Top 10: What to Do in Sardinia + Tips & Tricks

One of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands, Sardinia offers stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and a unique cultural heritage and history. From idyllic coastal landscapes and charming villages to ancient archaeological wonders and mouthwatering local dishes, there’s something for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another Sardinian adventure, we’ve got you covered with this handy list outlining the top things to do during your visit to Sardinia!

Five Facts About Sardinia

Before we jump into our recommendations, here are some quick facts about Sardinia:

• Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily.
• Sardinian, the island’s native language, has around 1.2 million speakers.
• The currency is the euro.
• It’s one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives.
• Asinara Island is home to wild albino donkeys.

1. Hike to the Sella del Diavolo

Near Cagliari, adventurous travelers can hike to the Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle), a natural promontory steeped in legend. The story goes that Lucifer was cast from heaven after battling angels here. Along the trails, you’ll find ancient ruins like the Temple of Astarte and a WWII fort. Plus, the panoramic views over the Gulf of Cagliari make the trek well worth the effort. If you fancy embarking on this adventure, join this Cagliari Sella del Diavolo guided hiking tour. You won’t regret it!

2. Visit a Farm in Dorgali

Along with its beautiful beaches and hiking trails, Sardinia’s countryside offers a glimpse into the island’s deep-rooted rural traditions. Sardinia is famous for its high-quality local products, especially cheese, which reflects the island’s predominantly small-scale agriculture and livestock farming. If you’re curious about the island’s agricultural practices, you can visit a traditional farm in Dorgali. During this authentic experience of the island’s pastoral lifestyle, you’ll get to see first-hand how Pecorino cheese is made, help with shepherding tasks, and even taste the freshest produce!

3. Discover the Island’s Cuisine

So, what are the products of Sardinia’s rich farming culture? As we mentioned, Sardinian cuisine is a rich reflection of the island’s diverse landscapes and centuries-old history, shaped by its agricultural traditions and maritime resources. The cuisine is distinctively split between food from the land—like meats, cheeses, and hearty grains—and food from the sea, drawing on the island’s long coastline. This blend of influences from other Mediterranean cultures has enriched Sardinia’s culinary heritage while maintaining a strong sense of identity. Did you know that it’s also a key part of the Mediterranean diet, recognized by UNESCO for its health benefits?

If you’re not sure where to start or what to order, here are some must-try dishes that represent Sardinia’s cuisine:

• Porceddu: This traditional dish of roasted suckling pig is slow-cooked for hours over an open fire, resulting in tender meat with crispy skin that comes right off the bone.
• Culurgiones: Sardinian ravioli with a filling of mashed potatoes, mint, and pecorino cheese. They’re usually drizzled with olive oil or covered with a light tomato sauce.
• Seadas: Representing the sweet side of Sardinian cuisine, seadas are fried pastries filled with soft cheese and topped with honey.

The island’s wines, such as Cannonau and Vermentino, are the perfect companions to these dishes. You can experience Sardinia’s delicacies for yourself through a Cagliari food-tasting experience or delve into the wine culture with an Argiolas Winery trip.

4. Learn About the Nuragic Civilization at Su Nuraxi

For history buffs, a visit to the Su Nuraxi archaeological site in Barumini is a must! This UNESCO-listed site offers a deep dive into the Bronze Age Nuragic civilization, with impressive megalithic towers and circular dwellings that date back thousands of years. At the site, you can take guided tours that explain the importance of this ancient culture, giving you insight into the island’s early inhabitants. If you’re staying in Cagliari, you can take this day trip to Su Nuraxi of Barumini.

If you want to learn even more about the Nuragic civilization, visit the ancient city of Tharros, on Sardinia’s west coast. Another remarkable archaeological site, it also showcases the Nuragic civilization’s influence, with stone towers (nuraghi) dating back to 1500 BC. Here, you can explore the ruins, which also include Roman remains, while taking in the stunning coastal views—a fascinating journey through the island’s prehistoric and ancient history.

5. Take Part in Traditional Festivals

If you want to truly dive into Sardinia’s culture, the best thing you can do it visit during one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year. Sardinia’s festivals are a vibrant window into the island’s rich history and cultural identity, with many events dating back centuries. These celebrations often combine religious devotion with local traditions, showcasing the island’s craftsmanship, especially in the intricate costumes and jewelry worn by women during the events.

