Plan Your Trip to Sardinia: Best of Sardinia Tourism
Sardinia, Italy
Essential Sardinia
Things to do
How to do Sardinia in 7 days
Where to live like a local in Cagliari
Caffe Libarium Nostrum(842)In the heart of the Castello District, Caffè Libarium Nostrum (we just call it Libarium) has a prime location atop the Bastione di Santa Croce. This spot’s spacious terrace offers one of the most romantic sunset views in the city, best enjoyed with a glass of Prosecco. Gaze past the colorful houses of the Stampace District below to the Sette Fratelli Mountains in the distance.
Forte di Sant'Elia(12)Also known as Fortino di Sant'Ignazio, Forte di Sant'Elia was built in the 18th century to protect the city from attacks by sea. Not much of the original structure remains, but locals love walking and biking here. Take Bus 6 from the center of Cagliari and get off at Borgo Sant'Elia. Stop at the lighthouse—where you'll also find an Aragonese watchtower—for views of Calamosca Beach. From there, it's a 20-minute walk to the fort.
Framento(997)One of the best pizzerie in Italy, easygoing Framento offers mouthwatering pies using seasonal ingredients. The regular clientele—couples, families with children, and groups of friends—drops by to enjoy a giropizza, which literally means rounds of pizzas shared by the table. There's an excellent range of craft beers, including my personal favorite, called Nibari. For dessert there’s a fabulous mousse called Chiaramello, named after the chef's sister, Chiara.
Parco Naturale Molentargius-Saline(586)Flamingos have been nesting in Cagliari for a few decades now, and Parco Naturale Molentargius Saline is a prime spot to admire them and many other species of birds. You’ll see avid bird watchers with long lenses trying to capture the perfect shot, along with locals going for a run or taking their kids on a bike ride. To get here, take Bus P from Piazza Matteotti and get off at Ospedale Marino.
Poetto(3,795)La Spiaggia dei Centomila—what locals call Poetto Beach—isn't just a great spot to go for a swim. There are plenty of places where you can rent a lounge chair, order a drink, or even enjoy a meal. (Le Palmette Beach Club is a favorite of ours.) Fancy a bit of exercise? The biking and running trail has markers every 100 meters, so you'll know exactly how far you go.
Sella del Diavolo(123)For unparalleled views of Poetto Beach and Molentargius Nature Reserve, follow the hiking trail to the promontory at Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle). It will take you roughly 45 minutes to reach the viewpoint from the trailhead, located behind Hotel Calamosca in Calamosca Beach. You can get there by Bus 6 from the center of Cagliari. In summer, boat tours offer great snorkeling off Sella del Diavolo.
Sabores Bottega e Cucina(941)Once a tiny bar focusing on natural wines, Sabores has gotten bigger as it’s gotten more popular. But this spot in the heart of the Marina District hasn't lost any of its coziness, and the food and service remain impeccable. Go there for the best Sardinian, Italian, and international natural wines and for the excellent charcuterie boards. The owner will help you pair food with your wine, which you can order by the glass or bottle.
San Benedetto Market(558)Exotic, chaotic, and at times overwhelming, San Benedetto is the main market in Cagliari, located at its very heart. This is the place to buy freshly caught fish and just-picked fruits and vegetables. There's an extensive cheese and bread section, too. The vendors are happy to offer you a taste. Visit the market to stock up on groceries or simply browse among the many stalls and spy on the locals' buying habits.
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Sardinia travel advice
Beach Preferences
According to forum posts, San Teodoro and Cannigione are popular beach destinations in Sardinia. San Teodoro is recommended for its youthful vibe, ideal for young travelers such as a 17-year-old girl on a mother-daughter trip. Meanwhile, Cannigione is appreciated for being more of a real town rather than just a tourist resort, offering an authentic local atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Options
For those traveling with children, such as an 18-month-old, travelers have called out the need for a town with accessible amenities and a pleasant local community. While San Teodoro was initially considered, it was ultimately set aside due to its predominantly touristy nature. Cannigione was suggested as an alternative that might suit family needs better due to its less tourist-centric environment.
Car-Free Accessibility
Some travelers said that Alghero, Palau/La Maddalena, or San Teodoro are suitable destinations for visitors without a car. These areas offer beautiful beaches and are accessible depending on the airport used for arrival in Sardinia.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Beach and Swimming
According to forum posts, many families enjoy Sardinia's beaches, which are suitable for leisurely activities like swimming. The warm and shallow waters are particularly appealing for children to play safely.
Agrotourism and Farm Stays
Some travelers have mentioned that agrotourism is a popular family-friendly activity in Sardinia. Families can stay on farms, which often have animals, allowing children to experience and participate in farm life.
Hiking and Sailing Tours
For families interested in more adventurous activities, hiking or sailing tours around Sardinia are recommended. The Ogliastra area, in particular, has been called out for its suitability for such activities.
Historical and Cultural Exploration
Travelers have called out the opportunity for families to explore Sardinian towns and cities, enjoying local culture and historical sites, which offer a mix of relaxation and sightseeing suitable for all ages.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Bus Services
According to forum posts, Sardinia has a public bus system operated by ARST. Routes such as #601 are popular among tourists for traveling within the region. Additionally, there are direct buses available from Olbia airport to downtown Alghero, costing around 25 Euros per person.
Train Services
Some travelers mentioned that train services are available for routes such as from Cagliari to Alghero. However, specifics about the pricing and schedules were not detailed in the posts.
Mobile Applications
For many users, mobile applications like Google Maps are recommended for navigating bus and train lines, schedules, and prices in Sardinia, especially for those who do not understand Italian.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Traditional Events and Cuisine
According to forum posts, Sardinian culture varies notably across different regions. For example, Alghero has a strong Catalan influence, evident in its traditional singing and dancing, which differs from the more typical Sardinian cultural expressions found in the eastern and southern parts of the island.
Cultural Festivals
Some travelers highlighted the Festa di San Simplicio in Olbia, a significant event showcasing traditional music, dance, and attire. This festival is particularly vibrant and is an excellent display of local Sardinian culture, attracting many visitors interested in experiencing authentic regional traditions.
Food Diversity
Travelers have called out that despite Sardinia being known for its Italian cuisine, the island offers a diverse range of food options influenced by various cultures, including Spanish and North African. This culinary diversity is a testament to Sardinia’s rich cultural tapestry, shaped by various Mediterranean influences over the centuries.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Beach Visits
According to forum posts, many travelers recommend visiting Poetto Beach, which is easily accessible by bus throughout the year. This beach is a favorite among visitors for its accessibility and scenic views.
Historic and Cultural Exploration
Travelers have called out the Marina historic quarter and Corso Vittorio Emanuele as great spots for exploring local culture and enjoying a variety of restaurants. These areas are noted for their vibrant atmosphere and historical significance.
Nature and Parks
For those interested in nature, the Molentargius Nature Reserve is a popular destination. Forum users suggest that it's a fantastic place for families, offering sights of flamingos and other wildlife. Additionally, public parks like Monte Claro and Monte Urpinu are highlighted for having playgrounds, making them ideal for visitors with children.
Boat Excursions
Some travelers said that taking a boat excursion from the port of Cagliari is a worthwhile activity. Although not ideal for long-distance sightseeing, these tours offer a pleasant experience around the bay.
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- Sardinia is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Sardinia: