Sardinia. The best beaches, hotels and activities on the island: secrets of holidays in Sardinia and reviews from tourists

Sardinia (Sardinia / Sardigna) - big island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, located between the Balearic Islands and on the Italian peninsula in the south of Corsica. It is an autonomous region that currently belongs to Italy.

A list containing all the famous cities on the island of Sardinia:

• Cagliari
• Sassari
• Alghero - medieval city
• La Maddalena
• Nuoro
• Olbia
• Oristano
• Porto Torres

A list that includes well-known areas on the island of Sardinia:

• Wild areas of Barbagje and Ogliastra
• Budoni is the most beautiful area in the Mediterranean.
• San Teodoro is one of the most important seaside resorts on the island.
• Isola dei Gabbiani is a paradise for windsurfers and kiteboarders.
• Punic and Roman archaeological sites of Nora and Tharros
• Stagno in Cabras.
• Costa Smeralda - Glamorous beaches.
• Costa Verde (Marina di Arbus) - unpolluted beaches and wildlife.
• Bosa is a small but beautiful medieval town.
• Stintino is a small fishing village on the northwestern tip of Sardinia that boasts one of the best beaches in all of Sardinia - La Pelosa.

Note

Sardinia, with its typical Mediterranean beauty, will appeal to all beach lovers and active recreation: boating, windsurfing, hiking, mountaineering, camping especially in hot month, August. The interior of the island is away from tourist places and takes longer to research. After all, the ancient Nuragic civilization of Sardinia dates back to around 1500 BC, whose stone monuments still dot the land.

How to get there

Do you want to know? how to get to Sardinia? For this you can use budget airlines and it will be cheaper: Ryanair, Easyjet, Airberlin, Germanwings and Meridianafly. You can view prices for air tickets.

By plane

Airports near Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero:

1. Cagliari-Elmas Airport (Mario Mameli Airport) is located in Elmas, about 6 km west of the city center of Cagliari. It is located on SS130 and is easily accessible by bus from railway station: runs every 30 minutes, finish eating within 10 minutes. The airport is located in Sardinia, one of the 13 most crowded airports in Italy and the 97th most crowded in Europe. Cagliari offers directly domestic and international flights from Western Europe; well connected to Milan Linate Airport and Rome Fiumicino. Other airports can serve as intermediate stops in Cagliari.
2. Olbia Airport is the second busiest airport in Sardinia and 17th in Italy; it is the gateway to Costa Smeralda and the main center of Meridiana Fly. It is located 3 km southwest of the center of Olbia and is easily accessible by bus (ASPO, every 30 minutes). The airport has slightly fewer routes than Cagliari, but is nevertheless connected to France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands.
3. Fertilla Airport - international airport is the third busiest in Sardinia and the 20th busiest in Italy. It is located in Fertilla, 10.5 km northwest of Alghero. There are buses (Sardinian railways from Alghero (every hour, 20 minutes travel time) and Sassari (every 9 days, 30 minutes travel time). Fertilla carries out domestic flights, but also connected to London and Frankfurt.

By ferry

There are many ferries to Cagliari (South Coast), Porto Torres (North Coast), and Olbia, Golfo Aranci and Arbataxa (East Coast).

Consider also the state-owned Tirrenia ferry service (all year round). Private companies also serve Mobi lines, Sardinia Ferries, Grimaldi, SNAV.

Daily ferries depart to Northern Sardinia from Corsica (you can take a day trip to Bonifacio, Corsica) from Santa Teresa di Gallura.

Ferry services also operate from Barcelona, ​​Porto Torres via Grimaldi Lines. They typically depart twice daily during the summer and will cost you €55 for a one-way ticket.

Ferries also operate from Trapani to the port of Cagliari, Sardinia.

Clue:

Sardinia - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Climate

Sardinia has a mostly Mediterranean climate. This is due to the close proximity to the Gulf of Genoa (barometric) and the low relative proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. Sardinia, being relatively large and hilly, has uneven weather in different areas; The East in particular is drier, but paradoxically suffers from rainfall: in the autumn of 2009, it rained more than 200 mm (8 in) in one day in Sinishol. The West Coast is rainy even at modest altitudes (eg Iglesias, 200m high, average annual rainfall 815mm vs 750mm for London).

• Summers are dry with very warm weather. However, unlike the islands of Greece, for example, it is quite windy at this time of year.
• Autumn can be mild until mid-November, subject to heavy showers as noted above.
• Winters are usually mild on the plains but very cold in the higher elevations.
• Spring is mild and rainy, but not like autumn. The island is very windy, especially from September to April (northwest winds are locally called Mistral); to the southeast, winds (Schirocco) are frequent during the summer and bring consistently hot weather.

Tours to Sardinia can be viewed on search engine sites or, say,.

Sardinia - weather by month

Clue:

Sardinia - weather by month

Main attractions. What to see

Beaches. Which ones are better

The northern and northeastern parts boast many beautiful beaches. Below is a list of the most popular beaches on the island of Sardinia:

The east coast is also very interesting for tourists: Muraviera and Villasimius, for example.

It is quickly growing and becoming a major tourist attraction.

