Top 15 Things to Do in Sardinia, Italy, 2025

Sardinia is an unbelievably stunning paradise for your Italy tour, with lots of fascinations to experience. You'll marvel at breathtaking natural beauty, go for exciting water activities, and explore tradition-featuring cities and towns. Struggling to consider what to do in Sardinia? Here we have a list of top things to tick off. Make it one by one, and you'll enjoy great surprises on this heavenly island.

Explore Prehistoric Civilization at Nora & Tharros

If you're enthusiastic about history and archaeology, the rich history of Sardinia must be listed on your Italy itinerary, with many past ancient civilizations of Nuragic, Punic, Phoenician, and Roman inhabitants just filling you with a great historical feast.

Try to be in touch with the magnificent Punic columns, remarkable Roman theater, and the mosaics of Nora. In the ancient town of Tharros, you can expect a spectacular collection of remains from ancient times, with a chance to seek out a fortress, broken moat walls, residential ruins, and a scatter of necropolis. Also, you may see the most presence of artifacts like bronze statuettes and relics of the Nuragic civilization.

Discover the Charm of the Scenic Sinis Peninsula

Sinis Peninsula is a wonderful heaven characterized by brilliant beaches and lagoons, it also houses a large selection of ancient ruins like Santa Giusta Church and the Spanish Tower for captives of history to discover.

You can take a kayak tour around the Mistras Lagoon for excellent fauna viewing on the clear water. It is particularly nice to click a camera for Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Curlew, gulls, and other bird varieties. You can also soak up the breathtaking beauty of typical soft, white beaches in Sinis. Windsurf throughout the Mediterranean at Capo Mannu, take a swim at Is Arutas, or go snorkeling for the presence of an incredible marine on Malu Entu Island…Just have endless fun to savor its beach beauty.

Capo San Marco

Trekking Through Natural Monte Arcosu

Monte Arcosu, a vast nature reserve located in southern Sardinia, Italy, is a sanctuary for wildlife and a paradise for hikers. The reserve covers over 3,600 hectares of rugged terrain, dense forests, and scenic valleys. It is home to a variety of species, including the Sardinian deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species.

Trekking through Monte Arcosu offers an immersive nature experience, with trails that range from easy walks to challenging hikes. The reserve's diverse landscapes provide stunning views and the opportunity to explore Sardinia's unspoiled wilderness. Monte Arcosu's serene environment and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting Italy.

Take an Intoxicating Immersion Into Cagliari

This historic capital of Sardinia sandwiched between white limestone rocks and the blue sea, is characteristic of a thousand-year history and magical natural setting. Being an insider of Cagliari is unbeatably intoxicating.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Roman Amphitheater, the Saint Remy Bastion, and many other monumental landmarks are great selections for history lovers. Stroll along the labyrinth of winding, cobbled alleyways to seek out varied historical architecture in the Castello Quarter, catching a picturesque view of pastel-colored structures directly towards the blue sea. To experience the most Italian of Sardinia, you can hang out at the busy San Benedetto Market for fresh local produce and popular souvenirs. Turn another way at the Santa Gilla Lagoon or Poetto Beach, where you can enjoy the terrific natural pleasure of wildlife viewing and beach relaxation.

Go Island Hopping Around Sardinia

There are many big and small islands to hop to for caving and cultural learning, making island hopping a popular way to discover the beauty and fun of Sardinia. The popular regular hopping stops are Maddalena Archipelago, Carloforte, Capo Testa, and Asinara Island.

You can capture the pink-ink sandy beaches and turquoise water in Maddalena. Explore the old fishing villages with a wonderful glimpse into local traditional tuna fishing, and encounter the 9-century-old Doria castle and murals in Calasetta of Carloforte. Stay in Capo Testa to marvel at its dramatically shaped outcrop and superb sunset at the local highest point, Il Faro di Capo Testa Lighthouse. Or relax on the uninhabited Asinara Island while cycling and seeing wild albino donkeys, horses, and goats, free roaming on the grass. You just sail into them for the best fun.

Colorful Buildings of Sardinia

Enjoy Varied Water Activities in the Mediterranean

Sardinia is a big gathering of varied watersports, as well as an unbeatable paradise for thrills and spills.

Beginners can snorkel to meet moray eels, dolphins, seahorses, and many other colorful marines in Santa Teresa Gallura, while experienced divers can discover the relic of the sunken Nasello ship in the 1940s at Golfo di Orosei. If you're after more thrills, Porto Pollo is an optimal selection. You can ride a kiteboard on its western side or go windsurfing on the east because the wind blows strongly across Porto Pollo. What's more, there is a gentle way to soak up the coast of Sardinia. You can give it a try stand-up paddle-boarding in search of more serene beaches and coves with fewer footprints.

Hike Through the Gorropu Gorge

Hiking the Gorropu Gorge in the heart of Sardinia, a limestone canyon, about 1500 meters long, is amazing with its fantastic formation and vibrant ecosystem.

There are several hiking routes in the Gorropu Gorge with varying difficulty levels at different lengths and times. You can try the popular Ghenna Silana trail about 4 km long. Follow the path to find some ancient traces of primitive tribes and ancient flora of yew trees and oak forests on the way. Reaching a high point, you're treated to a majestic vista of the gorge from a distance. The Gorropu Gorge has something to offer, and hiking it is exactly a rewarding way to take advantage of its charm and a nice slice of Sardinia.

Experience a Slow Pace of Life in La Maddalena

La Maddalena is a group of seven islands suspended between Sardinia and Corsica, which is impressively large with plenty of things to do.

