiful Piazza Carlo Alberto.
There is no entrance fee. Opening hours: 7:30 am to 8:00 pm daily.
Sardinia island map and sightseeing photos
We offer you to get acquainted with the popular attraction of Italy -! Look for photos and reviews of tourists on our website.
We will help you choose the best 5 star hotel in the center of Rome - you will find ratings and a few photos of the rooms.
Mount Ortobene
Be sure to visit this corner of Sardinia. The height of the granite hill is 955m. Tourists are attracted by the 7-meter statue of Christ the Savior.
Ortobene is a great place to relax amidst picturesque nature. There are roller skating grounds, benches and picnic tables. Upward easy get on the bike path.
Tourists are attracted by the opportunity to explore the surroundings and relax in a landscaped area. Numerous pilgrims believe: a mighty statue will give healing from diseases.
Address: Nostra Signora De Su Monte Nuoro. The mountain is located near the exit of the town of Nuoro. From its eastern part straight to the granite hill leads viale Ciusa.
The medieval town of Castelsardo
To be in Sardinia and not visit this corner - an act that will have to be regretted later... There are so many architectural monuments of the past concentrated on a small territory that it is simply impossible not to visit this amazing place!
In the town of Castelsardo and its surroundings there are silent witnesses of ancient times:
- Elephant Rock - a stone tower with chambers carved inside (2nd century BC);
- rock burial grounds with the poetic name "house of fairies" (IV-III centuries BC);
- the watchtower of Frigiano (16th century);
- castle of the noble Doria family (XII century)
This is not a complete list of attractions. Picturesque landscapes and the famous fish soup in local restaurants will complement the pleasant picture of the trip.
Castelsardo is on the north coast of Sardinia... How to get there? Come to Sassari first, and from there, just over half an hour by ARST bus. The ticket costs 2.3 euros.
From any corner of the island the path leads to Sassari and from there local transport will take you to Castelsardo. Do you have a yacht? Drop anchor at the port of the ancient city.
Grotto of Neptune
The scorching sun does not bother this secluded corner. The cool azure water grotto is located just 25 km from Cala Dragunara. Fast the boat will bring you here with the breeze.
The Grotto of Neptune has several halls with poetic names and a salt lake in the center of the cave. The total length of all halls is 120m.
Amazing views of the grotto can be photographed. Backlighting creates a fantastic landscape inside the cave.
From the sea side you can get to the Grotto of Neptune for 15 euros. The entrance to the cave costs 13 euros. For children, the ticket is half the price.
For those who want to save money and, along the way, test their strength and endurance, there is another route to the wonderful grotto.
From the cliff you can go down the stairs with 659 steps. The effort is worth it. The inside of the grotto is very beautiful.
The ancient city of Nora
Another miracle worth seeing in Sardinia. More than half of the city's territory is now flooded with water. Exploring Nora, archaeologists have reconstructed the development path of the island of Sardinia.
Stone stele told a lot of interesting things about the city, which belonged at different times to the Phoenicians, and the Romans, and the powerful Carthage.
You won't get here without a guide. Columns and mosaics have been preserved on land. The famous "Night of Poets" is still held on the territory of the ancient Roman theater.
Opening hours of the city-museum: from 9:00 to 21:00 in the summer. The excursion price (95 euros) includes a trip by car to the neighboring town of Pula.
Archaeological Museum of Cagliari
The modest cream-colored three-story building houses the richest treasure trove of ancient artifacts found in the area. Many exhibits date back to the VIII-VI centuries. BC NS.
Hundreds of glass showcases with household items, statues, ritual accessories, ornaments introduce visitors to the history of Sardinia from different periods.
The museum hosts film screenings, lectures, and various exhibitions. Inspection of exhibits in several spacious halls will give a lot of impressions.
Address: Piazza Arsenale, 7. You need bus lines 6 (Regina Elena stop), 7 (Indipendenza) and 8 (Buoncammino).
The museum is open: from 9:00 to 20:00. all days except Monday. Prepare € 5 for entry... For some categories, there is a discounted ticket for half the full price. An appointment is required to provide guide services.