The West Coast is quite diverse; you can find huge beaches (Porto Pino, Marina di Gonnesa, Marina di Arbus). Of note is Piscinas (Marina di Arbus) with its 60 m high sand dunes. Finally, the Alghero area is famous for its underwater caves and grottoes and attracts many divers.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Monuments and sites

Sardinia has several famous monuments, but many will cost you a pretty penny to visit. Visit in particular Cagliari (Sarda. Castaddu Castle), Oristano, Sassari, Alghero, Olbia and Nuoro. Nuraghi and Domus de Janas (Sardes. Houses for witches) are found in many places, in particular in Barumini (Su Nuraxi on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997) and around Alghero. Tharros, Nora, and Monte Ciray (near Carbonya) are excellent examples of the Phoenician/Carthaginian period. Roman ruins are also found in Sardinia, among which the Nora, the Sant'Antioco bridge or the amphitheater in Cagliari; the Antas site in Fluminimaggiore are also of interest, even if instead of a temple it is actually a reconstruction.

Pisa left important traces in the south (Cagliari, Iglesias) and the well-preserved Castello di Acquafredda (German: Cold Water Castle). Bosa is of interest with its medieval urbanism; Burgos (Goceano Castle) is also worth a visit for historical exploration. The island has several small churches from early Christian times to the Baroque era, in the above towns, but also in Porto Torres and Iglesias ( Spanish for the church).

Examples of industrial architecture can also be found around the city of Cagliari, in Porto Torres, and in the area of ​​Sulcis Iglesiente, where bookings can be made organized tours to visit a mine, for example from the Buggeroo Mine with galleries above sea level. Finally, there are several museums dedicated to Sardinia. The Museo Anthropologie di Sardo di ethnographia and the National Archaeological Museum in Cagliari and the Ethnographic Museum in Surdo Nuoro are important starting places.

Food. What to try

On the island of Sardinia, food is very dependent on traditions and customs national cuisine. You will not be served pizza in restaurants until 7 pm, and be aware that you will not receive anything or be able to eat properly in restaurants between 4 pm and 7 pm, except for the Panini - a cold ham and cheese sandwich. An exception may be some tourist-oriented restaurants.

• Try Culurjones. They are similar to ravioli (made from typical Ogliastra pasta) filled with potatoes, pecorino cheese (sheep's cheese, see below), egg, onion, mint and garlic - available in many restaurants in Sardinia.
• Malloreddus is a type of dumpling that is served al dente (to the tooth) with tomatoes, meat or cheese sauce. There are many pizzerias that serve fresh, stone-baked authentic pizzas as well as pasta dishes.
• Porqueddu is the national dish of Sardinia, it is a specially wood-roasted suckling pig with an aromatic local shrub called Mirto.
• Sausages of many types, such as Salsiccia di cinghiale (boar sausage).
• Stufato di capretto is a casserole made from goat meat, artichokes, wine, eggs.
• Try Mediterranean fish (Blue fish). Check it out at the fish market in any small coastal town and buy it early in the morning, cook it and eat it: it's a fantastic barbecue. Bottarga (dried tuna roe in Carloforte or flat mullet in other places) is quite expensive, but incredibly tasty..
• Many locally produced vegetables and fruits are very tasty and are grown on small farms. Suppliers along the roads are a very common occurrence. In addition to the usual assortment of typical Mediterranean products (such as eggplants, bell peppers, oranges, grapes, etc.), you will also find wild asparagus, figs, watermelons, nuts and hazelnuts, chestnuts, walnuts, almonds). Spices (such as thyme, rosemary, fennel) can be found in abundance.
• Pecorino cheese is found everywhere in all degrees of maturity from fresh to mature (the latter with a strong specific taste, Sarda is a rotten cheese). The sale of KASU MARTZ is prohibited, but its production is completely legal and it can be found with the help of local residents. As always, precautions must be taken for this type of product; highly recommended to eat it from trusted locals. Goat cheese can also be found everywhere.
• Seada (pl. Seadas or Sebadas), a typical Barbagie, is a dessert similar to ravioli, only filled with fresh cheese and a lemon rind that melts when cooked. Served fried with honey.
• There are numerous types of Sardinian bread and pastries, with varieties such as Carasau (a type of thin crusty bread), biscuits and macaroons. Sardinian dough is distinguished by the use of lard instead of shortening and honey instead of sugar.
• Nougat (Sardinian version of nougat), with honey instead of sugar, and almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts (all locally produced); Nougat is produced in the capital of Sardinia, Tonara (province of Nuoro): it is worth paying attention to.

Drinks

Holidays

Folklore

On the island of Sardinia, entertainment is facilitated by strong national traditions, which are expressed through celebrations and local costumes. Quite often, even in small centers, local festivals are held where people dress in rich traditional costumes. However, it is easier than coming to large venues, since there is a significant influx of people from all over Sardinia. Not full list includes: Sant'Efisio (Cagliari, May 1st, actually lasts several days), Sagra del Redentore (Nuoro, last Sunday of August), Cavalcata Sarda (Sassari, penultimate Sunday of May), Faradda Di Li candareri (Sassari , August 14), Sat Sartiglia (Oristano, carnival period, horse racing), and celebrations during Carnival and Holy Week.

Safety. What to watch out for

A few basic precautions are enough to keep you out of trouble, especially in summer and autumn.

On the island of Sardinia, security is quite deceptive - since the island is sparsely populated, help is not always easy to find, there are even areas where the mobile network does not receive coverage (for example, in the lower parts of river valleys). The area, despite the lack high altitudes, as a rule, steep. This, combined with the heat and lack of water, can quickly lead to disaster. Carefully!

Summer is usually hot and the sun is quite strong, so you need to take the usual precautions to avoid heat stroke and sunburn. Always take plenty of water with you (especially when you're hiking), even if you're planning a short trip; Bring fresh, juicy fruits (eg peaches). Tap water is generally safe, but can be purchased mineral water in bottles.

Sardinia differs from Sicily and mainland Italy in not being prone to earthquakes.

Autumn is nice here, but the idyll can be disrupted by heavy downpours in the hilly areas, creating the possibility of mud slides. Always check the weather forecast before planning a trip, even in your own car. Winter and spring are generally safer, with pleasantly warm weather (especially during the day) and plenty of water; but remember that higher elevations have colder weather and more rainfall. Many places in Sardinia (especially the western part) are very windy from September to April, all drivers, and in particular tourists, should take special care.

Some open sea beaches are famous for strong undercurrents (particularly on the west coast); be careful, there are not always warning signs. Check with your hotel or local residents. The Mediterranean is not a lily pond; every year several people die due to strong waves. Keep an eye on the weather.

Be careful when you go hiking in the old areas of Sardinia (Sulcis Iglesiente, Sarrabus, Nurra). Local authorities have closed many hazardous areas, but some still remain. Do not venture into restricted areas (look for the words Pericolo [Danger] or normal warning signs). If you want to explore the mines, go to local tourist information agencies; they will arrange a group tour for you. There you can meet people (mostly former miners) who organize their own tours: avoid them as they are illegal and it is extremely unsafe because there is a risk of cave-ins, water infiltration, etc.

Local fauna and flora can be dangerous or a source of nuisance. Three examples:

• Ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) carry infectious diseases and are endemic to certain areas: avoid tall grasses or close, prolonged contact with domestic animals (particularly sheep).
• Deadly mushrooms (including toadstool).
• Barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis, Sphyraena Sphyraena) is abundant in Sardinia.

Precautions

1. According to a survey conducted in 2013 by Confesercenti (Italian trade, tourism and services association), Sardinia ranks first in terms of tourist safety in Italy.
2. Sardinia has a very low crime rate. But kidnappings, the victims of which are rich (and sometimes not so rich) people, have not yet completely disappeared.
3. Please remember that some urban areas (in particular the Sant'Elia area near the football stadium and the areas of San Michele and Cagliari) are unsafe.
4. Be careful - do not go to the desert during the period September-February (check with your hotel for the exact time). There are protected areas (this is the Oasis di Protezione della fauna).
5. From May to September, fires occur in Sardinia, as in the rest of the Mediterranean. Some fires are spontaneous, but most are due to careless behavior (fires accidentally ignited). Observe normal safety precautions. Lighting fires in forests is generally prohibited.
6. It is worth considering that Sardinia is an autonomous region and Italian laws are replaced by local regulations.

Things to do

Don't know what to do in Sardinia? There's plenty to see and do, but the island is likely to appeal more to nature lovers than to so-called "clubbers" - nightlife enthusiasts (with the exception of the Costa Smeralda area, one of the hot spots of the Italian showbiz Jet Set).

Sea

Sailing has become increasingly popular in the last thirty years, particularly in the area. The first Italian Challenge Cup in America came from there. There are many ports and some places can only be reached by boat. Don't miss this opportunity if you like swimming.

Islands

There aren't many islands yet that might pique your interest. But be sure to visit the Asinara National Park (famous for its albino donkeys) and the Maddalena Archipelago in the north of the island of San Pietro (a Genoese fishing community) and Sant (actually annexed to the main land since Roman times) in the south.

Hills and mountains

While the most high point Sardinia doesn't even reach 2,000m (6,500ft), don't be disappointed: the slopes are steep, there is snow in winter and there are four ski resorts in the Gennargentu area. There are hills everywhere in Sardinia, from the North-East ridge of Monte Limbara in the Iglesiente region in the southwest, even on the outskirts of the city of Cagliari.

The advantage is that people (including in Sardinia) tend to fill the beaches, leaving the rest almost deserted. A popular destination for climbers is the Domusnovas area (near Iglesias), with its beautiful vertical limestone walls. Large caves are accessible (Dorgali, Oliena, Santadi Domusnovas, Fluminimaggiore, Alghero). There are plenty of hiking trails (though not always well marked) for both beginners and experts.

Horse riding

Sardinia has a long tradition of horse riding. The Sardinian Anglo-Arab horse is a breed that was created in Sardinia. Currently there are several farms and B&Bs offering horse riding or walking tours on horseback. Driving through the forest along the beaches is a very popular attraction for tourists.

