Sardinia is well-known as a paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. Obviously, its sunny coasts and its white and sandy beaches are the main tourist attractions, but there is a endless list of places and facets to discover in Sardinia. The Top 10 Sardinian places is a list of not-to-be-missed places during a holiday in the Island. They are all ideal for a stay either as a couple or with the family, although some excursions might prove to be a bit tiring for the tiny tots. They are all ideal for a stay as a couple or for a family holiday in Sardinia, although some excursions might prove rather tiring for the tiny tots.
1) Giara of Gesturi and Nuraghe of Barumini
The Giara, located in the center-east of Sardinia, hosts a rare herd existing in Italy and in Europe of little wild horses and a park with cork oaks forests and Mediterranean maquis. This area is well known also for its archaeological monuments such as the famous Barumini nuraghe, so called “Su Nuraxi” declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nuraghes are defensive towers to be found throughout the island, marked by their truncated cone shape and built with great blocks of roughly hewn stone, using the dry-stone technique. The nuraghi are defensive towers found throughout the island and are marked by their truncated cone shape; they are constructed in huge stone blocks according to the dry stone technique.
Where to sleep in Central Sardinia?
- Antica Locanda Lunetta, Mandas
The historical centre of Mandas and the welcoming and nice atmosphere of the Antica Locanda Lunetta are perfect for a romantic escape. Privacy and relax will allow you to take a break from the daily routine.
2) Maddalena Archipelago
Consisting of 7 major islands, Maddalena Archipelago is another Unesco World heritage (declared in 1994) of Sardinia. Its waters are clear and clean, and each year welcome snorkelling buffs in search of the unspoilt seabed of the Mediterranean. Full day or half day boat excursions are organized: they allow you to visit some small beaches and coves only reachable by boat, whose nature is still preserved and whose beauty is breathtaking. These tours usually include visits to the Island of Spargi; Budelli, where you can admire the famous pink beach; S.Maria; Caprera and finally La Maddalena. Alternatively you can rent a car on the Island of La Maddalena for an independent and adventurous tour of the local beaches. Lovers of pure and pristine sea can choose to stay at the 5-star Grand Hotel Ma&Ma, in the south-west coast of the island, at 350 meters far from the sea. Otherwise, for a more private and secluded stay, La Casitta is the right choice. Offering a familiar and attentive service, it is one of the few villas in the small island of Santa Maria.
Where to sleep?
- Grand Hotel Ma&Ma ***** L, La Maddalena
Located in the island of La Maddalena, the Grand Hotel Ma&Ma is the perfect choice for lovers of pure and uncontaminated sea. A few kilometers separate the hotel from the city center, which offers a wide selection of typical restaurants.
- La Casitta, Isola di Santa Maria
Owners of a private island? Not a dream! La Casitta is one of the few villas in Santa Maria Island, where you can discover the true contact with nature and choose every day a secluded cove where lounging and free your mind of all thoughts.
3) Chia beaches
Dominated by the homonym tower, visible by all its beaches, Chia owes its popularity to the transparency of its waters, which bathe the coast of Chia for about6 Km. In Chia area you can also visit the archaeological site of Nora, of punic origins, considered the most ancient village of Sardinia. Chia area reaches Capo Spartivento, the second most southern point of Sardinia, where is located the spectacular Faro di Capo Spartivento, a lighthouse – still working – turned into luxury Guesthouse.
Where to sleep?
- Chia Laguna, Baia di Chia
The Chia Laguna, part of the Italian Hospitality Collection, has been awarded as “Best Family Resort in the Mediterranean” with the World Travel Award 2014; “Italy’s Leading Family Resort” and “Seven Stars Family Resort” 2018 and 2019.
- Hotel Aquadulci ****, Su Giudeu
Small, charming hotel, furnished with taste and with sunny and relaxing colours. Hotel Aquadulci is suitable for couples of all ages and for families and beach lovers who appreciate the simplicity.
- Faro Capo Spartivento *****, Capo Spartivento
Surrounded by a still wild and unspoiled nature, where the Mediterranean scrub grows with its splendid colours and scents, the Lighthouse stands on a cliff overlooking the sea. The right choice to really enjoy the silence of nature and take time for oneself.
4) Gulf Of Orosei
The Gulf of Orosei, in central-eastern Sardinia is one of the most beautiful spot in Sardinia. Famous for the Bue Marino Caves, made of stalactites and stalagmites that reflects in the water giving us amazing trick of the light. There are some countries along the coast known for their gastronomic products, handicrafts and archaeological areas such as Tiscali and Serra Orrios, the karst area called Supramonte, the forests of Suttaterra and Ghivine on the sea slopes of Supramonte; the Cedrino river; the canyon of Su Gorroppu , the deepest one in Sardinia and one of the deepest in Europe, finally you can enjoy a spectacular seascape (Cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine, Cala Goloritzè, Cala Biriola, Cala Fuili, Cala Luna).
Where to sleep?
- Hotel Nascar ****, Santa Maria Navarrese
The Hotel Nascar is located in the beautiful and wild region of Ogliastra, among the crystal clear sea and mountains. It is suitable for travellers looking for a familiar, genuine and warm atmosphere, away from crowds and urban life.
- Nicolaus Club Torre Moresca ****, Orosei
Set in a thick pinewood, just a short distance from the beautiful beach of Cala Ginepro, the Nicolaus Club Torre Moresca is a welcoming 4-star hotel, which offers interiors in pleasing traditional style, and finely designed and landscaped external areas.
- Albergo Diffuso Mannois, Orosei
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The right choice for those who want to try the exciting experience of staying in an ancient village: the Mannois is located in the historic center of Orosei, a picturesque town just 2.5 km from the sea.
- Lanthia Resort ****, Santa Maria Navarrese
Located in the beautiful and still largely unspoiled region of Ogliastra, the Lanthia Resort is located in the town of Santa Maria Navarrese, very quiet and popular summer resort.
5) Alghero
Situated on the north-west coast, Alghero still shows traces of its Catalan past, whose use has been preserved in the variant of the “algherese”, and spoken nowadays in a small percentage. The town boasts a striking Gothic-style historic center with the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Guillot Palace and the 14th-century Church of San Francesco, the Coral Museum and a long natural bay overlooking the emerald sea.
Where to sleep?
- Villa Mosca Charming House, Alghero
Just a short distance from the historic centre of Alghero, the Hotel Villa Mosca is a fine historic residence looking out over the shore. It offers stylish accommodation, and its ambience is both classy and welcoming.
- Villa Las Tronas *****, Alghero
With its enviable location on the sea close to the old town, Villa Las Tronas is the ideal choice for those who wish to discover the sea, the surrounding area, the characteristic alleys of the old town.
- Sa Mandra, Alghero
Just a few kilometres from the city centre, Sa Mandra is renowned for its warm and friendly atmosphere and the professionalism of its staff, as well as the importance given to the tradition.
6) Bosa
Situated on the north west coast, it has the romantic charm of the river cities and a lot of traditions still alive. The historic district of the city worthwhile to visit, made by colorful houses that climb the hill on the side. The top of the hill is dominated by the Malaspina Castle, so called by the Tuscan family who built it up in the XII century. The Castle can be seen from the historic Ponte Vecchio of Bosa, considered one of the 30 most beautiful bridges in Italy.
Where to sleep in Bosa?
- Corte Fiorita ***, Bosa
Corte Fiorita is located in the romantic town of Bosa, crossed by the Temo, the only navigable river in Sardinia. It is a “Albergo diffuso”, a hotel split into different buildings in the old town of Bosa. It is suggested to travellers looking for a quiet stay in a small but nice town, near the beach.
7) Neptune Caves
The most popular caves of Sardinia find in Alghero and are dedicated to the sea God Neptune. They extend for some 6 km and have been dug out over thousands of years by freshwater. They are both reachable via ferry boat and through a 600 steps staircase, offering stunning views over the sea and the coast.
Where to sleep?
- Bienestar Maison de Charme ***, Alghero
Perfectly set in the city center, this B&B combines the fascination of a historic residence with the freshness of unobtrusive service and great attention to detail. We recommend Bienestar to those who prefer small hotels, with a stylish welcoming ambience.
- Inquiries, Alghero
Inquiries is just a few km from Alghero, surrounded by a lush garden and set in a Mediterranean natural environment. It stems from the renovation of an ancient country house and offers rooms and common areas furnished with unique items of Sardinian handcrafted furniture.
8) Murales of Orgosolo and Mamoiada Museum
Mamoiada and Orgosolo are two traditional Sardinian places located in the heart of the island, the region called Barbagia, in the Province of Nuoro. Orgosolo is well-known for its wonderful Murales (about 150), while Mamoiada for its traditional carnival masks: you can discover all them and much more visiting the Mediterranean masks museum of the town.
Where to sleep in Barbagia?
- Hotel Su Gologone ****, Oliena
Tourism icon of Sardinia, Su Gologone Hotel is an artistic and culinary laboratory, where the continuous details refinement, both in furnishing and in food, gives the opportunity to live unique experiences to those who choose this heaven of Charme.
9) Carloforte
It has about 6.400 inhabitants and is the only municipality of the Island of S. Pietro, in the south-western coast of Sardinia. A quiet and lovely place, with small pretty beaches and charming narrow streets, a own dialect which is a variant of Ligurian language, testimony of its history, unique in Sardinia.
Where to sleep in Carloforte?
- Hotel Riviera ****, Carloforte
Right next to the port and the historic centre of Carloforte, the Hotel Riviera offers guests the possibility of accessing all the services and restaurants of this small island town.
10) Bastion of Saint Remy, Cagliari
Overlooking the city is the ancient area of Castello, a fortified medieval hilltop neighborhood situated uphill from the rest of the city. Also really important are the historical neighborhoods of Stampace (area of bourgeois and merchant), the Marina (area of fishermen and sailors) and Villanova (area of shepherds and farmers). The Bastion of Saint Remy is one of the symbols of the city, situated in the area of Castello, from its terrace you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the underlying charming marina. Among the attractions: the Cathedral of Cagliari of the XIII century, the National Archaeological Museum which exhibits artefacts from the Nuragic Age to the Byzantine era, Roman ceramics and also you can’t miss The Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria. Among the archaeological sites worthy of note are the Roman Amphitheater and finally the Poetto, the beach of the city that stretches for about 8 kilometers, starting from the panoramic promontory of La Sella del Diavolo.
Where to sleep?
- La Villa del Mare , Lungomare Poetto
Villa del Mare faces Poetto beach, boasts the salty tang of the sea and a panoramic view of Golfo degli Angeli. The beach is popular all the year round, fully equipped for a morning stay and perfect for a walk in the evening with background live music from the historical kiosks.
- T Hotel **** s , Cagliari
Situated in a central area, not far from the historic centre, the Thotel is the ideal venue for guests seeking a modern, comfortable ambience, a spa, an excellent restaurant and with all the city’s main attractions accessible either on foot or with a short car trip.
- Palazzo Doglio *****, Cagliari
Luxury hotel in the heart of Cagliari, very close to the historic centre and a few km from Poetto beach. Recommended for business or leisure stays, it combines the functionality of a business hotel with the comfort of a city holiday, thanks to its location and the services offered.
