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Picture impossibly clear waters, soft powder sandy beaches and towering mountains all over the place. No, you’re not dreaming, you’re just in Sardinia. Quickly becoming one of the Mediterranean’s must-visit destinations, there’s far more to this Italian island than its dreamy coastline. Historic towns are just the start when you decide to venture inland, with ancient archaeological sites ready to be explored, alongside plenty of vineyards serving home-grown wines such as Cannonau and Vermentino, the perfect pairing to the famous cuisine you can only truly experience on the island.
Costa Smeralda is one of the many glamorous places you can find around Sardinia, with the chic Porto Cervo and some of the island’s most beautiful beaches ready to enjoy.
Whether you’re planning lazy pool days or an island adventure, a villa gives you the freedom to experience Sardinia your way. Browse our Sardinian villas and start planning your getaway.
Key Takeaways
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More than a coastline:
Sardinia combines spectacular beaches and crystal-clear waters with historic towns, dramatic landscapes and distinctive local food and wine. From glamorous Costa Smeralda to adventures further inland, the island has plenty to discover, while a villa holiday gives you the freedom to explore it all at your own pace.
12 Best Things to Do in Sardinia
1. Sail Around the La Maddalena Archipelago
Scattered off Sardinia’s northeast coast, the La Maddalena Archipelago is made up of more than 60 islands and islets, surrounded by the most clear Mediterranean waters you’ll ever have the chance to see. Join a boat trip from Palau to spend the day hopping between islands such as Spargi, Budelli and Caprera, and, if you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Sardinia, be sure to bring your swimming kit for a swim or a snorkel along the way.
2. Discover the Coves of the Gulf of Orosei
The Gulf of Orosei is what you’re looking for if you’re interested in the wild side of Sardinia. With limestone cliffs, hidden coves and brilliant blue water lining the island’s eastern coast, some stretches are best appreciated from the sea, which makes a boat trip a great way to explore. Uncover beaches, stumble upon rocky coves and discover hidden gem spots along the coast from the comfort of your own boat - is there any better way to spend an afternoon?
3. Spend a Day at La Pelosa Beach
There’s plenty of things to do in Sardinia, but a real highlight is near Stintino in northwest Sardinia, where you’ll find La Pelosa, a seaside paradise that easily earns its title as one of Sardinia’s most Instagrammable beaches. Shallow turquoise water, fine white sand and views towards the distinctive Torre della Pelosa are highlights, but it truly is a lovely spot for swimming and relaxing, even with the sudden boom of tourists in the summer.
4. Explore Alghero and Neptune’s Grotto
Don’t miss out on spending the morning wandering around Alghero, where cobbled streets, medieval walls and Catalan influences give the old town plenty of character. After that, head to Capo Caccia and find Neptune’s Grotto, a sea cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and other interesting rock formations. Take your pick from a boat trip or a cliffside staircase scramble to find your way to this beautiful cave.
5. Experience Sardinia’s Capital, Cagliari
For some fun things to do in Sardinia, the lively capital is truly the place to be. Wander through the historic Castello district, visit Cagliari Cathedral, enjoy far-reaching views from the Bastione di Saint Remy or even take in a football game at the Unipol Domus, a great excuse to enjoy some Serie A football whilst you’re away. Don’t rush back after your afternoon out, as Cagliari’s restaurants are the perfect place to enjoy your evening once the sightseeing is finished.
6. Take a Road Trip to Bosa and Castelsardo
If you want to make the most of your time in Sardinia, be sure to hire a car and turn the journey itself into part of the adventure. Bosa sits beside the River Temo beneath its medieval castle and is absolutely filled with colour, while the hilltop Castelsardo has plenty of atmospheric streets to wander through and breathtaking coastal views. Make sure you leave enough time for spontaneous stops along the way, you won’t regret it!
7. Step Back in Time at Sardinia’s Ancient Nuragic Sites
Sardinia’s history stretches back thousands of years, and its mysterious stone nuraghi will take you all the way back to its prehistoric past. Perhaps the best-known example is Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site centred around an imposing Bronze Age stone complex. If you’re interested in cool rocks, fun walks, or are just looking for one of the best things to do in Sardinia, it’s well worth visiting between days on the coast!
8. Hike Through Gorropu Gorge
Swap the flip-flops for walking boots and discover another side of the island at Gorropu Gorge. Carved through the limestone of the Supramonte, the walls tower more than 500 metres high in some places. There are trekking routes of varying difficulty, but make sure to bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water and to check the weather beforehand.
9. Spot Flamingos and Sardinia’s Wildest Residents
Getting lost in Sardinia’s wildlife is one of the most fun things to do in Sardinia and the perfect way to make some holiday memories. You can find the wetlands of Molentargius near Cagliari, particularly well known for their pink flamingos. If you enjoy a bike ride or a relaxing walk, head into Sardinia’s wilder interior and you may also run into mouflon sheep, a few deer or if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few eagles soaring overhead.
10. Settle in for a Sardinian Agriturismo Feast
After working up an appetite on a hike (or from a long day of sunbathing), a meal at a traditional agriturismo is the only thing that should be on the cards. Experience the delicious side of Sardinian culture, often with several courses showcasing local produce and regional recipes. Look out for Sardinian favourites such as culurgiones stuffed pasta, porceddu roast suckling pig and local pecorino, accompanied by a glass of Cannonau or Vermentino, or two!
11. Plan a Family Adventure Away from the Beach
There’s fun for all the family and plenty of things to do around Sardinia. Easy walks, boat trips, cave diving, sunbathing, cafe-ing, swimming, relaxing - take your pick. The La Maddalena Archipelago is one of the best places for a family-friendly day out, with many beaches to choose from, with shallow water and calm swimming conditions perfect for a day by the sea.