Who doesn’t dream of spending a vacation on an island in the middle of a gentle, warm sea? And not far away, in Europe? With ancient history, wonderful nature, mild climate... Meet Sardinia. This is where you have a wonderful, worry-free vacation! Sardinia (Italy) is located just two hundred kilometers west of the coast of the Apennine Peninsula. And twelve kilometers to the north there is another island, already French - Corsica. Experienced tourists they say that it would be a good idea to take advantage of the short distance and lack of border controls to visit the homeland of Napoleon Bonaparte for a day. And in Sardinia they recommend combining a beach holiday with a rich excursion program. After all, most of the island is occupied by archaeological and natural reserves.

What's the best way to get there?

If you are planning a holiday in Sardinia during the summer months, you should not have any problems with flying to the island. From Moscow and other big cities of Russia they go there charter flights travel companies. But reviews from tourists warn that if you want to visit Sardinia at another time, you will have to fly with transfers. But maybe this is for the better? From Moscow you can get to Rome by Aeroflot or Alitalia planes. And after getting acquainted with the Eternal City, move on. There are three airports in Sardinia: in addition to the capital Cagliari, there are also in the cities of Alghero and Olbia. If we listen to those who have been here more than once, we will learn that there is another opportunity to get to the island - not by air, but by sea. Ferries from various carrier companies depart from mainland Italy (Naples, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Piombino, Livorno) and Sicily (Palermo and Trapani).

When is the best time to go to Sardinia?

The subtropical climate makes it possible to extend the tourist season beyond the summer months. Many travelers note that you should not come here when there are a lot of people. After all, already in mid-May the water warms up to a comfortable temperature for swimming. The sea cools down only in November, and even then in the second half of the month. The hottest month in Sardinia is August. The air temperature remains stable at + 34 °C, and the water temperature at + 25 °C. There is extremely little rain in summer. But, as Mediterranean lovers assure us, the best holiday in Sardinia is in September. The water has already warmed up well over the summer and has not yet had time to cool down. Temperature - optimal for obtaining a bronze tan without burns - + 27 ° C in the shade. Most vacationers - especially those with noisy school-aged children - have already moved out. The winter storms have not yet begun. The sea is gentle and pleases with a comfortable +23 degrees. Lots of fruit, it’s not so hot to go on exciting excursions.

Where to stay

In fact, the entire coast of the island is covered with luxury resorts. The south of Sardinia is especially famous for its endless beaches stretching beyond the horizon. Stripes of sand alternate here with pine forests and palm groves surrounded by azure lagoons. For tourists who want a comfortable and luxury holiday in Sardinia, the area of ​​Santa Margherita di Pula is often recommended. This resort houses the Forte Village hotel complex for VIP clients. Nearby, in the southeast, is the resort of Villasimius. It attracts divers, because the remains of four sunken ships lie in the coastal waters. Another luxury holiday center that has received a lot of positive feedback is the Emerald Coast, Costa Smeralda. Its sandy beaches stretch for 55 kilometers. And in the north-west of the island there are two more resorts worthy of mention: Costa Paradiso (which translates as Paradise Coast) and the picturesque town of Stintino.

Holidays in Sardinia: hotels

If you travel on your own, you have the opportunity to book a hotel to suit every taste. There are both very affordable hostels and very expensive club hotels. However, not many hotels operate with the “All Inclusive” system, beloved by Russians. The vast majority of hotels offer either breakfast or half board. Russian travel companies send their clients to the south of the island, to Villasimius and Santa Margherita di Pula. There are many large hotel complexes with developed infrastructure and entertainment. The north of the island is considered more expensive and sophisticated. The most elite holidays in Sardinia are in Costa Smeralda, Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. Tourists seeking solitude prefer to settle in Castelsardo and Stintino. Among boutique hotels, Capo D’Orso Thalasso & Spa 5* in Palau and Villa Macchia Blu in Stintino are often praised. Worthy fours are Bajaloglia Resort Super in Castelsardo and the Villa Oasis apartment complex.

Beaches of Sardinia

This small island has a fourth of all the beaches in Italy. And the lion's share of them was awarded " Blue flag" Even native Sardinians have not visited all the local beaches. And there are more than 360 of them here, and you can read exclusively positive reviews about all of them! Among them there are sandy ones, pebble ones, and even rice ones. Big and small, well-groomed and wild. The most popular is La Pelosa on Capo Falcone (north of the town of Stintino). It is also called the “European Caribbean”. There are no less beautiful beaches. The snow-white sandy coast of the Costa Smeralda is extremely popular. Pebble lovers are welcome at Spiaggia Coccorocci in Gairo. Pink marble chips cover the shores of Bahia Sardinia and Cala Mariolu (Porto Cervo). Rice beaches are not a poetic metaphor at all. On the western tip of the island are Iz Arutas and Mari Ermi. These beaches are covered with small quartz stones. Over many thousands of years, the sea rolled them around, and they began to resemble grains of rice in appearance. Walking on them is a little uncomfortable, but what a massage! And the air above such a beach is healing. Recently, it has become very fashionable to come to this island with families. Gone are the days when it was believed that there was nothing to do here with children. Now special tours are organized here, and many hotels vie to offer the best conditions for children. Reviews say that holidays in Sardinia with children are preferable to Capriccioli and Liscia Ruja. Most tourists who came here claim that the sea here is calm, the entrance to the water is gentle, and the sand is surprisingly soft and silky, like powder for babies.

