The best places in Sardinia offer a world of adventure and beauty. This Italian island has it all – from rugged coastlines and clear blue waters to rich history and welcoming villages. In October, we set off on a two-week road trip, taking a ferry from Livorno to Olbia. Using Cagliari as our base for the first week, we explored hidden beaches, charming towns, and incredible food spots that made Sardinia feel truly special. After our week in the south, we headed north for the second week, uncovering even more amazing places along the way.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our favorite spots across the island – must-sees, where we stayed, plant-based food finds, and tips on getting around. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly beaches or authentic Sardinian meals, we hope our journey inspires your own unforgettable trip to Sardinia.
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Quick Peek
Fact-sheet about our Sardinia trip for our busy travelers.
Travel Time
Early October
Travel Mode
Journey
Our Must-Sees
Spiaggia di Porto Pino, Cagliari region
Where to stay
Residence Mar Mediterraneo
Plant-Based Food
Osteria del Corso (Olbia), Gintilla (Cagliari)
Mobility
Ferry, Car
Travel Budget
around €2.385
without air /ferry fare
Our Favorites: Best Places in Sardinia You’ll Love
We may have only had 14 days, but we made the most of it by circling this gorgeous island a few times (it’s not that big, after all!). Here are our absolute must-see spots that made our trip unforgettable:
Cagliari
We stayed in Cagliari for the first week of our Sardinian adventure, and it was the perfect base for exploring the south of the island. From here, we took several day trips to nearby beaches and towns, enjoying the beauty of each place. Every evening, we loved strolling through the narrow, winding alleyways, soaking in the true Italian feel of the city. There’s something special about walking these streets as the sun sets, with cozy cafes, lively squares, and the smell of Italian food filling the air. Cagliari offered a wonderful mix of city life and beach vibes, and it was the ideal place to start our trip.
Spiaggia di Porto Pino
Spiaggia di Porto Pino is one of the best places in Sardinia, located on the island’s southwestern coast. This beach is famous for its soft, white sand and crystal-clear blue waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. What makes Porto Pino especially unique are its scenic sand dunes, some reaching up to 30 meters high, creating a beautiful landscape perfect for relaxing and exploring. The beach is also surrounded by pine forests, adding to its peaceful, natural vibe.
From Cagliari, Porto Pino is about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive. The route is scenic and enjoyable, making it an ideal day trip from the city. Whether you’re looking to swim, sunbathe, or simply take in the stunning views, Porto Pino is a fantastic spot to experience Sardinia’s natural beauty.
Spiaggia di Su Portu
One of the best places in Sardinia for a day trip from Cagliari was Spiaggia di Su Portu, a beautiful beach close to Chia. It took about 45 minutes to reach by car, and it was absolutely worth it! This beach is quiet and uncrowded, with soft sand and clear blue water – perfect for families or anyone looking to relax. The historic Torre di Chia, an old watchtower on the nearby hill, adds a unique touch to the scenery. We could easily spend hours here, soaking up the peaceful vibe and stunning views.
Olbia
For our second week in Sardinia, Olbia became our home base, and it was the perfect spot to explore the northern part of the island. This lively town combines the charm of old Italian streets with easy access to some of Sardinia’s best beaches and attractions. Olbia has a relaxed vibe, with cozy cafes, local restaurants, and vibrant piazzas where you can soak up the local culture.
From Olbia, we took day trips to nearby highlights, including the famous Costa Smeralda with its stunning beaches like Grande Pevero. The central location made it easy to explore the area, from scenic coastal spots to historic sites. Each evening, we returned to Olbia, where we loved walking through its streets, discovering new places, and enjoying the friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Grande Pevero Beach
Grande Pevero is one of the best places in Sardinia along the famous Costa Smeralda. With its soft white sand and clear, shallow waters, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery. The beach is framed by gentle hills dotted with Mediterranean vegetation, giving it a natural, peaceful vibe, even though it’s a popular spot.
From Olbia, Grande Pevero Beach is only about a 30-minute drive. The route is straightforward, and as you get closer, you’ll catch glimpses of the incredible coastline that makes Costa Smeralda so renowned. This beach is ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to relax in one of Sardinia’s most iconic settings.
