Cagliari, Sardinia

The city of Alghero is on the northwest coast of Sardinia. Encircled by ancient walls and known for its cobblestoned historic centre, Alghero is a charming old Catalan town with wonderful views over the bay to the dramatic cliffs at Capo Caccia. There is a lovely buzz and atmosphere about the town complimented by a great array of shops, café bars and restaurants. A long white sandy beach stretches from the port and marina to Fertilia with beach cafés along the way. Points of interest include the Archaelogical Musuem located in the historic centre of the city, where you can find fascinating burials and objects placed in the tombs thousands of years ago. Don’t miss a boat trip to  Neptune Caves, a maze of stalactites and stalagmites set in the Capo Caccia promontory. Find handcrafted souvenirs in the local coral artisan shops and try the local fish-based delicacies. Stay at Hotel Carlos V & Spa with panoramic views and sunsets and well located to explore the old town and beaches.

Cannigione on the north east coast is a popular holiday destination with a port and marina. This coastal town is a great hub for taking boat trips or boat hire to visit nearby stunning beaches and La Maddalena islands. With a good choice of shops, supermarkets and weekly markets, restaurants, café bars and pizzerias, you will be spoilt for choice. Originally a fishing village, its promenade is made up of the docks of a large, modern port/marina. The town beach has grained sand leading into the bright blue sea. The seabed slopes gently, making it popular for those who like to scuba dive and snorkel. Stay at the popular Resort Cala di Falco, a good value resort suitable for families, couples and friends alike. Situated in the perfect location opposite the beach and just a short walk into town, here you can relax by the pool, stroll over the road to the beach eat in the hotel restaurant and enjoy a drink with wonderful views over the pool to the sea further beyond. 

Resort Cala di Falco, Cannigione

where are the best beaches in sardinia?

Sardinia is renowned for its world class beaches. Being an area of ultimate relaxation and bliss, you will be spoilt for choice by the selection of beaches Sardinia boasts. Separated by area, we’ve handpicked some of our personal favourite beaches we have visited over the years.

north east and costa smeralda

Golfo di Marinella has a fabulous beach near the yacht marina of Porto Rotondo, a gorgeous bay with clear waters and white fine sand. Santa Teresa is a stunning town beach of Rena Bianca and the Spiaggia dei Due Mari double bay at Capo Testa. Both have wonderful white sand and turquoise sea surrounded by fascinating rock formations. The Costa Smeralda, or 'Emerald Coast',  the most well-known area in the north east, stretches 55km with more than 80 stunning bays and coves. The famous beaches such as Capricciolo, Spiaggia di Principe and Baia Sardinia embrace the emerald colour of the sea that Sardinia is known for. 

Costa Smeralda, Northeast Sardinia

north west and alghero

Marinedda beach is located on the headland near the picturesque fishing village of Isola Rossa. The town has a few restaurants, shops and a marina set on a rocky promontory surrounded by the sea with the alluring beach being an added attraction. Alghero has the pleasure of hosting a 5km stretch of sandy beach along the Lido and Spiaggia di Bombarde and Lazzeretto beaches are near Porto Conte. Located on the north west coast of Sardinia, 80km from Alghero, Badesi Mare has a fantastic white sandy beach with water sports, sunbeds and parasols for hire, and a few beach shops and snack bars.

south sardinia

Chia is famous for its beautiful beaches, with dunes as a backdrop to the beautiful white sands and turquoise sea. Behind the beach there is a large lagoon where pink flamingos come to breed. Occasionally dolphins can even be spotted off the shore. This beach has been voted the best beach in Europe by readers of the Daily Telegraph. Relax at Chia Laguna, a popular resort located close to the beautiful bay of Chia on the southwest coast of Sardinia, with a great selection of restaurants, bars, pools and of course the wonderful beach.  Villasimius in the south east also has multiple beautiful beaches including a double bay with Spiaggia del Simius on the eastern side and Spiaggia del Riso on the other side.  Stay at Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa close to the superb bay of Timi Ama with long white sandy Porto Giunco beach and crystal clear sea.

Chia Beach, Chia Laguna Sardinia

can i take a boat trip in sardinia?