Excursions

It is pleasant to travel around this island on your own. After all, most of the attractions are located in ancient towns. An excursion holiday in Sardinia is impossible without getting acquainted with the mysterious ancient civilization. They say that the first inhabitants of the island were the Phoenicians. The Sardi people left behind a legacy of nuraghi - cone-shaped fortresses in the form of truncated pyramids. Ancient Rome left numerous necropolises, baths and amphitheaters on the island. The Middle Ages gave Sardinia churches and fortresses. Tourist reviews especially recommend going to the town of Sassari and the town of Castelsardo. The island has many nature reserves with salt lakes where pink flamingos are found. For the beauty of nature, reviews recommend going to the island of Asinari. If you are vacationing with children, then many tourists who travel with families suggest going to the famous local water parks - you will feel good and the kids will have a great time.

Holidays in Sardinia: reviews of cuisine and souvenirs

We briefly talked about what you need to see on the island. Well, what should you definitely try? The Sardinians themselves are undecided as to whether their land is more famous for its beaches or its wines. It looks like these two “calling cards” shared the first place. Even after trying the ordinary “Sweet Muscat”, you will probably feel that you have never tasted anything tastier in your life. A bottle of Cannonau Agriolas or Vermentino La Cala will be the best memory of your holiday in Sardinia. Reviews also advise visiting the weaving factory in Ogliastra and purchasing the famous local carpet made of cotton and wool.

Events

It is impossible to visit Sardinia and stay away from the vibrant life of the local people. Every month, interesting events, festivals, and holidays take place on the island. The most famous of them is Autunno in Barbagia (Autumn in the Land of the Barbarians). This is another argument in favor of why you should choose a holiday in Sardinia in September. There are festivities dedicated to the new grape harvest for almost a whole month. Tastings of the most popular drink are held in all cities of the island; residents in national costumes organize festive processions and treat them to local dishes.

Island of Sardinia. The second largest island in the Mediterranean (second only to Sicily). Part of Italy, from which it is closer to France than to the metropolis. Almost two thousand kilometers of coastline with two hundred different beaches. Three airports and seven ports. The mild climate makes an unforgettable holiday with children in Sardinia.

Three hundred kilometers of paradise, where forests, mountains and hills, caves, gorges and lakes, ancient historical monuments, beautiful churches, colorful holidays, and, of course, delicious “sweet Muscat” wine.

Where to relax in Sardinia

Holidays in Sardinia can please the most discerning tourist. What to do on the island? Traveling to Sardinia will bring you a huge amount of new impressions and vivid emotions. And literally in every city on the island.

Cagliari with a beautiful historical center, an ancient Roman amphitheater that has been standing here for about 20 centuries, a majestic Cathedral, a medieval fortress, a botanical garden, and the National Archaeological Museum.

Sassari attracts guests with a mixture of modern and medieval architecture, the neighboring seaport of Porto Torres, where ferries from Genoa arrive. And, of course, churches, Palazzetto d'Usini and museums. Nearby you will find the medieval town of Castelsardo, the Cathedral-Altar of Monte Accodi and the Asinara Island National Park.

Noisy Olbia, « main port» islands, will delight you with places that still preserve the spirit of the Middle Ages, developed tourist infrastructure and a chic Archaeological Museum. Near Olbia, check out the ancient burial grounds and the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.

Photo source:

Oristano will delight vacationers with towers, museums, the largest cathedral in Sardinia, and the remains of the old city walls. In the surrounding area, be sure to explore the birdlife of the Cabras and Sale Porcus lagoons and the magical green forests of Montiferru.

Also on the island you need to see Mount Ortobene with a 7-meter statue of Christ the Savior, which is rumored to grant healing to the afflicted. And the shady 120-meter Grotto of Neptune, consisting of several halls, located next to Alghero. And, of course, the unrivaled lighthouse at Cape Caccia.

Photo source: flickr.com, by Seba Sofariu.

And the Phoenician-Carthaginian necropolis on the island of St. Antioco. And the Tombs of the Giants near the city of Arzachena are a legacy of the Nuragic civilization that flourished on the island even before our era. And the whole Valley of Nuraghes, unique stone towers born more than 5,000 years ago.

Let's take a break from the excursion delights of the island for a while and go to…

Resorts of Sardinia

Where you will find a wonderful rest for tired legs buzzing after long walks. Sandy beaches, azure sea, a breeze carrying the aroma of pine groves.

Costa Smeralda(Emerald Coast). 55-kilometer bay with emerald color sea ​​water. One of the most popular places in Sardinia. Long beaches, cozy bays and mountains soaring overhead.

Photo source: ayda.ru.

Coral Riviera Alghero with fine sand and clear water, called “Little Catalonia”.

Thirty kilometers of diverse beaches Villasimius in the province of Cagliari, attracting divers with sunken ships, coral reefs and bearing the proud name “Heart of Sardinia”.

Beaches of Ogliastra, slightly less famous among tourists, but superior in natural beauty to a fair portion of their more popular competitors.

Santa Margherita di Pula. One of the most famous resorts islands, in some places considered the “calling card of Sardinia”. The aromas of eucalyptus, pine needles and flowers, the cleanest sandy coast, the best hotels in Sardinia, and active nightlife lure tens of thousands of tourists here.

