Nuraghe Su Nuraxi
UNESCO World Heritage Nuragic complex near Barumini
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About Sardinia
Sardinia captivates visitors with its extraordinary diversity — from the glamorous Costa Smeralda in the north to the wild Sulcis coast in the south. The island's Nuragic bronze-age towers, pristine nature reserves, and rich culinary traditions make it one of the Mediterranean's most rewarding destinations. Cagliari, the capital, blends a historic hilltop citadel with a lively waterfront, while Sassari, Nuoro, and Alghero each offer their own distinct character.
- Capital
- Cagliari
- Largest city
- Cagliari
- Population
- 1.6 million
- Languages
- Italian, Sardinian
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- CET/CEST (UTC+1/UTC+2)
Explore Sardinia by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Sardinia
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Costa Smeralda
Glamorous emerald coast with luxury resorts and stunning beaches
Cagliari Castello District
Medieval hilltop citadel with stunning views over the city and sea
Cala Goloritzé
UNESCO Natural Heritage beach with towering limestone pinnacle
Gorropu Gorge
Europe's deepest canyon carved through limestone mountains
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Sardinia Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Sardinia, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Sardinia
- Days 1-2Sardinia city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Sardinia
- Days 1-3Sardinia comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Sardinia, departure
Where to stay in Sardinia
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €60
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €150
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €400+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Forte Village Resort
One of the world's great resort complexes, Forte Village is essentially a luxury village spread over 47 hectares of pine forest beside a pristine white sand beach. The resort encompasses eight different hotels, world-class sports facilities, a thalassotherapy spa, and 22 restaurants and bars. It has hosted more celebrities and royalty than almost any resort in Europe.
Hotel Cala di Volpe
Designed by Jacques Couëlle in the 1960s for the Aga Khan, Cala di Volpe is one of the most architecturally distinctive hotels in the world, with its organic Sardinian village aesthetic, private beach, and legendary polo grounds. The hotel epitomises Costa Smeralda glamour.
Hotel Pitrizza
Pitrizza is the most exclusive and intimate of the Rocco Forte properties on Costa Smeralda, with just 52 rooms and suites built into the granite hillside above a private beach. Its natural seawater pool carved into the rocks is legendary. The hotel is entirely car-free and accessible only by boat from Porto Cervo.
Hotel Romazzino
Another jewel of the Costa Smeralda, Hotel Romazzino is set amid fragrant Mediterranean macchia between two stunning beaches. The whitewashed Moorish-style architecture, extensive gardens, and relaxed atmosphere make it a favourite for families and couples seeking luxury without the intensity of Porto Cervo.
Where to eat in Sardinia
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Dal Corsaro
Cagliari's most celebrated restaurant, Dal Corsaro has held a Michelin star and is renowned for its creative interpretation of Sardinian culinary traditions. Chef Stefano Deidda elevates local ingredients — bottarga, sea urchin, suckling pig — into refined contemporary dishes. The wine list is exceptional, focusing on Sardinian producers.
ConFusion
A Michelin-starred hideaway in the heart of Porto Cervo, ConFusion blends Sardinian ingredients with Asian and global influences to create inventive, beautifully presented dishes. The restaurant has a chic, understated interior and attracts the Costa Smeralda jet-set.
Frades La Terrazza
Perched above the Porto Cervo marina with stunning views, Frades blends traditional Sardinian recipes with contemporary technique. The terrace setting at sunset is one of the most romantic dining experiences on the Costa Smeralda.
Sa Cardiga e Su Schironi
A legendary seafood restaurant near the Cagliari lagoon, Sa Cardiga e Su Schironi has been a pilgrimage for Sardinian seafood lovers for decades. The speciality is eel and other freshwater and saltwater fish from the Molentargius lagoon, cooked simply on the grill with outstanding quality.
Ristorante Il Corsaro
One of the finest seafood restaurants on Isola di San Pietro, Il Corsaro is famous for its bluefin tuna dishes, a legacy of Carloforte's historical mattanza tuna fishing tradition. The restaurant serves tuna every way imaginable — raw, seared, braised — and the quality is exceptional.
Ristorante Su Gologone
The restaurant at Hotel Su Gologone is arguably the finest showcase of authentic Barbagia mountain cuisine in Sardinia. The porceddu (spit-roasted suckling pig), cooked in the traditional wood-fired oven, is legendary. The dining room is decorated with Sardinian folk art and the wood-fired grill is the centrepiece.
Getting around Sardinia
Renting a car is strongly recommended in Sardinia to explore the island's diverse landscapes and remote beaches. Public buses connect major towns, and ferries link the mainland.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25 | €80 | €250+ |
| Food (per day) | €15 | €40 | €100+ |
| Transportation | €10 | €15 | €30 |
| Activities | €10 | €15 | €50 |
| Daily total | €60 | €150 | €400+ |
Best time to visit Sardinia
Essential travel tips
- Rent a car to access remote beaches
- Book accommodation and ferries well ahead for July-August
- Try local pecorino cheese and mirto liqueur
- Learn a few Sardinian phrases - locals appreciate the effort
Safety information
Do not leave valuables visible in parked cars
Never leave your belongings unattended on the beach
Drive with extreme caution on mountain roads
Respect sea conditions and warning flags at beaches
Be aware of wildfire risk from June to September
Avoid riverbeds and low-lying areas in autumn storms
Protect yourself from intense Mediterranean sun
Never hike alone in remote areas without telling someone your plans
Bring comprehensive travel insurance and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC)
Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is widely available
Be aware of jellyfish, sea urchins, and processionary caterpillars
Be alert for common tourist scams at ferry ports and airports
Book ferries well in advance and always confirm departure times
Sardinia is very safe for solo travellers including women
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Sardinia?
Entry requirements follow Italy/Schengen rules. EU citizens need ID card; non-EU visitors may need a Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Sardinia?
The currency in Sardinia is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Sardinia?
The main language(s) spoken in Sardinia: Italian, Sardinian. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
How do I get around Sardinia?
Renting a car is by far the best way to explore Sardinia. The most beautiful beaches, Nuragic sites, mountain villages, and hidden coves are inaccessible without private transport. The island's roads are generally good, though mountain roads can be narrow and winding.