What to See in Sardinia

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Sardinia has one site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:

Barumini ★ (1997)
This municipality in the south is home to the best-preserved megalithic site in Sardinia, Su Nuraxi, which earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The site consists of "nuraghe" towers, which are widespread in the island’s south and northwest, with over 7,000 recorded across the region.

Cities and Cultural Heritage

Alghero ★★★★
A stunning fortified medieval town on the northwest coast. It’s also popular for its beaches and the outdoor sports opportunities in the surrounding area (diving, caving, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching). There are also many megalithic structures ("nuraghe" towers) on its outskirts.

Barumini ★
This municipality in the south is home to the best-preserved megalithic site in Sardinia, Su Nuraxi, which earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The site consists of "nuraghe" towers, which are widespread in the island’s south and northwest, with over 7,000 recorded across the region.

Bosa ★★
A small coastal town south of Alghero with a beautiful old centre rich in churches and monuments. Several nearby beaches.

Budoni ★★
A stunning coastline with numerous beaches makes this village south of Olbia one of the most popular seaside resorts in Sardinia.

Cagliari ★★
The capital of Sardinia offers a charming old town and beaches nearby.

Cala Gonone ★★
A popular seaside resort on the east coast known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to the Gennargentu National Park.

Castelsardo ★
This large seaside village has a castle and an old centre in addition to its beaches. You can also see numerous megaliths in the surrounding area.

Emerald Coast ★★★
This is the tourist name for the northern coastline above Olbia, stretching for around sixty kilometres. Stunning beaches, small islands, hotel complexes, and beautiful holiday homes.

Costa Verde ★★★
This is the southwest coastline of the island with stunning beaches set against a backdrop of wild, low mountains. It’s far less crowded in season than many other spots on the Sardinian coast.

Dorgali ★
At the gateway to Gennargentu National Park, this small town lies at the heart of an area rich in megalithic sites ("Giants' Tombs") and caves.

Iglesias ★
This large town was once at the heart of a mining region. You can still visit the mines and mining villages in the surrounding area.

Nora ★
The archaeological site of a Punic and later Roman city near Cagliari.

Olbia ★
This northwestern port city is primarily a ferry hub for connections to mainland Italy and an air gateway to Sardinia.

Orgosolo ★★
This inland municipality is known for its (400) murals, often with social or political themes.

Oristano ★
A medium-sized town halfway between Alghero and Cagliari. It has a rather pretty urban centre with many religious buildings.

Porto Pino ★★
Stunning seabeds, beautiful beaches, dunes, cliffs, caves, and pine forests in this small town at the southern tip of Sardinia.

Porto Torres ★
This major ferry terminal on the northern coast is also a town with an 11th-century basilica and some interesting ancient ruins.

San Teodoro ★★
With its beaches and setting, this spot has become one of Sardinia’s top seaside resorts.

Sassari ★
The second city of Sardinia has a rather pretty old centre with many religious buildings and the remains of its fortifications. The megaliths of Mont d'Accodi are within its territory.

Stintino ★
A popular seaside resort in the north, facing the island of Asinara.

Tempio Pausania ★
A medium-sized town in northern Sardinia with a historic centre.

Tharros ★
These are the remains of an ancient Greek port city.

The Islands

Sulcis Archipelago ★★
Two islands (Sant'Antioco and San Pietro) south of Sardinia with beaches and beautiful landscapes to explore. Some ancient ruins on Sant'Antioco.

Asinara ★
This slightly mountainous island facing Porto Torres is a national park renowned for its colonies of albino donkeys.

La Maddalena ★★★
This is an archipelago of 7 islands near the northern coast, designated as a national park. It features cliffs and lovely beaches in beautiful landscapes, particularly popular with boaters.

Tavolara ★
The almost uninhabited island off Olbia is a renowned marine protected area for divers.

Natural Heritage

Cape Caccia ★★
This protected area with stunning marine landscapes, near Alghero, is home to numerous caves—both terrestrial and marine (to be explored while diving)—the most famous and visited of which is Neptune’s Grotto.

Gorroppu Gorge ★★
A canyon in the Supramonte massif near Gennargentu Park, perfect for hiking.

Gennargentu National Park ★★★★
Vast mountainous park in the east-central region, stretching from the coast to the heart of the island. Stunning landscapes of all kinds and opportunities for hiking, climbing, and even skiing.