Yes! This is something we highly recommend, and an absoloute must-do when we visit Sardinia. There are many different types of boat trips, boat tours and even boat rental available across the island. Navigating Sardinia’s stunning coastline, islands and hidden coves by boat is an unforgettable way to experience its natural beauty. Embark on a dolphin-watching and snorkelling adventure to the island of Fiagarolo off the Golfo Aranci peninsular - enjoy a series of snorkelling stops, swim in clear blue waters and see the amazing marina mammals in their natural habitat.. Stay at Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites situated on a fabulous white sandy beach with Caribbean-like turquoise gently shelving sea.

A trip to go out of your way for, especially in the summer months, is a boat trip along the north east coast and out to the Maddalena Islands. Departing from Santa Teresa on the northern tip of Sardinia and from various ports along the coast to Baia Sardinia, 'Spagetti' boat trips follow a set route including stops at the Maddalena Archipelago, world famous for its crystal-clear turquoise anchorages and white sandy beaches on the uninhabited islands. Alternatively, take the ferry from Palau to La Maddalena, the largest of the islands with a thriving port and marina surrounded by café bars, restaurants and gelaterias. This small town also has a great selection of shops and interesting side streets to wander down.

For a more intimate and exclusive experience, charter a private boat for the day. Ideal for special occasions, these smaller motor cruisers or RIBS come with a skipper and host, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure. Alternatively,  rent your own Gommone (rigid inflatable and explore Sardinia by sea - you don’t need a boating licence or prior experience to rent one if the engine is 40hp or less, so this makes an excellent choice for those wishing to pack a picnic, grab a bottle of local wine and explore the gorgeous coastline and islands at their own pace. 

Our partner company 181 Travel provides tailored experiences and excursions to explore Sardinia. Whether you wish to experience boat trips to the stunning islands, go on adventurous hikes or have a taste of the local culture, 181 Travel (based in Sardinia) will help you make the most of exploring Sardinia. 

La Maddalena, Sardinia

where are the best sardinian landmarks?

One of the most well-known sites is the Nora Archaeological Site in near Pula. The ancient town of Nora was a Roman settlement and was the first Phoenician city in Sardinia.  The spectacular remains of this flourishing city can be viewed at the archaeological park of Nora with remnants of buildings intertwined with old roads, mosaics and a well-preserved theatre. The passionate and knowledgeable tour guides make learning the history of Nora extremely captivating and enjoyable. 

Explore northern Sardinia by Trenino Verde (the Green Train) and combine your tour with a cruise across Lago di Liscia on a Mississippi-style riverboat offering spectacular views of the surrounding hills. A highlight of this trip is a visit to Sardinia’s ancient olive tree at Luras, estimated to be over 4,000 years old and considered one of the oldest specimens of wild olive on the island. Also visit local medieval villages in this area such as Aggius, or take a nature hike through the nearby Valle della Luna.

In the south of the island, Bastion Saint Remy is a striking majestic building located in Cagliari, one of the symbols of the capital city. Built between 1896 and 1902, it is one of the most important forts in Sardinia. In its early years, it hosted elegant banquets during the Great War and was soon transformed into an infirmary. During World War II it housed refugees who had lost their homes due to the allied bombings. Today, it is mainly used for hosting art exhibitions and with its long and varied history.

While in Alghero, take a scenic walk along the famous golden sea walls. Built in the 16^th century, they are a highlight of the town’s historic cityscape and is one of the few Italian cities that have preserved their walls. The high towers and walls were originally built as a defence for the town, overseeing several battles. Today, these ancient walls provide a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea – especially in the evening at sunset. This is fantastic accessible way to exploring the outskirts of Alghero old town, along with restaurants, cafés and bars that line the seafront.  Located on the Coral Riviera, Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa was once a residence of the Italian royal family, who came to the villa for their holiday's in Sardinia until the 1940's. It was built about 1880 then in the 1920's was restructured to vaguely resemble a medieval castle and in 1961 the villa became an exclusive hotel.

Alghero, Sardinia

Author: Sebrena Hough - Admin / Ops Assistant

I joined the Just Sardinia Administration team recently in July 2024. This is my first role in the travel industry, and I am looking forward to learning about the different cultures, lifestyles and of course visiting Sardinia! I enjoy warm stunning beaches and excellent food, and I can’t wait to experience it all for the first time. I am excited to be working with such a dedicated and passionate team, and to see what the future holds. It’s an honour to be a part of making someone’s dream holiday come true!