5 Must See Places in Sardinia
Sardinia is a beautiful gem of an island with diverse landscapes and rich history. It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily. Here are the top 5 must-see places:
Costa Smeralda: This region on the northeastern coast of the island of Sardinia is filled with white sand and clear waters. Some say it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In fact, Costa Smeralda translates to the Emerald Coast.
The ‘Emerald Coast’ is a 20km coastline with exclusive hotels and designer boutiques. This is definitely a place for the mega-rich and famous but stunning natural beauty in the surroundings.
The area also includes a few lovely villages such as Porto Rotondo, Poltu Quatu, Baia Sardinia and Cannigione. It has a mixture of the new and the old the ancient traditions join the luxurious resorts and clubs in a place you will never forget.
Nuraghe Su Nuraxi: In the heart of the lush green countryside near Barumini, the Nuraghe Su Nuraxi is Sardinia’s sole World Heritage Site and the island’s most visited nuraghe. (a type of large tower-shaped stone structure found in Sardinia, dating from the Bronze and Iron Ages).
The oldest part of the Nuraghe consists of a central tower with three superposed chambers (18.6m high).
Well worth checking out but visits are by guided tour only, in Italian or English. It's also worth remembering that queues are long in the summer when it can get extremely hot on the exposed site
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Cala Gonone and the Grotta del Bue Marino: Cala Gonone is a small picturesque seaside town that serves as the entry point to the rugged, cliff-lined coast of east Sardinia.
There are multiple points of interest in the surrounding area, including Spiaggia Cala Gonone and Cala Luna, a beautiful lagoon, providing the perfect sandy escape. This is one of the secret gems of the east Sardinian coastline.
The Grotta of the Bue Marino is a lovely place to visit. Bue Marino literally means "marine ox" in reference to the monk seals that once lived in the cave. Guided visits take place up to seven times a day. In peak season you may need to book in advance.
Alghero Old Town: Alghero is a small historic town in the northwestern part of the island. The former Catalan enclave attracts thousands of tourists every year. You can see why when you visit the picturesque town with fascinating architecture.
Take a long walk through the town across its historical centre. Protecting the city there are the walls (known as bastioni) built in the 16th century. On your walk, you will see the various watchtowers – Torre di San Giacomo, Torre della Polveriera, Torre di Sant’Elmo.
La Pelosa Beach: Known for its powder-fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, La Pelosa is one of Sardinia's most beautiful beaches. Tucked away on the north-western coast you will be captivated by its crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine white sand, and enchanting surroundings.
Once you’ve bathed in the idyllic clear water, the next thing you’ll notice on La Pelosa is the imposing lighthouse standing tall on the horizon. The iconic Tower of La Pelosa, was built in the 16th century and once served as a lookout point to protect the coastline from pirates and other invaders.
Sardinia is such a beautiful and peaceful island you will want to go back and visit again.
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Latest News on Traveling to Sardinia
Beach Tickets and Fees :
To curb over-tourism and protect the island's natural environment, Sardinia has introduced beach tickets and fees. Visitors will now need to purchase tickets in advance to visit some of the island's most popular beaches. This measure is expected to reduce overcrowding and help to preserve the beaches for future generations.
Capping Island Airfares :
The Italian government has announced plans to cap airfares to Sardinia and other Italian islands. This is designed to make it more affordable for Italians to travel to the islands during the summer months. The government will also crack down on 'dynamic pricing', the practice of airlines charging different prices for the same flight depending on demand.
Relocation Grant :
Like Sicily in the south of Italy, the Sardinian government is offering a grant of £13,000 to anyone willing to move to the island. The scheme is designed to boost the island's population and economy. To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be under 40 and commit to living in Sardinia for at least five years.
Conclusion
Sardinia remains a beautiful and popular tourist destination. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and warm hospitality, Sardinia is a destination I would still recommend visiting.
It is always advisable to check with the Sardinian Tourist Board or the Italian government for the most up-to-date information or any changes which have been made.