The Archaeological Museum is located near the Royal Square. After visiting the majestic cathedral, continue your exploration of the sights of Sardinia in the museum of ancient artifacts.
Botanical Garden of Cagliari
You can enjoy the coolness and see the magnificent collection of plants in the local botanical garden. In addition to the Mediterranean flora, tropical plants are presented in the garden.
You can wander along the alleys for hours. Two thousand species of plants are located in the garden. Bright flowers, delicate greenery surround the visitors. A wonderful aroma accompanies the guests.
For the convenience of visitors there are comfortable benches on the territory of the botanical garden, signs and toilets. The whole excursion is divided into 40 stages.
The collection of the Herbarium Museum contains about 50 thousand samples of dried plants. You won't have to pay separately for visiting the museum.
Botanical Gardens address: Via Sant'Ignazio da Laconi, 15. You can get to the museum by bus lines 7 and 8. Opening hours: April-September: 9:00 - 18:00. October-March: 9:00 - 13:30. The botanical garden is closed on weekends and holidays.
Entrance fee is only 4 euros, for children - 2 euros. Up to 6 years old, for those over 65, persons with disabilities and accompanying persons, admission is free. For 2 euros, an employee will conduct a sightseeing tour of the garden (at the request of the guests).
The island of Sardinia can surprise! Come to the hospitable land! You will bring home vivid impressions, great mood and colorful photos.
Detailed video about the island of Sardinia and its attractions:
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Castelsardo is a wonderful tourist town in Sardinia in the province of Sassari, with a rich and interesting history. Castelsardo, then still Castelgenovese, was founded around 1102 by the Doria family of Genoa. More precisely, the castle of Castelgenovese was laid, which played a very important role during the constant wars between the Genoese and the Pisans. The castle offers stunning views of the entire northern coast of Sardinia, the Gulf of Asinara and even Corsica. The tourist business is now the main business of almost all residents of Castelsardo. The city is very pleasant and picturesque with its winding streets. The castle now houses a museum and a wonderful observation deck overlooking the city. And not far from this town is one of the symbols of Sardinia - an elephant rock or an elephant's rock (Elephant's rock). This bizarre fruit of the game of erosion is right by the road. Outwardly, the rock-stone really surprisingly resembles the figure of an elephant. It is worth getting closer to see that the entire body of this natural monument inside is disfigured by through passages and cameras. These are the so-called fairy houses - the ancient burial grounds of the Sardis.
Nuraghe of Sardinia
Throughout the territory of Sardinia, there are many stone towers that have no analogues in any of the known cultures. Nuragi of a vanished civilization in Sardinia are megalithic towers, folded in the form of a cone, with a flat top. Their height could reach 20 m.
Nuragi were built from large stone blocks, which were stacked on top of each other circle by circle, and no bonding solutions were used. This entire structure, weighing several tons, was held together only by its own weight. The internal layout of the Nuragi is uniform: the upper part was a kind of terrace with a parapet, where one had to climb a spiral staircase. Narrow windows were pierced in the thick walls, barely letting in the light. Upstairs, at a height of 6 meters, there was an emergency exit, which, apparently, could be used with the help of rope ladders or drawbridges. The construction included a main tower, an underground well, stones with solar signs and altars for sacrifices.
There were whole nuralogical "towns", when around the central tower others grew, of very different heights, connected by a rampart, and between them were crowded "pinnets" - round stone houses, the distance between which was sometimes less than a meter. Nuragi could serve as lookout towers, watchtowers for observing the sea, temporary housing for merchants entering the port. Those towers that were built in community centers could be temples or houses of rulers. They could also be used for military purposes, and then turned into a ritual center.
The most important archaeological complex of Sardinia in the Nuragic period "Su Nuraxi" is a huge bastion, towering among the ruins of stone houses built at different times. An interesting museum tells about the evolution of the settlement from the middle of the Bronze Age to the 10th century AD. NS. Scientists have come to the conclusion that such buildings, oddly enough, are the prototype of a medieval feudal castle.
