Sardinia is reputed to be one of Italy’s premier holiday destinations and for plenty of reasons. Its white-laced coastlines frame miles of natural scenic landscape, and its history is as intriguing as the island is lovely. In summer, this beautiful Italian island in the Mediterranean gleams and invites folks not only from the country but also thousands of wanderers from all over the world. If you’re wondering what the fuzz is all about, here are great reasons why Sardinia should be your next summer travel getaway.
Just like the rest of the Italian and Roman regions, summer officially enters Sardinia on June 21 and exits in September 23. Its beautiful Mediterranean climate offers summer months that can last for half a year, which means you can visit between May and October and find adequate climate for go on wild summer adventures.
The temperature can go up to 28.5 degrees Celsius around July and August, perfect for a sunbath and not too hot to soak up. The atmosphere is lovely, with the mirroring sky and sea in full glory. Do not forget to pack up your summer essentials - light summer clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and eye protectors.
Although less known than its neighboring island, Sicily, the island of Sardinia is famous especially among European locals. Thousands flock to the island come summertime to enjoy its pristine beauty that just happens to span the entirety of the island. From the breathtaking coasts to the serene inlands, the island Sardinia comes in a pocketful of surprises. One day isn’t enough to experience it all. Every visit has its own charm.
It’s pretty hard to select only a handful of destinations in Sardinia so we’re being very specific in this list. The following recommendation are for tourists and travelers who want to make the best out of their summertime visit.
Costa Paradiso
Image Source: TravelBird
Stretching from Santa Teresa di Gallura to the small town of Castelsardo, Costa Paradiso lives up to its name a piece of paradise on earth. It's located on the northern coast of Sardinia and is made of distinctive inlets that made it popular among people who have set foot on its magical sands. The majestic rock formations form a beautiful contrast against the stark blue sea which are also favorite spots for snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing.
Another beautiful stretch of coastal paradise, on the northeast of the island is Costa Smeralda, wildly popular for its turquoise waters and fine white sands. Anybody who's been to the area will tell you to visit the Grande Pevero and Capriccioli beaches which will wipe out all your trip's stress and exhuastion upon sight. Many luxury hotels and private resorts are located in its main town, Porto Cervo and sites like the Stella Maris Church and the ancient burial site of Giganti Moru are also recommended detours.
Image Source: Sardinian Beaches
The commune of Villasimius in the Sardinian Province of Cagliari is located on the southeastern part of the island. A small village, it's about 50 minutes drive from Cagliari. Here, you can find the Marine Protected Area Capo Carbonara which has barracuda, seagrass meadows, and a vibrant sealife popular among divers. If you're not trained in diving or have too little time to learn, just snorkel away and you will not be disappointed. With Porto Giunco as your starting point, you can proceed to the Sentiero delle Cave path that leads to a watchtower established as far back as the 16th century. From here, you have an unparalleled view of the whole coast. You can also visit the medieval fortress in the west and of course, take a dip in its famous white sand beaches.
Of course, the landscapes and views are not the sole reason why 60,000 visitors come to the island every month. It is also home to famous Italian cooking and a vivacious night scene.
Image Source: TripAdvisor
If you’re looking for a more adventurous and authentic way to enjoy your Sardinian summer, try Agriturismo. It’s basically a combination of the word “agriculture” and “tourism” and is a way by the local Italian governments to promote the beauty of pastoral and agricultural life. In other words, a farm stay. There are accommodations suitable for individuals, couples, and families where you get to interact with farm animals or take part in some activities in the farm whether that be harvesting or feeding the livestock.
There are various types of accommodations, some of which also provide luxury benefits such as a pool and other upscale amenities.
Image Source: Ancient Origins
The coastal marvel of Sardinia is too pretty that it’s hard to take your eyes away from them. Often, we forget that the inland territory harbors great history and promise unique discoveries as well. Such are the ancient ruins of the Nuragic Civilization located in various locations within the island.
Between 1800 and 238 AC, the Nuragic people settled in the island of Sardinia. For reference, that’s roughly the same time when King Tut ruled Egypt, and the Greeks were developing democracy. That’s pretty far way back. These Nuragic people were builders and in fact, they built the magnificent structures that we still see today. These structures are called the nuraghe, and are hundreds of giant heaps of stones that still baffle historians to this day as to its use. These heaps look like what you’d probably say as quintessential strongholds, though they have a problem with that theory too. Some suggest that these mysterious structures could be religious in origin and function.
Today, you can walk among them and see the beauty of ancient architecture on your own.
Image Source: Voleiro Dovosesto
We can’t stress enough just how beautiful the beaches are in Sardinia. Perhaps you can find one and decide this is the best one yet, until you get to the next. Such are the ones you can find in Golfo di Orosei, located on the central east coast of the island. The beaches here are impressive and awe-inducing and even that is an understatement. Those who come here are often left without words upon witnessing the blue-green clear waters, and the fine, fine sands. The stretch of coasts are the stuff of un-filtered instagram photos and truly a relaxing retreat from the skyscraper paradise we are more familiar with.
