What Makes Sardinia Famous: Sun, History, and Flavor

Sardinia is not just about beaches—it’s famous for many things, from ancient sites to mouthwatering cuisine. This Mediterranean gem is a land of contrasts, where rugged mountains give way to pristine shores and centuries-old traditions thrive alongside vibrant coastal towns.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an adventurer at heart or just looking for that perfect beach, Sardinia has something unforgettable to offer. Have we got your senses tingling yet? Great, let's have a look at 10 things that make Sardinia special!

• Beaches
• Nuraghe
• Sardinian cuisine
• Blue zones
• Festivals and local traditions
• Natural parks
• Language and culture
• Wine
• Off-the-beaten-path charm
• Island-Hopping

Sun-kissed shores and sublime beaches

Imagine yourself feeling the warmth of the sun as you stretch out, while turquoise waves gently crash against the white-golden sand. It is no secret that summer is one of the best times to visit Sardinia and the ideal season to dive into its world-famous beaches. 

Want to kick back out in a Mediterranean paradise of crystal-clear waters and powdery sand? Then head to the iconic La Pelosa, just outside Stintino, in the Gulf of Asinara. Perhaps you are craving a bit of adventure and wonder to your Sardinian escape. In that case, make sure you visit the UNESCO-protect Cala Goloritzé on the island’s eastern shores. 

Or how about a laid-back beach party with jaw-dropping sunset views of the Mediterranean? Again, Sardinia’s got you covered with Phi Beach, near Porto Cervo, in the northern part of the island. Whatever vibe you are chasing, you will not be disappointed by Sardinia’s beaches.

Pelosa Beach awaits, just don't forget to pack your sunscreen!

The ancient mysteries of the Nuraghe 

The nuraghe (or nuragh) are ancient megalithic buildings that sprouted all over Sardinia way back in the middle to late Bronze Age (roughly 1900 to 730 BCE).  Although the purpose and people behind these structures remain mysterious, they hint towards the island’s Phoenician and Roman past.

You will find these impressive circular towered structures buildings across Sardinia, but the big hitters are Nuraghe Santu Antine outside Torralba in the northern province of Sassari and the UNESCO-listed Nuraghe Su Nuraxi at Barumini (between Cagliari and Oristano) in the south of Sardinia.

Exploring these sites feels like stepping back in time, and they are a must-see for any history buff or traveler who wants to delve deeper into the fascinating history of Sardinia.

The nuraghe in Olbia still standing tall

Sardinian cuisine and tradition

As with every self-respecting Mediterranean island, Sardinia has its very own mouthwatering cuisine and culinary traditions. Prepare your taste buds for a feast that includes delicacies like porceddu (roast suckling pig), fregula (Sardinian semolina pasta) and culurgiones (pasta stuffed with cheese and/or meat). These hearty dishes will not only tantalize your senses, they also tell the story of Sardinia through age-old recipes passed down through generations.

Cheese lovers in particular will not want to miss out on pecorino sardo paired with a fresh loaf of carasau bread. And to wash it down? A glass of Cannonau wine or a licòre de murta, a myrtle-based liqueur, will do the trick. Trust us, a visit to Sardinia during spring or fall will bring out the foodie within you!

Did we mention how tasty culurgiones are?

Blue zones and the secrets of longevity

One of the most fascinating aspects of Sardinia is its “Blue Zones”, areas where people live to 100 and beyond at staggering rates. Experts have been scratching their heads about this phenomenon for years and while there’s no definitive answer, the locals swear by their unique mix of a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, strong familial ties and sense of community, and perhaps most importantly, keeping the stress at bay.

To get the scoop on Sardinia’s secret to longevity, make sure you swing by Ogliastra, Barbagia di Ollolai and Barbagia of Seulo. You’ll be greeted with a warm smile and more often than not, a glass of red wine. And who knows, maybe the elixir of youth is hiding in the vineyards!

The raw beauty of the mountains in Barbagia can do wonders to the body and mind

Festivals, Sardinia style

Island life in the Mediterranean runs on its own clock, and in Sardinia that means legendary festivals to celebrate the joy of life. If you are around during the last Sunday of Lent and on Shrove Tuesday and you will get to experience Sartiglia. 

This annual equestrian carnival in Oristano has taken place since the Spanish period in Sardinia and features masked riders performing daring stunts on horseback as the crowds cheer. Plan your visit a little later, and you can end up spending Easter in Sardinia, a treat in itself, with vivid processions across the island.

