Arzachena and Cannigione
Rich in historical sites.
Explore a little inland off the coast and you are surrounded by greenery with rocky hillsides in the distance. Arzachena, the local market town offers several hidden treasures including mysterious nuraghe (stone towers) ruins and giant tombs, arguably the best of their kind in Sardinia. Or you can explore the coves and beaches to the north, starting with the resorts of Cannigione, good for water sports and continuing past Palau to the long inlets of the north coast or rural Arzachena. All are within easy reach.
Palau and Porto Pollo
A beautiful seaside town and watersports paradise
On the extreme north eastern tip of the island is Palau. This lively small town and port is primarily a beach resort with its own selection of shops, bars and restaurants. From Palau you can also take a boat trip out to nearby islands. The ferry boats leave from the harbour to cross over to the intriguing islands of La Maddalena, a favourite sailing area for yachters and Caprera where the Italian hero Garibaldi spent the last third of his life. Porto Pollo sits 7kms west of Palau and has become something of a Mecca for watersport pilgrims. Considered the best on the island, the local conditions are excellent for windsurfing and you could also try your hand at kite surfing, diving and sailing.
La Maddalena Islands
Spectacular scenery
The Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena consists of seven main islands and 40 islets. The seven islands are what remains of the land that once joined Corsica and Sardinia. This area has since been declared a national park, The Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena is well worth a visit. There is a plethora of boat trips that will take you around the islands.
North West Sardinia & Alghero
Alghero
A picturesque medieval town
Alghero is an interestingly varied town with a historic core, green outskirts and a sweep of easily reached sandy beaches. A thriving fishing port and traditional tourist town, the atmospheric walled town has an interesting history to discover, manifested in its well-preserved architecture and the seven towers housed within the walls dominate the centre. In addition to the historic architecture you will find a plethora of chic boutiques, small restaurants and ‘seaside attractions’ that make this town a popular choice in the summer.
To the east and south of Alghero the land rises to wild macchia covered rolling hillsides rather than mountains. There are scattered villages, many archaeological sites and some spectacular Pisan and Genoese churches, often isolated in the countryside.
Sassari
Sardinia’s second city
Sassari, the provincial capital sees itself as a centre of culture, its university opened in the 16th century. As an inland town, with centre squares and boulevards it avoids an influx of tourists and remains a hive of local activity and is home to one of Sardinia’s best festivals held on Ascension Day.
Castelsardo
Founded in the 12th century, Castelsardo is a Genoese cliff top city that dominates the harbour. Whilst in Castelsardo a visit to the medieval Castello is worthwhile from where, weather permitting, you can see across to Corsica. During easter Castelsardo holds a series of Masses and local processions, culminating in a torchlight parade through the ancient town ending at Chiesa di Santa Maria.
Southern Sardinia
Solanas & Porto Sa Ruxi
A beach lover’s paradise
Popular with families, and beach lovers, Solanas is a beautiful residential town with the longest stretch of fine sandy beach on the south east coast. Porto Sa Ruxi is further up the road, another residential site nestling in the hills on a promontory washed on both sides by the sea. Here you can literally step from your rented villa down a few steps to the beach.
Villasimius
Villasimius is a small town that comes alive during the summer months catering for a large number of daily visitors coming in from the surrounding villages and residences. The town provides a friendly and lively holiday base, with plenty of restaurants and bars, its streets thronged with families for the traditional evening stroll. As is the case of most 'coastal' towns, Villasimius is about 2km inland. This whole area is blessed with some outstandingly beautifully long sandy beaches and crystal clear seas which are almost tropical in their brilliance.
Pula and West of Cagliari
A bustling tourist town
Looking inland from the coastal road, in the far distance you can see the gleaming white hills of salt harvested in late August. Flamingos, heron, waders and seabirds can be seen in their hundreds along this part of the coast and at Porto Nuovo with its long jetty you can pull off the road and walk along a raised path to several bird watching hides.
The long sandy coastline of Santa Margherita and the majestic Sulcis mountain range are just some of the varied landscapes that this charming town has to offer. By night the central square is throbbing with locals and visitors enjoying the warm summer evenings in one of the cafés or restaurants. The nearby coast at Nora offers one of the best examples in Sardinia of an ancient Roman provincial city with temples, baths and well-preserved black, white and ochre mosaic floors, which still evoke their former glory in their stunning seaside setting.
Chia and the Costa del Sud
20kms of breathtaking coastline
The dazzling white sand dunes of Chia and the small islands, set in transparent sea in a kaleidoscope of green and blues make this stretch of coast one of the prettiest drives on the island. Better still, you virtually have the road to yourself to admire these breathtaking views.
The interior
A piece of traditional Sardinia
If you prefer to immerse yourself in the real Sardinia, the huge province of Nuoro is probably your best bet. Embracing mountains, lakes and isolated villages, the region has delightfully retained its oldest customs and you will often see locals wearing typical costumes or working in a craft shop trying to keep up the traditions.
More About the Regions of Sardinia
Please view one of the following regions of Sardinia for more information about the region including towns & villages, maps, histroy and more...