Sardinia

Written by Alexander Kopp, Marika Maslanka
03/09/2025
A breathtaking aerial view of the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of Sardinia, Italy.
Anton Massalov, Pexels

Sardinia, Italy, is an island destination celebrated for its breathtaking coastlines with crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, alongside a rich tapestry of ancient history and a unique local culture. It offers a diverse landscape from rugged mountains to hidden coves, attracting visitors who seek relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.

Opportunities for socializing vary across the island; the Costa Smeralda provides a vibrant, upscale party scene, while cities like Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia offer lively nightlife with a mix of bars and clubs. Sant'Antioco is also recognized for its nightlife. Local markets and traditional festivals across the island allow for interaction with both locals and fellow tourists.

Top 5 Things to do in Sardinia

Activities in Sardinia range from maritime excursions to discover pristine archipelagos and underwater worlds, to delving into the historical depths of ancient city centers and archaeological sites, and embracing the challenge of scenic mountain treks.

1. Boat Trip to La Maddalena Archipelago

Embarking on a full-day boat trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago reveals a collection of islands with crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoiled beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in secluded coves, with popular stops often including Spargi, Budelli (famous for its pink beach, though usually viewed from the boat), and the main island of La Maddalena. These tours provide an unparalleled perspective of Sardinia's renowned coastline. It is highly recommended to book these trips in advance, especially during peak season, as they are very popular.

Cost: Shared full-day boat tours typically range from €50 to €85 per person, varying by season and tour inclusions. A municipal landing fee, which is often an additional cost, can be around €2.50 in May, September, and October, and €5.00 from June to August for adults. Private tours are also available, with prices starting from approximately €450 for a 4-hour tour for 6 people.

Transport: Most boat trips depart from Palau, which is roughly a 45-kilometer drive from Olbia. A taxi from Olbia to Palau could cost around €50. Public buses connect Olbia to Palau, with intercity bus fares generally ranging from €6 to €20 depending on the distance.

2. Explore Alghero Old Town

Wandering through the charming, cobbled streets of Alghero's Old Town offers a journey back in time, revealing its strong Catalan influence through unique architecture and medieval walls. Visitors can stroll along the bastions for panoramic sea views, especially beautiful at sunset, and explore historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Church of San Francesco. The town is also known for its coral jewelry shops and vibrant atmosphere with numerous cafes and restaurants. Comfortable footwear is advised for navigating the uneven streets.

Cost: Exploring the Old Town is free. Guided walking tours are available, though specific costs for recent tours were not detailed.

Transport: Alghero's Old Town is centrally located and easily explored on foot. For arrivals, buses from Alghero Fertilia Airport to the city center cost approximately €1 and run hourly. Taxis within Alghero operate on a meter system with a base fare, or a one-way ride from Alghero to Nuoro (140km) is approximately €90.

3. Discover Cagliari's Castello District

The historic Castello district in Cagliari, the island's capital, is a fortified hilltop area rich with centuries of history. Visitors can ascend to the Bastione di Saint Remy for impressive city and sea views, explore narrow alleys leading to picturesque squares, and visit significant landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Palazzo Regio. The area also hosts artisan shops and the National Archaeological Museum, which houses treasures from the Nuragic era.

Cost: Exploring the district is generally free, with costs for museum entries. A guided walking tour of Cagliari's Old Town can start from around $23.53 per person.

Transport: Cagliari's Castello district is accessible by walking from the city center. From Cagliari Elmas Airport, a train ride to the city center costs approximately €1.30 and takes about 10 minutes, running every 20 minutes. Buses within the city and to Poetto beach are also available. A taxi from Cagliari Airport to the city center is estimated to cost around €25.

4. Hike the Gorropu Canyon

For those seeking adventure, hiking the Gola di Gorropu, one of Europe's deepest canyons, offers a challenging yet rewarding experience amidst impressive 350-meter-high vertical limestone walls. The rugged landscape, part of the Supramonte Mountains, provides breathtaking views and a deep immersion into Sardinia's wild nature. Hikers can choose different routes of varying difficulty. It is recommended for experienced hikers due to the difficult limestone terrain, with some parts requiring easy climbing.

Cost: Entrance fees for Gorropu Canyon are typically around €5-€10, though specific recent prices were not consistently available in the provided snippets. Guided tours would incur additional costs.

Transport: The trailhead for the most epic route is at Genna 'e Silana pass car park, which is accessible by car. The Supramonte area, where Gorropu Canyon is located, is often reached via towns like Dorgali or Oliena. Public transport in these more remote areas can be limited, and renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility.

5. Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

Sardinia's protected marine areas, such as the La Maddalena Marine Protected Area and Capo Carbonara, offer exceptional opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters teem with magnificent flora and fauna, allowing divers to explore vibrant underwater landscapes and encounter diverse marine life. Beginner's diving experiences are available, along with certified dives and multi-dive packages.

Cost: A beginner's diving experience, including equipment, can cost around €130. A double dive for certified divers in the Maddalena Marine Protected Area is approximately €120, excluding equipment. Single dives start from €40-€70, with equipment rental costing around €35. Snorkeling trips range from €45 to €53.

Transport: Diving centers are located in various coastal towns, including Palau for La Maddalena Archipelago and Villasimius for Capo Carbonara. Access to these towns is often best by car. Taxis from Cagliari to Villasimius can be upward of €60. Public buses are available to larger towns, but a car offers more flexibility to reach specific diving centers.

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