If you want to see them all, it’s best to charter your own boat and beach hop, from the Oasi Biderosa to Cala Liberotto & Cala Ginepro, the beautiful Calas Goloritze and Mariolu, and the sand-and-pebble beach of Cala Bariola.
Image Source: Tours of Sardinia
There’s Italian cooking, and then there’s Sardinian cooking, an entire league of its own. The secret to unique Sardinian cuisine? The fresh produce they use in their ingredients. The food are fresh from the farms, and the wines are of the unbeatable variety in the region. The Sardinians have been growing and making their own wine since the 16th century. Back then, the island was dubbed by outsiders as insula vini or wine island. That tells you a lot about Sardinia’s reputation as a premier wine producer in the region.
Wine tasting tours are popular among tourists in the island. Vineyard trips will be a delight to those know their wines, not to mention picturesque too!
Gastronomy in Sardinia is like discovering Italy anew. It has so many unique flavors and culinary savories that it’s impossible not to reconfigure your biases of Italian cooking. When in Sardinia, don’t forget to try their pane carasau, a specific kind of bread unique in the Island, as well as their very own Pasta Dura. If you’re a cheese lover, the Pecorino and Fiore Sardo. Never miss Sardinia cured meats, the Malloreddus alla Campidanese, Fregola, Culurgiones, and the spectacular diversity of Mediterranean seafood from the bounty of their seas. From their meat dishes to dessert sweets, cuisine is unquestionably one of the best things to discover in Sardinia.
Image Source: Chasing the Unexpected
When Sardinian weather is in sunny mode is the best time to explore some of its best hidden secrets, such as the murals of Orgosolo. These graphic arts are famous not just for its unique history, but also for its challenging location. Only the most curious and determined tourists are able to take a detour from their Sardinian itinerary to make it to this remote Sardinian place, a revelation after 1,000-metre-high mountains, winding by olive trees, ancient dry-stone walls, and towering high cliffs.
Orgosolo’s remoteness made it a favorite resort of outlaws back in the day where many seek refuge to elude authorities. This inspired its reputation for villainy. The opening of roads and the increasing tourism in the place perhaps kindled change but really, the locals are lovely people. In fact, hospitality is warm and you can easily find people who are willing to tell you all about their Orgosolo.
The murals were started by Francesco Del Casino who was a local art teacher in the 70s and 80s. He worked with local disadvantaged kids to start a trend which eventually became the very reasons that hauled tourists in. The murals are pictures of various social issues, from demonstrations of social injustices around the world to simple displays of local Sardinian life. Taking a photo here would not only be Instagram worthy but one that you’d most likely equate to as a unique souvenir from this truly unique place in the world.
Image Source: Sardegna Turismo
The Isola dell'Asinara is the former site of a maximum security prison. But the island of Asinara is no longer for the outlaws. It does not have an important residential settlement either. Instead, it contains the National Park of Asinara, which protects a very special constitution - a group of small, white donkeys.
You’ve heard that right. There are no people around - just donkeys. What makes it even more special is the fact that they (the people) are not totally sure of their (the donkeys') origins. It is however said that they have been introduced to the island by just a pair of common lineage thousands of years ago. Today, they thrive, and graze on the roughest rocky areas. They’ve also become a source of curiosity to visiting tourists and still, even locals.
Image Source: blog.ilgiornale.it
Another special mention to our beach list in Sardinia is the town of Chia, also called Baia di Chia. This stunning piece of paradise is located on the southern shores of the island and is known for its great pristine waters, fine dunes, paired with the great summer weather. The sand is almost peach and the duns are dotted with juniper trees. Just behind the beach, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot flamingos who occasionally come to this part of the island to breed. If you want a panoramic view of the coastal stretch, head to the Torre di Chia. You may have to do a bit of walking but the view at the top is all worth it.
Chia is a frequented spot for watersports enthusiasts. You can find all sorts of water activities from kite surfing to windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling and sailing. You can also paddleboat, scuba dive, and surf. If you’re looking for outdoorsy stuff to do around the area, Chia is a lovely choice.
Image Source: Caza Viajes
Paradise is always worth the effort. Some adrenaline junkies thirst for these kinds of adventures. And when in Sardinia, the lovely spot of Cala Goloritze is sweated and walked to. It’s a tiny beach that epitomizes all definitions of beauty, located at the base of a deep ravine and unreachable by boat or car. That means only the most determined souls get to enjoy this stunning piece of Eden. If you’re up for the challenge, the beach is accessible by foot and is worth more than an hour’s walk. Coming back may take you longer given you’ve probably exhausted yourself swimming. Bring your swimming essentials and snorkel gear.
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