Photo source: tcc.com.ua.

The most beautiful Stintino beaches, waiting for tourists almost all year round. Picturesque resorts northwest coast Badesi, terribly popular among sports fishing fans and red rocks Isola Rossa, famous for the indescribable play of light at sunset, Olbia beaches, included in the list of the best beaches in Italy.

It is simply impossible to list all the resorts in Sardinia.

Therefore, let's think...

When to go to Sardinia

Holidays on the island of Sardinia will not let you get bored at any time of the year.

One of the best months for a holiday, definitely June. It’s not too hot yet, since the beginning of the month the air temperature usually stays at least 25 degrees, the water temperature is about 20. There is little rain. There are fewer competitors for a place on the beach than in the next two months.

Also working to attract tourists in the first month of summer are:

• Mussel Festival.
• Cherry festival.
• Motorcycle rally Italy (Alghero) is waiting for everyone who is a fan of two-wheeled horses.
• Fair Girotonno (Carloforte), dedicated to the traditional way of catching tuna and the connection of this fatty fish with Sardinia.

Photo source: folklore.it

If you visit the island at the height of summer- you can't go wrong either. Sardinia is bustling with beautiful festivals at this time. Enjoy the celebrations in honor of Emperor Constantine in Sedilo, ending with the Corsa della S'Ardia horse race.

Photo source: chasingtheunexpected.com.

Tango festival Rosso Tango Art Festival in Cagliari. Fish fair in Santa Teresa Gallura. Peach Festival. Archery tournament, medieval costume carnival in Iglesias. Fireworks and fried fish festival in Alghero.

Another best month for a holiday, when you should definitely come to Sardinia - September. At the beginning of autumn, the sun no longer burns so mercilessly, and the water is still warm.

In addition to the delights of nature, you will also find the long-running “Autumn in Barbagia” festivals, taking place in several cities at once. And another tuna festival in Stintino. And the day of St. Michael - the patron saint of Cagliari, famous for its colorful fireworks.

Photo source: weather7forecast.com.

And, of course, it is impossible to forget the vibrant February Mamoiada Carnival in the village of Mamoiada, one of the most famous festivals in Italy. And the March carnival of Sartilla in Oristano, famous for its equestrian procession and knightly tournaments. And taking place in May: the big wine festival in Bose. Authentic feast of Saint Efisio in Cagliari in honor of the patron saint of the city, who saved the capital from the plague. The Sardinian Cavalcade in Sassari, attracting folk groups from all over the island. And the October chestnut festival “Sagra della Castagna”. And the November agricultural fair in Desulo. AND…

...more than 200 festivals that last all year round.

Prices for holidays in Sardinia

And, of course, a wide variety of hotels in Sardinia, cleverly varying their pricing policy depending on the season (the price in August is at least a hundred euros more than in September).

Hotel Angedras in Alghero.

Prices in restaurants on average are almost no different from general Italian prices. It’s understandable, taking into account the fact that there are elite establishments here, and there are more democratic ones.

Experts also recommend that tourists who prefer to cook themselves, in addition to supermarkets (available in almost every village), do not forget about small shops and markets, where sometimes they can find products of the same high quality and cheaper than in markets.

Photo source: pegastouristik.livejournal.com.

Plus, keep in mind that the price range greatly depends on the location of your location, and a cup of coffee in the south of the island may cost more (or vice versa) than in its eastern part.

Last season, if you believe the reviews of tourists, you could taste pizza with juice for 8-10 euros, a portion of pasta for 7-8, and dinner in a restaurant cost on average about fifty dollars in European money. In supermarkets, a kilogram of meat cost 4-5 €, potatoes and peaches about 60-70 cents, a liter of milk from 50 cents.

How to get to Sardinia

It is clear that “I can’t get to the island of Sardinia by train,” but on the contrary, it’s quite possible to fly by plane. There are three airports here: Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia. In these three cities there is no, but local transport has not yet been canceled :)

You can take a direct flight to the island or take a ferry from Italy. Ferries operate from Livorno, Piombino, Civitavecchia, Genoa, Naples, Palermo and Trapani in Sicily.

And now you are finally on the island paradise. Where a wonderful holiday awaits you in Sardinia: azure sea, soft sandy beaches and a lot of other natural and architectural highlights.

Accommodation in resort areas is represented by a variety of hotels, apartments and villas. Prices vary greatly depending on the location of the property, proximity to the beach, and most importantly, the season. Thus, in winter the price of accommodation can be up to 50% of the summer cost of the same housing. For example, the cost of staying in a 3* hotel in the resort of Chia (in May) starts from €65, and in 5* hotels - from €350. Renting apartments (two bedrooms) for the summer starts from €500 and above in different parts of the island.

In Sardinia, tourists love to lie on the coolest beaches in Europe, stroll through ancient towns and villages, look at flocks of flamingos in the south of the island, rent the best yacht, try all kinds of water sports, and taste exquisite seafood cuisine.

It is best to come to the island from May to June and from September to October, when rental prices are lower than in July-August and there are much fewer tourists.

NORTH

Best beaches: La Pelosa, Spiaggia Rosa, Spiaggia del Principe.

