Things To Do In Sardinia

Sardinia has a lot to look at: dazzling beaches, clear water, ancient fortress cities, modern port towns and many tourist resorts. Sardinia’s coastline is sublime and its major cities are scattered around, where beautiful palaces and churches hail from centuries past and impressive fortifications look on menacingly. The beaches are Sardinia’s obvious major attraction, while the interior of the island is mountainous and makes for excellent trekking and sightseeing.

Alghero

Located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, Alghero is one of the most charming towns on the island.  There are hints of Catalonia which is also evident in the cuisine. Alghero was a fortress town and parts of its old city walls remain including the Porta Terra. The main highlights of the town, other than the city’s ancient defences, are the impressive domed cathedral, two dazzling palaces and a string of restaurants, shops and bars along via Roma, via Carlo Alnerto and Principe Umberto.

Cagliari

Cagliari, the capital, is the island’s largest town and has a history stretching back to the Roman era. Cagliari is also one of the main attractions and is the main entry point for most tourists to the island. It boasts impressive fortifications including the Bastione San Remy and several lofty towers, a beautiful harbour and an ancient cathedral. The other main attraction for history buffs is the San Saturnino Church just outside town; it is the oldest church on the island, dating from the 5th century.

Costa Smeralda

Sardinia’s main tourist base is the gorgeous northeastern stretch of coastline, known as the Costa Smeralda. There are some beautiful beaches and coves here and the water is crystal clear and great for diving. The Costa Smeralda is also frequented by numerous private yachts as this part of the island contains the highest concentration of marinas on earth. Home to the Costa Smeralda Yacht Club, Porto Cervo is the main port, which is resplendent with fine yachts.

Garibaldis House

The famous revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, spent the last years of his life here on the pretty island of Caprera, just to the north of Palau which lies on the north coast of Sardinia.  Exiled from Italy in the mid-19th century, Garibaldi is the one who planned to take Naples and Sicily with 1,000 Red Shirts. Regular ferries leave Palau for Caprera, where visitors can take a tour of Garibaldi’s house and the museum, which includes his homestead and his tomb.

Nuoro

Those who are interested in taking in some real Sardinian culture and outdoor activities should head for Nuoro, situated roughly in the centre of the island. Many traditions are still intact here and the locals still speak the original Sardo language as well as English. The town features an old quarter where highlights include the Ethnographic Museum, with its fantastic handicraft collections. Other destinations worth seeking out in this region of Sardinia include many ancient villages and the 3,300-foot summit of Monte Ortobene, which affords magnificent views.

Olbia

The large port town of Olbia is another of Sardinia’s major destinations; it receives daily ferries from Italy and also has an airport. Although not as easy on the eye as Cagliari, the town does boast a rich history.  There are many ancient attractions situated in its historical centre including the old town walls, Roman baths and a granite Romanesque church. The town also has many excellent Italian restaurants and several good bars and pubs, while the nearby resorts of the Costa Smeralda and Porto Rotondoor are also a major draw.

Porto Cervo

Easily Sardinia’s richest port town and one for the international jet set, Port Cervo boasts a yacht-filled marina and a well-equipped navy. The port's main draw is its dazzling nearby beaches and islets, while the town features a number of  quality restaurants, shops and bars.

Museums

Sardinia has a fascinating history of war, rebellion, art and archaeology.  Also, there are many excellent museums, in all parts of the island, that are worth visiting.

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Cagliari covers the ancient history of Sardinia through its archaeological finds. Important artefacts include many items left behind by the Nuragic civilisation. The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Cagliari (National Picture Gallery of Cagliari), also in Cagliari, boasts a collection of 200 years of Sardinian art dating from the 15th century. Another of the island’s best museums is the Museo delle'Arte Mineraria in Iglesias, which includes many fascinating items of art and architecture from Sardinia's long history.