10 places, 7 of them free and 3 tours and activities. Caribbean-clear coves, ancient nuraghe towers and a cuisine all its own.
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
Porto Cervo
A string of fine-sand coves with glassy emerald water, set against polished rock and juniper.
Open-air
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
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
Barumini
A UNESCO-listed Bronze Age stone fortress-village, the best-preserved of Sardinia’s thousands of nuraghi.
Daily; guided visits
Cagliari
The medieval hilltop heart of the capital, with ramparts, towers, a cathedral and viewpoints over the port.
Streets open all day
Cagliari
A long city beach of pale sand running along the bay, with lido bars and a seafront promenade.
Open-air
Planning Sardinia? 3 places to eat are one tap away.