Sardinia is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy – if not the world as a whole – and there are many noted beauty spots around the island that make it a hotbed for visitors from the mainland and other countries around the world.
When we think of Italy as a whole, we imagine a warm glow and a comforting sense of calm and relaxation – and this is something that the island of Sardinia has in spades.
But what exactly are the most beautiful spots in Sardinia, and which ones should you visit?
Where Is Sardinia?
Sardinia is located on the southernmost coastline of Italy, and is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean sea – second only to Sicily.
With an ancient history that stretches back thousands of years, and a rich culture that – while steeped in Italian history – still maintains an individuality, it is not hard to see why Sardinia stands out so much when put against the other regions on the mainland.
With a landmass of around 9300 square miles, it might not be one of the largest islands in the world, but there is plenty to see and experience for both locals and tourists alike.
Sardinia & Italy: How Similar Are They?
At the end of the day, despite Sardinia having domestic autonomy over their rulings and laws, they are still a region of Italy – and as such there are always going to be some crossover cultural similarities.
Sardinians speak mainly Italian, and they are constantly exposed to Italian culture through television and the media (see how many people speak English in Sardinia here).
They also have much in common with the mainland in terms of food, culture, weather, and the nature of the landscape.
However, they have managed to maintain their own sense of identity – keeping their individuality and culture alive despite centuries of Italian influence.
Is It Expensive To Live There?
Quite surprisingly, Sardinia is actually one of the cheapest regions within Italy to live in – making it an attractive location for Italians and foreigners alike (see more about growing crops in Sardinia here).
It is currently under a period of booming, and as such a lot of money and sponsorship is entering the island, meaning that those looking for a place in Sardinia should do their research and invest while the prices remain affordable.
Can You Fly To Sardinia?
One good thing about Sardinia, that might actually come as a surprise to most people, is that you can travel to Sardinia by airplane.
Many people might think that access is only possible from the mainland of Italy, but thankfully, numerous airlines now offer affordable flights to the region without any need for interconnecting flights.
However, flights to and from Sardinia only travel to Italian and European airports, meaning those from the United States and other non-European countries will have to make further arrangements.
The Top 10 Beauty Spots In Sardinia
While Sardinia is beautiful as a whole, there are some beauty spots in and around the region that really take this to another level.
This is why we have put together a list of the top 10 beauty spots on the island of Sardinia, to help you find the best places to visit on vacation.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo)
Located on the northeastern part of the island, Costa Smeralda offers one of the most beautiful coastlines on the island, and is home to many historical and culturally significant landmarks.
Composed of coves, inlets, small beaches, and numerous archipelagos, Costa Smeralda is the perfect place to get away from it all, take in the sights, and spend some time immersing yourself with the natural beauty that the island has in spades.
2. The Maddalena Archipelago
One thing that characterizes Sardinia are the archipelagos that are scattered all around the coastline.
One such example is the Maddalena archipelago – a protected marine and land area, consisting of Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, and Razzoli.
This is like something from another world, with crystal blue waters, lush greenery, and picturesque beaches – and has become very popular amongst boat owners, who often float off the coast of the archipelago and take in the gorgeous sights.
3. Stintino (La Pelosa Beach)
Of course, Sardinia just wouldn’t be the same without its beaches – and La Pelosa beach in Stintino is one of the best on the island.
Located on the island’s north coastline, Stintino is nice and isolated – granting peace and quiet to all who go looking for it.
It is also the home to numerous lighthouses and ancient forts and ruins that once protected the island from intruders.
It also offers views of the nearby island of Asinara – a former penal colony – as well as the main attraction, a 16th century tower named Torre Della Pelosa – which was constructed by the Argonese in 1578.
4. Cala Mariolu
This is another fantastic beach on the island of Sardinia, nestled safely in the secluded cove on the Gulf of Orosei.
Composed of small white pebble beaches, this really feels like something from a fairytale and is the perfect place for families and couples to come, relax, and enjoy the peace and quiet together.
You can even go snorkeling here.
5. Cala Goloritze
Another secluded beach, Cala Goloritze can be found just south of the Gulf of Orosei, and was funnily enough created by a landslide in 1962.
Now one of the most beautiful hidden gems on the island, the beach is a prime place for relaxing, hiking, swimming, and spotting the numerous species of marine and coastal life that can be found in the area.
6. Village Of Tiscali
While many might confuse this name with the old internet provider (if you know, you know), the village of Tiscali is actually an archeological site relating to the former Nuragic era – the tribe of indigenous people who controlled the island for much of its history.
This intriguing and mysterious village remains hidden by the rocks and the cove, but as you venture further through, you will be presented with the ruins in all of their glory, as well as a fantastic view of the whole Lanaittu Valley.
7. Bay Of Chia
Located on the southern coast of Sardinia, the Bay of Chia is just that – a beautiful bay that is home to crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches, and lush, rocky scrubland all around.
The perfect place to picnic, relax, and do some swimming, this will feel like your own personal desert island, and is as such one of the best hidden gems on this list.
8. Barbagia
Known by locals as ‘sweet and bitter Barbagia’, Barbagia is located right in the very heart of the country’s landscape, and consists of a vast, sprawling mountainous region that is a popular spot for hikers, explorers, and even archaeologists – due to the large number of historical sites located all throughout the region.
This might not consist of crystal blue waters and picturesque sandy beaches, but it is certainly worth a visit if you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure.
9. Tavolara Island & Coda Cavallo Bay
The island of Tavolara is a large, looming island off the coast of Sardinia, and one that goes to form many of the basis for myths and legends within Sardinian history.
Located opposite the bay of Coda Cavallo, it is the perfect place to explore, have fun, hike, and do some swimming – not to mention taking time to relax on La Cinta beach, a large public beach with 5km of white sand and clear waters.
There is so much to see in this area, and we cannot stress enough just how unmissable this will be. What’s more, the two are so intertwined that we just couldn’t mention one without the other.
10. Su Gorropu
Last on our list, but by no means least, we have the valley of Su Gorropu – one of the largest and deepest valleys in Europe.
Also known as Gorropu Canyon, Su Gorropu is around 1.5km long and 500 meters deep, and can be found on the central-eastern part of the island of Sardinia.
This is a great place to hike, explore, and take in the sights – and for enthusiasts of the outdoors, this is really one that you will not want to miss on your trip.
Halfway between Orgosolo and Urzulei, this is a place of legend and culture within the history of Sardinia, and as such it is one to check out!
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about Sardinia, and the most beautiful locations on the island!
It’s true that Sardinia is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy – if not the whole world – but there are numerous spots around the island that really epitomize this sentiment more than others (if you’re worried about how much you’ll spend on a trip to this area, read our guide here).
So if you are looking for the perfect vacation spot to kick back and relax, then why not give Sardinia a try? Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