One of the most interesting festivals is Sartiglia, held during Carnival in Oristano, where riders in medieval attire perform impressive equestrian stunts. In July, the Fish Festival celebrates Sardinia’s coastal bounty, while August brings the renowned International Jazz Festival, a highlight for music lovers. Put it this way, no matter what interest you have, there is probably a festival for it in Sardinia!

6. Go Canyoning at the Codula Fuili Canyon

One of Sardinia’s natural highlights is the dramatic Codula Fuili Canyon, located near the Gulf of Orosei. If you’re an adrenaline seeker, you’re in luck because this is one of the best places to go canyoning! As you rappel down the rocky walls of this secluded gorge, you’ll see breathtaking views of the coast and Mediterranean flora. Don’t just take our word for it, see it for yourself on this Codula Fuili canyoning experience!(P.S. There’s no need to worry about prior experience or safety because you’ll do it all under the guidance of a professional climber.)

7. Explore the Magical Waters of the Gulf of Orosei

If there’s one thing that you can’t miss during your trip to Sardinia, it’s a visit to the Gulf of Orosei. With pristine beaches, rugged coves, and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place for anyone who loves water sports, boat trips, or the perfect beach day. For those who want to explore the underwater world, these waters reveal a vibrant marine world and hidden sea caves. Dive into the clear waters of Cala Gonone with this snorkeling tour to discover a whole new world of colorful fish.

Looking for more of an adrenaline rush? Go water-skiing on the Gulf of Orosei for a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Alternatively, embark on a dolphin and whale-watching boat ride to witness Sardinia’s majestic marine life up close.

8. Tour the Maddalena Archipelago

Another of Sardinia’s crown jewels is the Maddalena Archipelago, a cluster of islands within a national park. This pristine archipelago is famous for its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches, including Cala Corsara on Spargi and the iconic Pink Beach on Budelli—known for its unique color due to crushed coral fragments. The archipelago’s status as a protected area preserves its natural beauty, making it a hotspot for nature lovers.

If you want to spend a day sailing past beautiful beaches and charming coves, book this sailing tour of La Maddalena—it also includes a stop for snorkeling!

9. Visit the Donkeys on Asinara Island

Asinara Island is a National Park known for its unique wildlife and idyllic hiking spots. Before 1998, the island had been a prison camp during WWI and also a quarantine location, but today it’s a peaceful destination for nature enthusiasts. Among the local wildlife is a population of wild albino donkeys known as the Asinara Donkey. With an estimated 120 Asinara Donkeys on the island, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled to spot them. If you want to be in with a chance of spotting one of the wild donkeys, take this off-roading day trip around the island.

10. Take a Day Trip to the Costa Smeralda

To round off your Sardinian adventure, a visit to the Costa Smeralda is a must! This glamorous region is renowned for its emerald waters, luxurious resorts, and exclusive atmosphere. At the heart of the area is Porto Cervo, a stylish hub developed by Prince Karim Aga Khan in the 1960s. While it’s a magnet for celebrities, the Costa Smeralda also offers stunning natural beauty, from hidden coves to breathtaking viewpoints. Discover the highlights of this enchanting coastline on this Costa Smeralda tour.

How Many Days Is Enough for Sardinia?

For a well-rounded trip to Sardinia, 7 to 10 days is perfect. This allows you to explore the main highlights such as the beaches, archaeological sites, and local cuisine, while also giving you time to try out more off-the-beaten-path experiences like spotting the albino donkeys on Asinara Island or visiting Su Nuraxi. If you’re short on time, you’ll have enough time to see key attractions over 4 to 5 days if you make a solid and concise plan.

How to Get Around Sardinia?

Renting a car is the most convenient option for making the most of your trip to Sardinia. That way you can explore remote beaches, small villages, and rural areas at your own pace. Alternatively, you can use public transport for travel between major towns, though keep in mind that it’s less efficient in more remote regions. You can hop on ferries to visit the smaller islands, and bikes and scooters are great for shorter distances in tourist hotspots.

So there you have it, our top recommendations for what to do in Sardinia. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or just looking to relax on a paradisiacal beach, Sardinia has something for everyone. If you want to find even more inspiration, be sure to check out our range of experiences and activities to make your Sardinian adventure unforgettable! Adiosu!