You can take to the island's characterful pink beaches, immersed in swimming, snorkeling for dolphin spotting, and sunbathing towards emerald waters. Try to take a full-day boat excursion and explore a scatter of hidden coves with fantastic rugged cliffs around islands. It is a rewarding way to hike the scenic routes of Parco Nazionale, you deserve a reward of panoramic views over Maddalena on a deserted lighthouse. For an authentic local experience, you can go deep into the most Italian La Maddalena village, wandering through the picturesque red-washed structures and having fun at sophisticated marinas.

Have a Day out at One of the Beautiful Beaches

Once heading into Sardinia, a never-neglected highlight must be having fun at its gorgeous beaches. The island has an enviable pride in having the world'best beaches, ranging from the western dune-flanked strings to the eastern cliff-clad, rocky bays.

For the best escape to relax, you can sunbathe on the sugary white sands and stroll along the tiny pebbles towards the glistening aquamarine water at Aruttasa on the Sinis Peninsula. Enjoy the golden rolling dunes on Spiaggia di Piscinas, or go exciting scuba diving at the ancient site of a vessel wreck. Visit the Caribbean-like cove landscapes and get into local vibrant nightlife with your family at Costa Smeralda. You can literally experience what you expect at each of Sardinia's heavenly beaches.

Spiaggia del Principe

Go for a Romantic Walk Through the Town of Bosa

Sardinia is partly loved for many characterful, picturesque villages and towns like Bosa, including San Pantaleo, Tempio Pausania, and Oristano. The exotic but striking atmosphere is perfect for a romantic stroll.

The town of Bosa is a gem among them. You might spend little time at many churches, monuments, and other historical landmarks, from the spectacular Malaspina Castle to the beautiful Church of the Immaculate Conception. Take an immersive stroll across an old bridge near the local museum. Walk along the cobbled streets and alleys, and you'll find them precisely curving through the line of the hill. You won't miss a characteristic rainbow townscape from a distance. It is a must to pass and photograph stacks of pastel-colored houses next to each other on a steep hillside.

Hit the SP71 Road From Porto Teulada to Chia

Wondering what to do in Sardinia, the coastal glamour of this island seems worth more love. Hit the coastal roads past beaches from Porto di Teulada to Chia along the SP71 is a must-try experience in Sardinia.

This road is amazing, with a 25-kilometer-long panoramic view of the south-east coastline of Sardinia. You can drive or ride a motorcycle to start your way, making a stop for scenic views of passing secluded coves with peculiar rock formations, white sandy beaches, and sparkling turquoise sea water. Don't Miss Tuerredda and Piscinnì beach and find refreshment for mind and body there. You can take a break at the Capo Spartivento lighthouse to get a breathtaking shot of the entire coastline.

Seek out the Past Nuragic by Barumini Nuraghe

For those who seek historical fascination, heading to the Nuragic complex of nuraghe at Barumini is another thing to do in Sardinia.

Make your way through the old village near the Nuraghe, and discover some excavated relics of stone-made cottages and indistinct walking paths. Visit the focus of Barumini complex, Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, the only UNESCO World Heritage site on Sardinia, which allows you to touch this largest and oldest stone nuraghe that stands three stories high. You can explore inside several chambers looking up to see the sky from the top dome. To learn more about Nuragic civilization, you can drop by Casa Zapata Museum near the Nuraghe for a remarkable display of finds and artifacts, like stone statues and musical instruments from the ancient Nuragic Age.

Nuragic Stone

Go Caving in Neptune's Grotto, Alghero

Caving is a top thing in Sardinia, one of the can't-miss experiences to explore the remarkable cave network of Sardinia. Among the most imposing is Neptune's Grotto near Alghero, proud of its impressive inside lakes and sculptural formations.

Climb down about 700 steps while feasting on towering Capo Caccia cliffs and tranquil seawater, you will reach the entrance, "Escala del Cabirol'. Venture into several candle-illuminated cathedral-like rooms inside, which are strikingly decorated with awesome saltwater lakes and karst rocks naturally carved into stalagmites, domes, trees, and other varied lifelike shapes. You can also take a boat tour, which offers a marvelous taste of rugged coastline, and cave stalactite you can't access on foot. Bring a camera for an effortless, but great picture of such mesmerizing sculptural formations.

Delve Into Artistic Village Orgosolo

Orgosolo, a small village nestled in the mountains of central Sardinia, Italy, is famous for its striking murals and strong cultural identity. The walls of Orgosolo are adorned with over 150 murals, depicting various aspects of Sardinian life, history, and social issues. Walking through the village feels like wandering through an open-air gallery, where each mural tells a unique story.

The village is also known for its deep-rooted traditions and hospitality. You can enjoy hearty Italian meals in local trattorias, often accompanied by the soulful sounds of traditional Sardinian music. The nearby Supramonte mountain range offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the rugged landscapes that surround the village. Orgosolo's unique blend of art, culture, and natural beauty makes it a fascinating destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Italy.

Savor the Traditional Sardinian Cuisine in Nuoro

Nuoro, located in the heart of Sardinia, Italy, is a gateway to the island's traditional cuisine and rich cultural heritage. This charming town offers an authentic Italian experience, with its local markets, rustic trattorias, and traditional festivals. Savoring the local food is a must here, with specialties like porceddu (roast suckling pig), culurgiones (stuffed pasta), and sebadas (honey-filled pastries) offering a taste of the island's culinary traditions.

Journey Sardinia Italy With Odynovo

Sardinia is drop-dead attractive for a blend of nature viewing, cultural richness, and thrilling entertainment. It is a perfect destination for every traveler seeking a unique Mediterranean experience. If you're after more details about Sardinia, please contact us at [email protected]. Travel with Odynovo to have a wonderful experience in Sardinia.