The island of Sardinia is a picturesque vacation destination that is filled with beautiful places that will blow you away. You can see stunning natural displays of beauty as well as man-made wonders when you visit.
Here are the top ten most beautiful places in Sardinia that you should visit on your trip to this gorgeous Italian island.
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1. Neptune’s Grotto
This remarkable natural attraction is named for the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. It’s a stalactite cave that is located near Alghero, a town on Sardinia. It was discovered nearly 200 years ago and has grown to become a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. If you would like to visit this impressive cavern, you will have to take a guided tour through the space. While it is a popular destination throughout the year, avoid the grotto during August as that is the prime tourist season.
Hotels near Neptune’s Grotto
- El Faro Hotel: Located facing the lighthouse and opposite Capocaccia, this hotel has an amazing view and the beachfront is amazing. You can rent a bike/scooter and enjoy a lovely ride to Neptune’s grotto and Capocaccia.
- Hotel Corte Rosada Resort & Spa: If you prefer to stay in a quieter area but closer to Neptune’s Grotto, this one is you. Located just 15 minutes drive from the Grotto. You will enjoy the pool, private beach, and meals. Alghero old town is just 20 minutes away.
2. La Pelosa Beach
La Pelosa is the most photographed beach in Sardinia and when you visit you’ll see why! The stunning white sands and the bright turquoise waters look like something off of a postcard and the opportunity to see it in person is truly remarkable. Be sure to visit early in the day so you can enjoy the views with limited crowds and then enjoy a sample of gelato or watersports like windsurfing as the day begins.
3. Gola di Gorropu
Often referred to as Italy’s Grand Canyon, Gola di Gorropu is a naturally created gorge where you can hike and admire the view. The limestone walls tower above the canyon floor, reaching heights of up to 1,640 feet! The hike is nearly five miles long so be sure to pack sturdy shoes and water as it can get quite hot. If you still want to see the canyon but aren’t interested in hiking, you still have options. You can book a ride on a Jeep one or both ways for a small fee.
4. Nature Park of Molentargius
Located in the capital city of Cagliari, the Nature Park of Molentargius is a regional park that spans nearly 4,000 acres. It’s a fantastic nature preserve that was established in the 1970s and is known to be an ideal place for birdwatching. In fact, there have been over 230 species recorded in the area since the 1850s including kingfishers, seagulls, and pink flamingos! Flamingos were first spotted in the park in 1993 and have been seen every year since so be sure to keep an eye out for this brightly colored bird if you visit the Nature Park of Molentargius.
5. Bosa Old Town
The final place on this list is the old town neighborhood of Bosa which is known for its brightly colored buildings. Often considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Sardinia, Bosa is a great place to explore and soak in Sardinian culture. Walk across the three-arched bridge that spans the Temo River. Make sure to make some time to sample some delicious Malvasia, a dessert wine that Bosa is known for.
6. Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda, or the Emerald Coast, is a 12-and-a-half mile stretch of rugged coastline that runs between Olbia and Palau. It is a popular vacation destination that is known for being a luxurious resort destination and you can indulge your senses when you visit. You can rent a boat when you visit and explore the beautiful ocean waters. Additionally, you can go scuba diving in Cannigione, visit archaeological sites in Arzachena, and wander the mountain town of San Pantaleo. The possibilities are endless, and you can enjoy the glamorous resorts of the region or pick budget accommodations that are still stunning.
7. Elephant Rock Near Castelsardo
The town of Castelsardo is located along the Gulf of Asinara and is home to one of the enduring natural symbols of Sardinia, Elephant Rock. The rock is nearly 12 feet high and is a large formation of trachyte and andesite which, over the years, was eroded into the elephant-esque shape it is in now. It’s also a significant archeological site as there are two ancient tombs inside. The rock is located along State Road 134 just a short ways outside of Castelsardo.
8. Santa Teresa di Gallura
The northern Sardinian town of Santa Teresa di Gallura has many features that make it a great place to visit, but the most iconic are the bright sparkling beaches that you can visit. One of the most beautiful is called Rena Bianca, and it’s also the largest and most central beach in Santa Teresa di Gallura. The shallow turquoise water and the crisp white sand are beautiful and the beach is Blue Flag certified, which means it adheres to a high standard of cleanliness. You can actually walk to Rena Bianca from the town city center, and there are several other beaches that are just a short drive away.
9. Capo Testa Rock Formations
Located several miles west of Santa Teresa di Gallura, the Capo Testa Rock Formations are unlike anything you’ve seen before. These rocks have been smoothed and eroded by centuries of weather and ocean activity, and today you hike through the region and see the variety of shapes formed by the rock. Be sure to fit in a stop at the beautiful Capo Testa Lighthouse, an imposing white structure that dates back to 1845. The lighthouse is active to this day and is completely automated.
10. Castello Quarter
While the list of things you could do in Cagliari is endless, make sure you plan a trip to the historic Castello Quarter. This neighborhood is located in Sardinia’s capital city and has plenty to offer. For example, the Cathedral of Santa Maria on Piazza Palazzo is an absolutely stunning example of 13th-century Pisan-Romanesque art and architectural styles. Although it has been renovated and restored over the years, you will be able to see some original pieces of the structure as well as examples of the original style. There are multiple overlooks and scenic points where you can relax and enjoy views of this incredible historic district.
Video Guide: 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit
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Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to Sardinia, Italy
To make planning your trip to Sardinia, Italy easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in each destination during your trip.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuroRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
Need help planning a trip to most beautiful places in Sardinia Italy?
Planning and looking for the most beautiful places in Sardinia Italy to visit? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a special trip to visit some of the most beautiful places in Sardinia are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city vacations at the best price.
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