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Su Marmory cave
Numerous grottoes and caves are a natural attraction in Sardinia. And the largest of the local caves is called Su Marmori. A visit to this cave, along with some others, is included in the obligatory excursion program in Sardinia.
Su Marmory is remarkable not only for its size, deep grottoes, high and spacious "halls", but also for its colorful stalactites and stalagmites. The cave practically does not penetrate sunlight, and in the dark these majestic natural creations look especially impressive.
The name Capo d'Orso (Capo d'Orso) translates as "Bear Rock) and is located near the village of the same name. From the top of this massif, rich in bizarre rocks, a wonderful view of the sea opens, and in good weather you can even see French Corsica.
Castello area in Cagliari
One of the four districts that make up the historic center of the city of Cagliari (Sardinia), formed during the reign of the Pisans in the 13th century. The area got its name from the Castello hill, on which it was founded and is now located. Today this quarter is called the symbol of Cagliari.
Like the rest of the historic quarters of the city, it is replete with sights: churches, noble palaces and archaeological finds. Of these, the most interesting from a historical point of view are the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Bastion of San Remi.
Bastion of Saint-Remy in Sardinia
A powerful structure that was once part of the chain of defensive structures that surrounded the city of Cagliari (Sardinia). It was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the old city wall to unite the Castello, Villanova and Marina districts. During the Second World War, it was seriously damaged - a bomb that hit the building destroyed its triumphal arch and stairs. However, after some time, the bastion was restored to its original form and today it is one of the most visited tourist sites in Sardinia.
Experienced tourists are advised to definitely climb the bastion. Above, a beautiful panorama of the entire city opens up.
Porto Cervo resort
The Porto Cervo resort is located in the north-east of Sardinia in the historical site known as Gallura and is considered a part of the Olbia Tempio area. This resort occupies the main space on the Costa Smeralda and is considered one of the notable tourist destinations popular with the rich and famous.
Sardinia (Sardegna) is an island that amazes tourists with many natural contrasts, and boasts ancient traditions and clean, wild nature. This remote piece of Italy attracts with its natural beauty - rocky shores, beautiful rivers and lakes, deep bays and capes.
The most populous provinces of the island are Cagliari and Sassari.
- The most common language is Sardinian dialect.
The locals are very friendly and polite, very loving and respecting their island and its traditions. This is well reflected by the local festivals and celebrations, as well as the cuisine and delicious typical products. Although this can be said about the inhabitants of other regions of Italy.
Attractions of the island of Sardinia
There are many attractions on the island of Sardinia that are worth visiting.
- Cagliari- in addition to the cleanest beaches, this city is also known for the fact that there is an archaeological monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - Barumini Nuraghe. It also houses the National Archaeological Museum - which contains exhibits reflecting the life of ancient Sardinia.
- Alghero- boasts beautiful beaches located just 5 kilometers from the historic city center. Near Alghero, there is a very touristy site - the archaeological site of Nuraghe Palmavera dating back to 1500 BC. NS. Also, everyone can take a mini cruise to the beautiful Cape Capo Caccia and see the cave of Neptune. In this place to be tallest lighthouse in Italy... The cost of such a mini cruise will cost approximately 45 €.
- Don't miss the hamlet of Castelsardo with its medieval castle Doria.
- A very beautiful place is a small Capo Testa island, which is connected by a narrow isthmus to the mainland.
- The Ethnographic Museum, famous throughout Italy, is located in Nuoro.
- Another popular attraction in Sardinia is Gorropu gorge(Gola di Gorropu), it is located in the province of Ogliastra and is one of the deepest in Italy, and in Europe too.
Airports in Sardinia
There are three international airports in Sardinia:
- Alghero - Fertilia(located 10 kilometers from Alghero).
- Olbia - Costa Smeralda (located 3 kilometers from the center of Olbia, the second busiest airport in Sardinia).
- Cagliari - Elmas (located about 6 kilometers from Cagliari, you can reach it by bus that departs from the train station). The price of a taxi to the city center is about 40 €.
From all airports you can get to any major city in Italy or Europe. Although the connection between airports within the island is limited.
Find a cheap flight
Sardinia beaches and resorts
The beaches in Sardinia are very clean, both for wild secluded coves and busy city beaches.
