Caribbean-clear coves, ancient nuraghe towers and a cuisine all its own.
Sardinia is Italy’s wild island: pale-sand beaches and turquoise water, granite mountains, Bronze Age stone towers and hill villages with strong traditions. It rewards a hire car and a slow pace.
Sardinia is large and public transport is limited. A hire car helps, and the north-east, south and west coasts are several hours apart.
Approximate per person per day, including a share of a twin room, and excluding flights. Not live prices.
North-east coast
A national park of granite islands with pink-tinged beaches and very clear water, best seen by boat.
Boat trips run daily in season
Alghero
A walled seaside town with a Catalan flavour, pale-stone ramparts and coral jewellery shops.
Streets open all day
Capo Caccia
A huge sea cave of stalactites near Capo Caccia, reached by boat or by a long stairway down the cliff.
Daily; weather dependent
Cagliari
The medieval hilltop heart of the capital, with ramparts, towers, a cathedral and viewpoints over the port.
Streets open all day
Baunei
A tiny pebble cove below a natural limestone arch, reached on a steep walk, with very limited visitor numbers.
Seasonal; limited places per day
Orgosolo
A mountain village covered in political and cultural murals, a fascinating glimpse of the island’s heartland.
Open all day
Bosa
A colourful town of pastel houses beneath a hilltop castle, on the island’s only navigable river.
Open all day
Well reviewed and fairly priced for what you get: not simply the cheapest.
Cagliari, Sardinia
Rated 8.5/10, about 28% below typical 4★ prices in Sardinia, right by the beach.
Alghero, Sardinia
Rated 8.9/10, priced in line with similar 3★ hotels in Sardinia, in a central location.
Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
Rated 8.8/10, priced above typical 4★ hotels in Sardinia, for a higher-end stay, right by the beach.
One of Italy’s largest covered food markets, with seafood, cheese, cured meats and Sardinian specialities.
Known for: Fresh seafood, pecorino, bottarga
Under about £16 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A long-running family trattoria serving simple, fresh seafood in a traditional setting.
Known for: Seafood dishes
About £16–30 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A refined restaurant in a historic building, serving Sardinian dishes with a creative touch.
Known for: Sardinian cuisine
About £30–55 per person
Good for Couples · Groups
Sardinia · Highlights
A balanced first-visit plan built from our Sardinia picks: the headline sights, a local favourite or two and time to breathe.
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