Castelsardo

Castelsardo is a charming medieval town, included in lists of “the most beautiful in Italy”. The view is breathtaking from the top of the castle built by the Doria family. It overlooks the city and the Gulf of Asinara. Elite holiday of this settlement involves renting a yacht for sailing around the entire northern coast.

Beach: yes.

Distance: 2 km from the center.

Sardinia is an island with typical Mediterranean beauty, white beaches, wildlife, ancient trees and a complex history. The island attracts nature lovers especially in the warm season - around August. Spring time is most suitable for travelers seeking the solitude that the island can provide. Of course, a holiday in Sardinia is one way to get away from the usual tourist crowds.

Check out the recommendations for holidays in Sardinia, find out which beaches are worth going to with children, in a noisy group or alone, hotels where you can stay, what to do and about the reviews left by tourists after visiting this island.

General information

The landscape of Sardinia dictates two types of recreation: beach and active, but there are many more opportunities that open up for the traveler. For those planning a family vacation, lucky with sandy, gently sloping beaches for children.

Italians prefer to spend their summer holidays on Sardinian beaches without leaving the country. Why is this so? The answer is simple: it has everything a traveler needs. Even in the highest season, when all the beaches are crowded with tourists, lovers of secluded relaxation will be able to find places where you can avoid the influx of people and enjoy the silence alone.

In addition, there are small islands off the coast of Sardinia. It also has beautiful secluded beaches.

Pros of holidays in Sardinia:

Beaches

As mentioned earlier, the entire coastal area of ​​Sardinia is covered with beaches, and this length of 1900 meters, a total of 360 beaches. They are beautiful and varied: sheer limestone cliffs that form secluded coves in the east, sand dunes in the west, picturesque beaches to the north and south with the most gentle slope to the coastline in shallow waters - ideal for all ages, including small children.

The beaches in Sardinia are incredibly clean. Whether you're in one of the secluded bays or on one of the busy city beaches, it's easy to appreciate the impeccable standard of cleanliness - both in terms of the beach and the quality of the water.

Poetto in Cagliari

If needed atmosphere of relaxation and activity, Poetto Beach is ideal. A clear indicator is that it is popular among local residents. It is easily accessible from the city center by bus in a few minutes.

Le Bombardet in Alghero

Total Hidden a well-kept local secret seven minutes' drive from Alghero. While tourists exploit the Port Side beach in Alghero, those in the know go to La Bombarde to admire the golden sand mixed with the scent of the surrounding pine forests.

The sea here is blue and calm. Ideal place for swimming. The beach is not crowded but looks lively with many cafes and restaurants.

Dunes of Piscinas next to Arbus

The dunes can be reached by car, going down from Arbus along an old dirt road. In the surrounding area wild beach There are a lot of funny animals living here, from foxes to sea turtles, it’s so clean and secluded.

Dunes reach up to 50 meters in height, and the wind moves them all day, changing the landscape.

Spiaggia dell'Principe in Costa Smeralda

Spiaggia Dell Principe was discovered by Prince Karim Aga Khan. The bay is known for its clear, clear sea. These places are perfect for snorkeling and fishing. The coastline is a perfect crescent with fine sand. All beaches in this fashionable area are open to the public.

There are 80 bays in total on the Costa Smeralda!

Cala Luna in Cala Gonone

White sand against a backdrop of snow-white rocks is Cala Luna. The beach is located near the coast of the resort of Cala Gonone in the east of the island. You can get there by boat or on foot (4 km.). The picturesque beach is protected by limestone cliffs, fuchsias and oleander.

The best hotels with access to the coast

Sardinia fully complies with world standards, offering tourists both cheap hostels and the best luxury hotels with private beach and the All Inclusive system for the most enjoyable holiday in these places in Italy.

Li Cupulatti Village

• Location: Costa Smeralda
• To the beach: 50 meters
• Price: from 150$

Li Cupulatti Village is located 35 km south of the airport. Thanks to "All inclusive" service, couples and families come here to relax.

The hotel is 160 bungalows in the “Sardinian” style, covered with gardens. The rooms have everything from Wi-Fi to a safe.

Gabbiano Azzurro

• Location: Costa Smeralda
• To the beach: on the beach
• Price: from 135$

Gabbiano Azzurro – excellent family hotel with a beautiful beach and only 21 km from Olbia airport. This traditional inn with friendly service, excellent restaurant and panoramic sunset views has all the ingredients for an ideal holiday for couples and families.

Eat swimming pool with shallow area for children and safe sandy beach , with an amazing, transparent, turquoise sea, gentle slope and shallow entrance to the sea.

Marinedda Thalasso & Spa

• Location: Alghero
• To the beach: 500 meters
• Price: 200$ (Thalasso and Spa are not included in the price)

This elegant hotel has proven to be very popular with singles, couples, families and friends for a short weekend getaway. You can get to the hotel get there in 30 minutes from or Olbia Sardinia.

The hotel has a wonderful relaxing atmosphere, spacious sun terraces, wonderful swimming pools with water decorations, stylish restaurants and bars and well-kept Mediterranean garden, leading down to a beautiful beach.

There are children's clubs for ages 3 – 11, six days a week.

