Sardinia is Italy's second-largest island and one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean: beaches with water so clear the boats seem to float, a rugged interior of mountains and sheep farms, and thousands of Bronze Age stone towers called nuraghi that exist nowhere else on earth. For Indian travellers who have already seen Rome and Venice, it is the Italy most people never reach.
This guide covers getting there, where to base yourself, the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei, the nuraghi, the old town of Bosa, driving on the island and the best months to go. Beach access rules and ferry schedules change by season, so check them close to your travel dates.
How do you get to Sardinia from India?
Sardinia is part of Italy and the Schengen area, so Indian travellers need a Schengen visa, usually applied for through the Italian mission when Italy is the main destination; our Italy visa assistance service helps prepare it. There are no direct flights from India. Fly into Rome or Milan, or a European hub, and connect to one of Sardinia's three airports: Cagliari in the south, Olbia in the north-east and Alghero in the north-west. Overnight ferries also run from mainland ports such as Civitavecchia, Livorno and Genoa.
Sardinia combines naturally with the mainland. Our Italy travel guide from India helps plan the rest of the trip, and the Sicily and Taormina guide covers Italy's other great island if you are choosing between them.
Which are the best beaches in Sardinia?
The Gulf of Orosei on the east coast has the most dramatic coastline, with coves backed by white limestone cliffs. Cala Goloritzè, with its rock pinnacle rising above turquoise water, is reached by a steep hiking trail of roughly an hour each way or seen from the boats that tour the gulf; in summer the number of visitors is limited and a fee applies, so check the current rules and book ahead. Boat trips from Cala Gonone visit Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu and the sea caves along the same coast.
In the north, the Costa Smeralda around Porto Cervo is famous for luxury resorts and yachts, and the La Maddalena archipelago has some of the island's clearest water. The south coast near Chia and Villasimius has long sandy beaches that suit families with young children.
What are the nuraghi, and where can you see them?
Nuraghi are cone-shaped stone towers built by Sardinia's Bronze Age people more than three thousand years ago, and around seven thousand still stand across the island. The finest is Su Nuraxi at Barumini in the south, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where a central tower is surrounded by the ruins of a village. Visits are by guided tour, which is the only way to enter the complex and well worth it.
Which towns should you visit?
Bosa, on the west coast, is one of the prettiest towns in Italy: pastel houses climbing a hill from the Temo river to the Malaspina castle. Alghero has a walled old town with Catalan roots and sunset views over the sea. Cagliari, the capital, has a hilltop old quarter, a lively food market and good restaurants, and makes the most convenient base for the south.
Do you need a car in Sardinia?
Almost certainly. Public transport between beaches and inland sites is limited, and the best coves and nuraghi are reached by road. Indian travellers need an International Driving Permit alongside their Indian licence; our guides to getting an international driving permit and renting a car abroad cover the paperwork, insurance and deposits. Roads are good, but mountain routes are winding and town centres have restricted traffic zones.
When is the best time to visit?
May, June and September are ideal: the sea is warm enough to swim, the weather is reliably sunny and prices are lower than in peak season. July and August are hot, crowded and expensive, with ferries and hotels booked well ahead. Spring and autumn suit walking and the interior; winter is quiet and many beach businesses close.
How should you plan a week in Sardinia?
A practical first week links the east coast and the south. Fly into Olbia and spend a night near the Costa Smeralda before driving south to Cala Gonone, where three nights let you take a boat trip along the Gulf of Orosei, hike to Cala Goloritzè if access is open and explore the mountain villages of the interior. From there, drive across the island to Barumini for the guided tour of Su Nuraxi, and continue to Cagliari for three nights in the capital, with the beaches of Chia or Villasimius as day trips.
If you prefer the west, fly into Alghero instead and combine its old town with Bosa, the Capo Caccia sea cliffs and the Neptune's Grotto caves, before heading inland to the nuraghi. Whichever route you choose, avoid over-packing the days: Sardinian roads are slow, the best beaches deserve a full day, and the island is at its best at an unhurried pace with long lunches and swims in the afternoon. Fly home from Cagliari, or take the overnight ferry to the mainland and continue to Rome.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sardinia good for vegetarians?
Reasonably. Pasta with tomato or pecorino, vegetable dishes, local cheeses, flatbreads and pizza are easy to find. Jain travellers will need to explain their requirements clearly, as some dishes include onion and garlic.
How many days do you need in Sardinia?
A week covers one region well, such as the east coast and Barumini or the north-west with Alghero and Bosa. Ten days or more lets you see both north and south.
Is Sardinia suitable for a honeymoon?
Very. Boutique hotels, quiet coves and sunset towns make it a romantic alternative to the Amalfi Coast; ask about our honeymoon packages.
Sardinia rewards travellers who go beyond the obvious Italy. Explera Vacations plans the Schengen visa, flights, car hire and hotels, and can combine Sardinia with Rome or Sicily. Share your dates through the contact page, or browse our Europe tour packages from Surat.
