SARDINIA - places to visit
We have listed the main places to see in Sardinia, particularly for first time visitors, and for ease of reference divided the list into North, Central and South. Exact locations can be found on our map pages. In between these suggested locations are many more to be discovered and explored.
The North
Porto Cervo. World famous for luxurious yachts and their owners but with a charm of its own and central to beautiful beaches and places of interest. Centre for major regattas.
Santa Teresa di Gallura Wonderful Italian seaside resort.
Poltu Quatu just outside Porto Cervo where you can relax, shop or take a boat excursion.
La Maddalena and Caprera (Guiseppe Garibaldi's tomb) together with the other five islands make up the Archipelago of La Maddalena, including Budelli with its famous Spiagga Rosa (Pink Beach). Head for Paula where you can take your car by ferry to La Maddalena or choose from the many boat excursions available.
Porto Rotondo
A haven for the rich and smart set in the eveneing as well as the day.
San Pantaleo. A village close to Porto Cervo with a strong tradition of art and crafts.
Alghero. A town with strong Spanish influence, inculding a Catalan dialect and traditions. The old town 'Ciutat Vella', Santa Marina Cathedral , San Michele church and the fortresses offer much to explore. Close to the town are beautiful beaches, including Spiagga di San Giovanni and Spiagga di Maria Pia accessible by bus. The famous Grotto di Nettuno can be visited below Capo Caccia headlands (654 steps or take a boat). There is a spectacular 30 mile coast road between Alghero and Bosa with breath taking views and colonies of griffon vultures.
Trenino Verde The Little Green Trains, offer an excellent means of seeing the interior environments and villages. Various routes are available (see train map), including two in the North between Nulvi and Palau, and Macomer and Bosa.
The Central Region
Costa Verde. The Green coast on the west offers wild and deserted sand dunes, juniper woods, rare plants , birdlife and superb beaches for swimming. These include the popular beach resort of Torre dei Corsa, Piscinas Beach (south of Marina di Arbus) and Scivu. Access not easy for some of the more isolated beaches with rough dirt tracks to negotiate.
Oristano provides a good base for exploring the Costa Verde and the interior with its villages, wildlife and Nuraghi (ancient defensive structures) prehistoric sites.
Su Nuraxi has the best example of a Nuraghi fortress village and guided tours are available from Cagliari or Oristano.
Orgosolo is a village near Nuoro, famous for over 150 wall murals depicting political and cultural themes.
Trenino Verde The Little Green Trains, offer an excellent means of seeing the interior environments and villages. Various routes are available in this central region (see train map), including that taken by D H Lawrence in his book 'Sea and Sardinia' between Manda and Arbatax, Isili and Sorgono.
The South
Calasetta on the island of Sant' Antioco has a relaxed and very welcoming atmosphere with good local beaches and a ferry to San Pietro island.
San Pietro Island requires more than a day to explore the main town of Carloforte and the beaches. This island is famous for the traditional Tuna harvest in April/may, see links page for more information on 'The Tuna Trap of Carloforte'.
Porto Pino has incredible beaches and sand dunes stretching for miles. Excellent parking and other facilities.
Cagliari Sardinia's capital has much to see including its
archaeological museum, cathedral of Santa Maria (Duomo), old hilltop citadel Castello with its narrow streets and medieval towers, Torre di San Pancrazio and Torre dell'Elefante, and also a Roman amphitheatre. It is also a major cultural centre with its own opera house. Large flocks of flamingos can often be seen on marshy land between the airport and Pula.
Nora was founded during the 8th and 9th century BC, and has the remains of Punic and Phoenician sanctuaries, a magnificent Roman villa, amphitheatre and stately forum, as well as good beaches.
Santa Margherita di Pula is the coastal area where you find some of Sardinia's most luxurious holiday resort villages surrounded by eucalyptus and pine groves.
San Sperate, 20 km north of Cagliari, is famous for its wall murals, over 300, painted by well known and local artists and depicting historical and cultural themes.
Festivals and Events
Festivals
Sa Sartiglia in Oristano (last Sunday of carnival in late March or Early March, and also Shrove Tuesday).
Sardinian Calvacade at Sassari in May.
Events
Sailing Regattas.
Car Rally.
Golf Tournaments
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