Where We Stayed: Top Sardinia Accommodations for Every Traveler
Residence Mar Mediterraneo, Quartu Sant’Elena (near Cagliari)
For our first week, we chose to stay at Residence Mar Mediterraneo in Quartu Sant’Elena, just outside of Cagliari, one of the best places in Sardinia to base yourself for exploring the south. We opted for this location to avoid Cagliari’s challenging parking situation, and it turned out to be perfect. With a car, we could easily take day trips to nearby spots, making it an ideal location for reaching the region’s top attractions. The accommodation was simple but clean and offered excellent value for money. While it’s not a luxury stay, it provided the comfort and convenience we needed for our adventure.
Kkult Boutique Hotel, Olbia
For our second week in Olbia, we checked into the Kkult Boutique Hotel. It’s currently closed (and we hope our stay didn’t fast-track that decision), but our stay was just right. Being there in the off-season meant we had most of the place to ourselves, which made the rooftop pool feel like a nice little extra. Kkult has a modern vibe and was a super convenient base for exploring the northern part of Sardinia, especially the Costa Smeralda. Simple, stylish, and a nice spot to come back to each day – a good choice for wrapping up our Sardinian trip!
Finding Plant-Based Delights in Sardinia: Top Picks for Vegans
Staying fully vegan in Sardinia was a bit challenging at times, especially off the beaten path, but as you know us, we’re flexible! We’re always up for trying good vegetarian options too, without having to spend hours searching. We also kept it simple with self-made breakfasts at our stay in Cagliari, making mornings easy and giving us a good start before heading out for the day.
So, when it comes to the best places in Sardinia for vegan-friendly spots, we suggest:
Gintilla (Cagliari region)
Located in the heart of Cagliari, Gintilla quickly became one of our favorite finds. We all tried their lasagna with seitan ragù, and it was so delicious that we went back a second time! In fact, we found ourselves talking about it almost daily. This fully vegan restaurant offers a creative twist on Italian and Sardinian dishes, from creamy pastas to hearty salads, all beautifully prepared with local ingredients. The cozy atmosphere made it the perfect spot to relax after exploring the city.
Man.Gia (Cagliari region)
What’s Italy without pizza? Man.Gia, just a short trip from Cagliari’s center, checked all the boxes with its vegan pizza options and fresh seasonal ingredients. This place became one of our favorites on Sardinia, offering a nice selection of vegan-friendly dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
Each meal was packed with quality and local flavors, making it a memorable spot we were glad to have found so easily.
Be Free Bio (Olbia region)
This cozy cafe and health-focused restaurant in Olbia offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options made with organic ingredients. From fresh salads to delicious plant-based bowls and vegan burgers, they’ve got something for everyone. We especially enjoyed the smoothie bowls and fresh juices, which made for a perfect light lunch after a morning of exploring. The friendly staff and relaxed vibe made it an easy choice for multiple visits.
Osteria del Corso (Olbia)
A gem in Olbia, Osteria del Corso isn’t exclusively vegan, but it offers fantastic vegan and vegetarian options that highlight local flavors. We especially loved sitting outside to soak up the Italian atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed evening. Their veggie antipasti platter and pasta with seasonal vegetables (which can be made vegan on request) were delicious. With its warm, rustic vibe and focus on fresh, regional ingredients, Osteria del Corso quickly became one of our favorite dining spots in Olbia.
Navigating Sardinia: Tips for Exploring the Island
Exploring Sardinia by car was one of the best ways to see the island. It gave us the freedom to visit both popular spots and hidden gems at our own pace. To avoid the hassle of busy areas, we mostly parked outside the centers of Olbia and Cagliari. In Cagliari, we found parking near the harbor, which made it easy to explore the city on foot.
Most roads in Sardinia are well-maintained, so driving was smooth and simple. Some paths to remote beaches, though, were narrow and bumpy. For these, a 4×4 vehicle is best, especially if you want to explore the more rugged areas.
Italian driving rules are similar to those in other parts of Europe. Speed limits on highways are usually 130 km/h, while rural roads range from 50 to 90 km/h. Watch for posted signs, as speed cameras are common. In cities like Cagliari and Alghero, keep an eye out for ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones. These restricted areas limit access to historical centers to reduce traffic. To avoid fines, it’s best to park in public areas outside these zones.
Budgeting for Sardinia: Our Travel Costs Breakdown
Accomodation
Residence Mar Mediterraneo 7 nights = €560
Kkult Boutique Olbia 7 nights = €735
Food & Dining
Restaurants €590
Supermarkets €250
Total = €840
Mobility
Fuel and Parking
around €250
Activities
We enjoyed Sardinia
for free!