- Costa Smeralda - this stunning resort is located in the north-eastern part of Sardinia. It is a famous vacation spot for movie stars and very wealthy people from all over the world. The Costa Smeralda is also popular with sailing enthusiasts.
- Porto Cervo - one of the best resorts in Sardinia, famous for its crystal clear waters and ideal for diving.
- Gennargent suitable for lovers of mountain landscapes. In winter, snow and skiing lovers flock here.
- Stintino Is a very beautiful town that offers endless possibilities for a leisurely holiday: diving, horseback riding, cycling, city walks.
- - is an ideal place not only for sailing but also for horse riding and mountain biking, includes 7 islands.
- A very popular resort in Sardinia is town Chia famous for its white sandy beaches.
Hotels in Sardinia
Without a doubt, an unforgettable holiday in Sardinia depends on the right choice of accommodation, so start your search or compare hotel prices in advance using the most popular service Booking.com, or use their search form, which is located on our website :
Transport in Sardinia
Sardinia is the only region in Italy where there are no toll motorways. But all roads are in excellent condition, with clear markings and pointers. One drawback is that in some places they are very narrow, it is especially scary to drive along steep mountain bends. Speed limits in settlements are 50 km / h, on motorways 130 km / h.
For those who do not want to rent a car, the best option to explore the island is buses and trains. But it is worth considering that in sparsely populated towns there are no railway stations at all, and buses can only come once a day. And you can get to very remote villages. Therefore, you should think about renting a car when going to Sardinia - because you will be able to see much more remote and charming places.
The demand for rental cars usually increases in July and August, so it is better to book it in advance. Today it is possible online, and in our experience the best sites for booking a car are:
- Many gas stations only accept local credit cards or only cash.
And yet, if you decide to use public transport (buses), then tickets can be purchased at the railway station ticket office, at Western Union points, or in the bars closest to the stops. If for some reason you did not manage to buy a ticket, you can buy it directly from the driver. Also, the flight schedule may be limited on Sunday.
- Railways in Sardinia are served by operators such as Trenitalia and ARST Gestione FDS.
The culinary traditions of the island of Sardinia
The sausages and cheeses of Sardinia are considered some of the best in Italy. Especially appreciated Pecorino Sardo cheese made from milk from local sheep.
Although the local cheeses are very tasty and appreciated in Italy, there are also not very common ones. One of them, its peculiarity is that it contains live insect larvae (cheese fly). Many of our fellow citizens have no idea what it is, because you won't find this in our kitchen, so I suggest watching a short video about Casu Marzu cheese:
Porceddu is one of the traditional dishes of Sardinia. roasted pig... Moreover, its weight should not exceed 5 kilograms.
Of course, seafood also plays an important role in Sardinian cuisine, especially dishes from shellfish, tuna, mullet, lobster and squid.
The traditional pasta of Sardinia can be called malloreddus, while various sauces can be used here, but the pasta itself remains unchanged.
Another dish that any good mistress of the island knows how to cook is culurgiones. In terms of the cooking technology, it is somewhat reminiscent of our dumplings, but potatoes, pecorino cheese, fresh mint and garlic are used as the filling.
A popular service in Sardinia is the rental of yachts and boats. Renting a boat will cost approximately 70-90 € (one day). Yachts are a little more expensive and most likely you can rent for at least a week.
Also don't miss the opportunity to take a boat cruise around archipelago Maddalena, an excursion with food tasting, as well as to visit a real Italian family and get a master class on cooking lunch - for detailed information on all excursions in Sardinia, see.
Porto Pollo is a great destination for water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Also the island of Sardinia is a great place for sailing and diving. ...
Souvenirs
Sardinia is famous for its artisan shops and local delicacies, so there is no particular difficulty in what to bring from the island. Different areas are famous for their handicraft traditions. The baskets woven by local women are very common. Ceramics, on the other hand, are an integral part of the history of Sardinia, while ceramic products painted in blue on white background. They can be found in almost any souvenir shop on the island. ...
Finally, a video about a vacation in Sardinia (not very short, but very beautiful):