Garden Beach

• Location: Costa Rei
• To the beach: located on Gala Sinzias beach
• Price: 250$

A lovely, spacious and modern hotel located on a stunning beach in a relatively unexplored area of ​​Sardinia. The beach is one of the most beautiful, which one can only dream of.

There is a restaurant on the beach to enjoy food and great views.

Resort and Spa le Dune

• Location: Badesi
• To the beach: 600 meters
• Price: 350$

The Resort and Spa le Dune is located just half an hour by car from Alghero or Olbia airport. This popular Italian beach resort ideal for families.

It represents good value for money, guests are treated to free wine in some restaurants, events, children's clubs and even Evening childcare is included in the price.

This is one of best places for family holidays, where up to 10 recreational activities per week.

Another island with its own unique features is no less interesting. Find out more about it from the materials on our website.

Excursions: what to visit, see and do on the island?

• Visit one of the 8,000 nuraghi

  Nuraghes are stone buildings of the Bronze Age. They can only be found in Sardinia. The exact purpose of these buildings is unknown, but many believe that they were used as religious temples, fortresses or military installations. The most famous Nuraghi in Barumini. They are located approximately 60 kilometers north of the Sardinian capital Cagliari.

• Stand in clear blue water

  It is believed that all of Sardinia has beautiful beaches along the entire Mediterranean coast. Beaches like Cala Gonone, Li Coggi beach or tourist Costa Smeralda consistently appear in the top "best beaches in the world" lists in international travel magazines.

  However, the most amazing beach La Pelosa is hidden near the town of Stintino. It is approximately 50 kilometers north of Alghero airport. IN small town Stintino is home to 1,200 Aboriginal people, but this number becomes much higher in the summer when thousands of tourists populate these stunning beaches.

• Take a photo of Sardinian nature

  Like many other islands, Sardinia has very rich and unique wildlife. None of the animals found in Sardinia are poisonous or very dangerous, so you can explore the island without fear.

  Unique species of deer and fox live in the forests and mountains, and various birds, including flamingos and finch, visit the island in large numbers every year. Seals and turtles live in the waters of Sardinia. They can be regularly seen off the shores of the beach.

• Visit La Maddalena Park

  The national park is located in the north of Sardinia. On clear days you can see the coast from here French island Corsica. La Maddalena is an island that can only be reached by boat, offers to see untouched nature, enjoy magnificent views, friendly people - all in order to feel away from the world.

• Visit the Bastion of San Remy

  The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, was built on seven hills. The oldest part of the city, Castello, is located on the top of one of these hills. From here it opens stunning views of the Gulf of Cagliari or the "Bay of Angels". The climb to the top of the San Remi bastion will be even more tempting when looking at the beautiful Cagliari Cathedral, made in the Romanesque style.

• See yachts in Porto Cervo

  The Costa Smeralda is a favorite holiday destination for rich people. In July and August, “millions of euros” float into Porto Cervo.

  Since Prince Aga Khan visited the region in the 60s, many celebrities have chosen Sardinia's Emerald Coast to spend their holidays here. Because of this Finding a free hotel room in this area is almost impossible.

• See evidence of Roman civilization in Nora or Tarro

  For those who like to see archaeological finds, there is Tarro, located near Oristano in the West or Nora, located near Pula in the South.

  Here you can still see what the Romans left behind two thousand years ago. Both museums are squares under open air , and this gives the opportunity to walk along the ancient streets. Tarro and Nora are located near the sea.

• Try local food and drinks

  Savoring the local cuisine is a must-do when visiting Sardinia. Sardinian cuisine is characterized by strong flavors, of which Cannonau, the local wine, is a perfect example. The gastronomic traditions of Sardinia are Carasau (thin crusty bread), Porcheddu (young pig meat) and Culurgiones (pasta filled with pecorino cheese, mint and other ingredients).

• Visit the "metro" of the Sardinian mines

  Sardinia's mining history begins around 6th millennium BC e., and this means that the mines played an important role in the history of the island. Until the middle of the last century, the small villages of Ingurtosu and Montevecchio were home to some of the most important mining areas in Sardinia.

  There were many old mining enterprises renovated, restored, converted into hotels or open to the public, which makes this region very attractive for tourists and those who like to avoid mass tourists.

• Kite ride in Isola dei Gabbiani

  During the summer months there is a lot of wind at sea - and kite surfers visit the island of Isola dei Gabbiani in the north of Sardinia. Amazing to see professionals flying over water, improving your skills. There are many surf shops where you can rent equipment and there are surf schools in Isola dei Gabbiani.

Before you go on holiday in Sardinia, you will have to apply for a visa. Find out all about

There are different situations: you can travel along the “hotel-sea” route, or you can go deep into the city to get acquainted with the local flavor. We offer you 7 practical tips on how to improve your holiday in Sardinia:

• Eating out Sardinia is cheap and tasty: pizza, as well as fresh seafood and fish dishes.
• Difference between South and North in beaches: in the north there are sandy and gently sloping bays, in the south there is a pebble beach.
• Water temperatures are highest in July, August even in September, and in June it is still cold.
• To drive through the city, you can rent a car.
• Traveling with a small child is not a problem. All related products are sold inexpensively in supermarkets.
• Sardinians speak excellent English, not all, but hotel and store staff speak the language.
• During siesta (from 12:00 to 16:00) all shops are closed