Then there’s the Feast of Sant’Efisio, the biggest and most important religious parade in Cagliari. This festival is dedicated to Saint Efisio, the island’s patron saint, and involves traditional costumes, flower-covered carts, and enough folklore to fill a storybook.

Sartiglia is one of the most impressive festivals in Sardinia 

Sardinia’s wild and untamed natural parks

As the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia offers a wild mix of landscapes, from rugged coastlines to towering mountains and everything in between. While you are almost guaranteed to have a blast near the beaches, you can make it a more immersive experience by heading further island to Sardinia’s national parks.

Lace up your hiking boots and head over to Gennargentu National Park near the eastern coast of Sardinia, where dramatic peaks and hidden valleys await to inspire you. Looking for something with a bit of intrigue? Then make sure you visit the national park on Asinara island, once known as Isola del Diavolo ("Devil's Island"), just a short boat ride from Porto Torres. 

The island got its nickname as it used to house a prison, but these days it is known for its crystal-clear waters and donkeys roaming the hills and trails.

Tip: a camper vacation in Sardinia is one of the best ways to explore the Mediterranean island and its natural parks.

Asinara island is home to many donkeys

The unique language and culture of Sardinia

Did you know that Sardinia has its own language, Sardo? This Romance language is part of the island’s unique identity and is worlds apart from Italian. While the use of Sardo waned in recent years, it is still spoken among Sardinian elders and is the most popular minority language in Italy. Hearing locals switch effortlessly between Italian and Sardo is like listening to the island’s history come alive.

But it’s not just the language that sets Sardinia apart, it’s rich culture and deep-rooted traditions that continue to thrive over the centuries. Sardinians take great pride in their heritage, whether it's their traditional clothing for festivals, complete with intricate embroidery and jewelry that tell their own stories, or their approach to centuries-old crafts like weaving and pottery. This is a side of Sardinia you won’t find at the beach.

Sardinians have honed their lace and embroidery techniques over centuries

The wines of Sardinia

If you are a wine lover, then visiting Sardinia during late summer and early fall is like hitting the jackpot. With a quintessentially Mediterranean climate (hot summer, mild winters and a salty breeze), the conditions are perfect for producing wine.

Among the island’s greatest tipples is the Cannonau di Sardegna, a bold red wine made from Grenache grapes with high antioxidants and rich, fruity flavor. Sardinians claim that it’s one of the secrets to living a long, happy life, and who can argue with that?

To really get a sense of Sardinia’s wines, you can’t go wrong with a tour of a vineyard in Gallura, Sulcis or the Campidano plains near Cagliari. Many of these estates are family-run, where you can taste many varieties and discover how the magic is made.

Adventures off the beaten path

One of the greatest things about Sardinia is that it is a world apart from the usual tourist traps. Sure, there are many amazing places to stay in Sardinia, but venture beyond them, and you will find villages like Bosa, Castelsardo, and Orgosolo. These places offer a glimpse into a more authentic Sardinia, where time slows down and traditions run deep.

Crucially, though, by going off-the-beaten-path, you’ll get to experience Sardinia at its truest. Make your way to the mountainsides of Barbagia and you will find remote villages where locals still make pecorino the old-fashioned way. Delve deeper into the Sardinian countryside, and the hiking trails will lead you to hidden sanctuaries and ancient ruins. Bottom line, there’s no shortage of caves, cliffs and off-road paths to conquer!

Follow your instinct in Sardinia and you will be rewarded!

Island-Hopping and Ferry Connections

Last, and certainly not least, thanks to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is basically made for island-hopping. You can start small with jaunt to La Maddalena, an island just stone’s throw from Palau and one of the most popular day trip destinations in Sardinia. 

But don’t stop there, the islands of Caprera, Spargi, and Budelli are just a ferry ride away, each offering its own slice of paradise. Can’t decide whether you should visit Corsica or Sardinia? Then why not visit both? The regular ferry connections mean that you can effortlessly enjoy both islands.

Pro tip: if you are wondering if you should catch a flight or ferry to Sardinia, keep in mind that traveling by sea is all about getting in the island mood from the get-go! 

Corsica is just around the corner!

Book your Sardinia ferry tickets online

Now that we’ve clued you in on some of the most amazing aspects of Sardinia, it is time to start planning your adventure with the help of our Map of Ferries. Check all the available routes and easily book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper, with no hidden fees!