Total Spent
around €2.385
without air/ferry fare
Our Favorite Picture-Perfect Locations in Sardinia
Bastione di Saint Remy
GPS Coordinates: 39.2183° N, 9.1165° E
Capture panoramic views over Cagliari from the Bastione di Saint Remy, a historic landmark with impressive architecture and a stunning terrace. Perfect for sunset shots and a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Don’t miss the grand staircase leading up to this iconic spot!
San Pantaleo
GPS Coordinates: 41.0542° N, 9.4588° E
San Pantaleo is one of the best places in Sardinia for those seeking a charming village vibe in the northern hills. With cozy stone houses, narrow streets, and stunning mountain views, it combines rustic charm with cool, artsy vibes. Known for its creative community, the town is filled with galleries and local crafts – a favorite for artists and visitors alike. If you’re here on a Thursday, don’t miss the lively market, where you’ll find handmade goods, fresh produce, and an authentic taste of Sardinian culture. It’s a must-visit for relaxed exploring and some seriously Insta-worthy shots!
La Scalinata di Santa Lucia
GPS Coordinates: 40.7262° N, 8.5581° E
La Scalinata di Santa Lucia in Castelsardo is one of the best places in Sardinia for photos, thanks to its colorful staircase that winds through the old town. The bright, painted steps are lined with charming buildings and little shops, giving it a lively, unique vibe. As you walk up, you’ll catch glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea in the background, adding to the amazing view. It’s the perfect spot to snap pics that show off the charm of Sardinia’s coastal towns – a must for your feed!
Spiaggia di Porto Pino
GPS Coordinates: 38.9668° N, 8.6057° E
Discover why Spiaggia di Porto Pino is one of the best places in Sardinia. With its soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, and impressive sand dunes, this beach is perfect for relaxed days and scenic photos. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for unwinding, and arriving early helps secure parking to enjoy the peaceful beauty of this southern Sardinian gem.
Your Questions Answered: FAQ on Sardinia Travel
The best time to visit Sardinia is from May to October, when the weather is warm, and the sea is ideal for swimming. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, while May, June, September, and October offer mild weather with fewer crowds.
Sardinia enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures around 25-35°C (77-95°F). Winters are mild and rainy, especially from November to February, with temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F).
You can reach Sardinia by plane or ferry. Sardinia has three main airports (Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero) with connections from Europe. Ferries are available from Italy’s mainland ports, including Genoa, Livorno, and Naples, with major routes to Olbia, Porto Torres, and Cagliari.
While it’s possible to get around without a car, it can be challenging. A car is highly recommended to fully explore the best places in Sardinia, especially if you want to reach remote beaches and charming villages. Public transport is limited outside major towns, so having a car makes it much easier to see all the island has to offer.
Sardinia has countless stunning beaches, but some top picks are Cala Goloritzé, Spiaggia della Pelosa, Tuerredda Beach, Porto Giunco, and Grande Pevero. Each offers unique scenery, from crystal-clear waters to soft white sand.
While Italian is widely spoken, many people in tourism also speak English, especially in popular areas. Learning basic Italian phrases can be helpful, particularly in smaller villages.
Top cities include Cagliari (for its history and vibrant atmosphere), Alghero (for its Catalan influence), and Olbia (gateway to Costa Smeralda). Each offers unique charm and local culture.
Tap water is generally safe to drink, but locals often prefer bottled water. In restaurants, you may need to request tap water specifically, as bottled water is commonly served.
Yes, drones are allowed in Sardinia, and the island offers fantastic spots for aerial photography. However, be aware of restricted zones, particularly near airports, military areas, and in some national parks. Always check local regulations, and respect privacy and wildlife areas.
Sardinia is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain treks. Best places in Sardina for hiking are for example Cala Luna, Su Gorropu Gorge, and Monte Arcosu Nature Reserve. Bring plenty of water, as temperatures can rise quickly, especially in summer, and sturdy shoes for rocky paths.
Yes, Sardinia has many unique festivals. Sagra del Redentore in Nuoro (August) celebrates local traditions with parades and music, while Sant’Efisio Festival in Cagliari (May) is a colorful celebration of Sardinian culture. Festivals are a great way to experience the island’s traditions and meet locals.
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