12. Enjoy a Taste of the High Life in Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo
Sardinia’s glamorous side can be found at Costa Smeralda on the northeast coast. Porto Cervo is its polished centrepiece, home to a stylish marina, boutiques and smart restaurants. Be sure to spend a few hours browsing through all the shops you like before seeking out the area’s real stars - beautiful white-sand beaches and dazzlingly clear Mediterranean water.
Which Part of Sardinia Should You Visit?
It can be hard to choose which bit of Sardinia to visit when there’s so much to do all around the island, but one of the best things about Sardinia is the diversity, how one corner can feel completely different to the other, making it perfect for a long stay to explore it all. Whether you’re looking for glamorous coastal resorts, rugged adventures or long days on the sand, there’s always a part of Sardinia ready and waiting.
North Sardinia is the place to be if you’re looking for stylish seaside resorts and a nice, relaxing time by the sea. Make a splash in the turquoise waters, hop on a boat to visit the islands of La Maddalena, bask in the glamour of Costa Smeralda or simply catch a tan on the white sands of La Pelosa, or maybe even do a mix of it all in a slightly hectic jam packed day.
For something a little more on the wild side of the things to do in Sardinia, head to the east of the islands and find the Gulf of Orosei, which is home to cool looking coves, including Cala Goloritzé. Just inland, you’ll find the Supramonte mountains (they’re not hard to miss) and the gorgeous Gorropu Gorge, the ideal place to visit for an adventurous day out.
South Sardinia is all about the capital Cagliari, a real highlight of any trip to this side of the island. If you can look beyond the boutiques and bars, there’s fantastic beaches to be found just a stone’s throw away. You’ll also find peaceful wetlands, bright pink flamingos and plenty of other wildlife if getting lost in nature is more your thing.
Finally, in the west, you can find Alghero and Bosa which are charming little towns packed with plenty of historic charm. The Sinis Peninsula and ancient ruins of Tharros are perfect if you’re a bit of a history buff, offering a unique insight into the island’s interesting past.
Map of Sardinia
Practical Tips for Visiting Sardinia
As my dad always used to say, failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and that applies even when arranging your relaxing getaway to Sardinia. A little forward planning can take your trip to Sardinia to the next level, especially when you’re staying in a villa and have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
We can’t recommend hiring a car enough, especially when Sardinia is such a large island (the second largest in the Mediterranean!) and having your own wheels makes it much easier to discover different beaches, towns and countryside beyond what’s in your immediate vicinity. It’s also super handy for popping to the local shops for a quick bite to eat or to stock up on food for the fridge - there’s nothing worse than the long walk back with a plastic bag full of bottles of wine. Don’t forget to stock up on fresh bread, cheeses, fruit, pasta and other local goodies to enjoy back at your villa during many memorable meal times with your nearest and dearest.
Another pearl of wisdom that we’ll share for your trip and when planning things to do in Sardinia is to always book your adventures and excursions in advance, especially during the busier summer months. Prepare for well-known beaches to get quite busy, resorts to be bustling and popular restaurants to have lengthy lines, so be sure to get to the places you’re interested in early before the swarm of unprepared holidaymakers looking for a fun day out.
Don’t forget to pack comfortable footwear for your trip, especially if you’re planning to explore Sardinia on foot. With plenty of trails and towns to walk through, you’ll be sure to get lots of steps in throughout your stay, so avoid the risk of cuts and blisters by bringing something you’re fine stomping around in. Alongside that, a hat, sun cream and a refillable water bottle are always a good idea for a day out in the sun.
If you need a few more pointers before you travel, we’ve got a team full of experts who are ready to share their knowledge with you, so get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants for a little more of an insight!
Ready for Your Sardinian Getaway?
So, why not try a villa holiday for your Sardinian escape? There’s no need to follow a set schedule, so you can spend as long as you like exploring the island before returning to the comfort your own space, and when you’ve got your own private pool to make a splash in, does it really get much better?
With your own kitchen you can really make the most of Sardinia’s incredible local produce. Pick up some fresh ingredients at a local market, enjoy a home-cooked meal outside as the evening settles in and make some memories that will last a lifetime in the cool Italian island air.
Ready to start planning? Browse Solmar’s Sardinian villas and find the perfect base for your Sardinia holiday.
Sardinia Things to Do FAQs
Some of the best things to do in Sardinia involve making the most of its coastline, from swimming in clear waters to exploring quieter coves. Away from the beach, you can discover traditional towns, sample Sardinian food and visit archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into the island’s long history.
Sardinia is best known for its beautiful coastline and exceptionally clear Mediterranean waters. The island also has a strong identity of its own, reflected in everything from its traditional cuisine to its historic villages. Its relaxed pace makes it particularly appealing if you want to combine exploring with plenty of downtime.
A week is a good amount of time for a holiday in Sardinia, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed. As the island is larger than you might expect, it’s often better to concentrate on one region rather than trying to cover the whole of Sardinia in a single trip.
Hiring a car is highly recommended in Sardinia, particularly if you’re staying in a villa. It gives you much more freedom to reach beaches, towns and attractions that may be difficult to access using public transport. You can also plan days out around your own schedule rather than relying on bus or train times.
Northern Sardinia is a great choice for a first visit, especially if beaches are high on your holiday wish list. Areas around Costa Smeralda and the north-east coast combine beautiful scenery with easy access to places worth exploring by car. Southern Sardinia is another good option if you prefer a more laid-back base.
Meet the Author
Rob M.
I hadn't been abroad until 2025, but I've definitely caught the bug now. Since joining Solmar Villas in the summer of 2024, I've been on many villa holidays all over Europe, from the sunny south coast of Portugal and Spain to the incredible city of Dubrovnik. You could say I'm somewhat of an expert now!