Authentic places in Sardinia

I'm planning a trip to Sardinia in May 2025, visiting historical sites and the deep countryside: what are the most authentic places?

Hi there, regarding your post, I can't answer it since I've never set foot in Sardinia! However, I'm also planning a 13-day trip to Sardinia from April 27 to May 9. After gathering various bits of info, I've put together my itinerary, and I can definitely share it with you. We'll see if our info overlaps. Personally, I love beaches, but not only that, which is why I've included quite a few visits to towns and villages. I should also mention that I've rented two agriturismos—one in the south and one in the north—to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. I arrive and depart from Cagliari Airport (which was a mistake—I should have left from Olbia).

Here’s my itinerary:

Day 1: Late arrival in Cagliari Day 2: Visit Cagliari and its surroundings, Molentargius Park, Poetto Beach, and Sella del Diavolo Day 3: Visit the island of San Pietro and Carloforte Day 4: Visit the Su Nuraxi site and San Gavino Monreale Day 5: Visit Iglesias and the San Giovanni Cave Day 6: Beaches near Villasimius, Spiaggia di Porto Giunco Day 7: Drive to our northern agriturismo, passing through Oristano and the village of Bosa Day 8: Nuraghe San Antine, Ozieri Day 9: Visit Alghero and Neptune’s Grotto Day 10: Stintino Gulf and Asinara Park Day 11: Visit Tiscali or Sassari Day 12: Maddalena Archipelago and Caprera Island by boat Day 13: Return trip to Cagliari Airport

It’s definitely a lot of kilometers—Sardinia is big—but how else can you see so many sites!? Maybe see you on the roads of Sardinia soon.

Hi Jean François, I did pretty much the same itinerary as you over three 10-day trips. The road between Cagliari and Alghero is good, but it’s a lot of kilometers!!! For example, visiting Alghero and Neptune’s Grotto on the same day is a shame. Alghero deserves way better than that.

It all depends on how much time you want to spend. For me, the most beautiful region is the northwest, with Alghero, Bosa, Sassari, and Castelsardo. Gorgeous towns, stunning beaches, and Nuraghes.......

Thanks for your insightful feedback! Regarding Alghero, I’m not visiting from Cagliari but from a village near Sassari, which cuts down the kilometers considerably. Same for the Maddalena archipelago.

Thanks for your reply—I forgot to check the site, I’d gotten out of the habit! My plans are coming together and overlap a bit with yours. We’re two couples mainly interested in the Nuragic civilization, which really intrigues us. We’re leaving from May 1st to the 20th. I’ve picked three places to stay: a traditional Sardinian house near Su Nuraxi, a boat in Cagliari’s port, and an agriturismo near Alghero. So I’ve ruled out the entire east coast, as well as La Maddalena and Asinara. I’m still hesitating though—maybe it’s a shame not to venture into the mountainous heart of the island.

Anyway, I think it’ll be a great trip! Brigitte

You won’t miss much by skipping the east coast. Between the ultra-trendy ports in the north and the string of all-inclusive hotels in the south, there’s not much left.

Thanks! Have a great weekend!

Thanks for your reply—I forgot to check the site, I’d lost the habit! My plans are coming along and overlap a bit with yours. We’re two couples especially interested in the Nuragic civilization, which really intrigues us. We’re going from May 1st to the 20th. I’ve picked three places to stay: a traditional Sardinian house near Su Nuraxi, a boat in Cagliari’s port, and an agriturismo near Alghero. So I’ve ruled out the entire east coast, as well as La Maddalena and Asinara. I’m still hesitating—maybe it’s a shame not to venture into the mountainous heart of the island. Anyway, I think it’ll be a great trip! Brigitte

Hi Brigitte! I’m planning a trip to Sardinia in early May 2026 and was wondering what the weather was like for you? Should I pack fleeces, rain jackets, etc.? It’s an island, so the weather can be pretty changeable, but since it’s in the Mediterranean... Thanks for your feedback! Claudie