Sardinia

Sardinia is the second-largest island on the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its emerald sea and white beaches. On Ferryhopper, you will find useful information about must-see places, beaches, local delicacies, ferries to Sardinia and book your ferry tickets in no time!

Take a look at our tips for your dreamy vacation in Sardinia and discover useful information about its ports:

• Vacation in Sardinia
• Sardinia ferry ports

The colorful port of Cagliari in Sardinia

Vacation in Sardinia

Sardinia has always been one of the most popular holiday destinations in Italy. With a 2000-km-long coastline, this island is a mix of wild beaches, paradisiacal bays, and breathtaking nature reserves.

The island of Sardinia is an intense experience of tradition and folklore, among mountain villages, local wines and excellent cuisine. Taking a break from diving in the turquoise waters, you can visit the ancient archaeological sites and discover the biodiversity of its UNESCO nature reserves.

Therefore, Sardinia is a great destination for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a trip with friends, as it combines relaxation, adventure and fun. The island also boasts an excellent climate, with mild temperatures even in the off-season.

How to get to Sardinia

You can reach Sardinia by ferry or plane.

The ports of Sardinia are connected with Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo, Piombino, Livorno, and Savona, with ferry crossings served thoughout the year. You can also reach Sardinia from the port of Barcelona in Spain, as well as from France and Corsica thanks to the connections with the ports of Nice, Toulon, Bastia, Ajaccio, and Bonifacio.

You can find out all about Sardinia ferry schedules and prices for 2025 on Ferryhopper!

Alternatively, you can reach Sardinia by plane. There are several companies that offer daily flights to the island from both Italy (Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero) and abroad. 

Traveling by ferry may take a little longer, but allows you to bring along your vehicle. Also, you can book a cabin for a comfortable trip while enjoying the fascinating crossing and the breathtaking views from the ferry’s dock. Discover all the advantages of traveling by ferry to Sardinia.

The lighthouse of Olbia illuminated by the colors of the sunset

What to do in Sardinia

Sardinia is a vast island, making it nearly impossible to explore it all in just a few days. However, with a week, you can cover more ground and discover some truly stunning places.

Apart from pristine beaches and coves, you can visit marvelous cities, medieval villages, and breathtaking archaeological sites. From north to south, Sardinia is an island full of beautiful landscapes, ready to bewitch even the most demanding travelers.

Some of the best places to visit in Sardinia are Cagliari, with its unique atmosphere, and Alghero, known as "The Barcelona of Sardinia" for its Catalan influences. Τhe city of Olbia, surrounded by a stunning palm-lined waterfront, is the center of the famous Costa Smeralda. Moreover, the seaside town of Santa Teresa Gallura, very close to Corsica and the beautiful Strait of Bonifacio, and Arbatax, located on the slopes of Capo Bellavista, are top picks for all types of travelers.

Don't forget to visit the ancient nuraghe, symbols of Sardinia, scattered across the island. Sardinia has plenty to offer for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, from lush forests and rugged mountains to scenic hiking trails. Visit the wonderful Asinara National Park, a remote 16-km-long island just a stone's throw from Porto Torres. One of the most unique activities in Sardinia is birdwatching along the Oristano coast, renowned for its vibrant pink flamingos.

From the north of Sardinia, you can reach the Maddalena archipelago. You can catch a ferry from the port of Palau and depart on a day trip to the island of La Maddalena! The Palau - La Maddalena ferry route is served daily from April to October, and the crossing takes only 20 minutes.

Beaches in Sardinia

Sardinia’s landscape is incredibly diverse, and its beaches vary from coast to coast. You’ll find stretches of pristine white sand, rocky coves, and secluded wild bays—but one thing is for sure: every spot will leave its mark!

Here are 8 stunning beaches across Sardinia that we highly recommend:

1. Punta Molentis (south-east): located in the Capo Carbonara marine protected area, this beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand is one of the most impressive on the island. Nearby, you can see the ruins of a nuraghe, a type of ancient megalithic edifice found in Sardinia. The beach has umbrellas and a restaurant.
2. Romazzino (north-east): among the most beautiful of the Costa Smeralda, it is an expanse of white sand surrounded by granite rocks. It owes its name to the rosemary plants that welcome visitors upon arrival. This beautiful inlet overlooking the island of Mortorio has turquoise waters and shallow waters. The beach offers various services such as umbrellas, sunbeds, a beach bar and a large paid parking lot.
3. Rena Majori (north): it’s located 8 km from Santa Teresa Gallura. The beach is famous for its fine white sand and the long coastline that is separated by granite rocks. Its emerald green waters are perfect for diving. It is possible to rent umbrellas, deck chairs, pedal boats and canoes. Nearby, there is a campsite and a thick pine forest with a refreshment point.
4. Pittulongu (north-east): it's close to the city of Olbia. It’s also known as Puntale Lungo. It’s a splendid and extensive crescent-shaped beach of white sand and clear, shallow waters. You can also find various hotels, restaurants, pizzerias and mini-markets at close distance.
5. Lido di Orrì (center): it’s an almost 16-km-long beach made up of a series of semi-desert inlets near Arbatax. Considered among the most beautiful coves in Sardinia, it consists of sugary sand and turquoise waters. Strong winds love it and so do the surfers and kitesurfers. There are also umbrellas, sunbeds and a small bar with cool drinks and snacks, ideal after taking a dive.
6. Is Arenas Biancas (south-east): not far from Cagliari, you can find the beautiful cove with white sand dunes and deep blue waters. In the area, there is the pond of Is Brebeis that is home to flamingos during the summer. You can reach the beach by crossing a small canal and walking a short path.
7. Pelosa (north-west): located in the Municipality of Stintino, this almost tropical beach is a marvel of white sand and a turquoise sea. Overlooking the Gulf of Asinara, it is protected by the rocks of Capo Falcone and has always calm waters. On the waterfront, you will find the characteristic Aragonese tower, the symbol of the area.
8. Cala Goloritzè (mid-south): it’s situated in a natural inlet of the Gulf of Orosei. The colors of the sea are mesmerizing and the sand is thin. There are no services and during summer the entrance is limited, so you have to pay a ticket. You can reach the beach by sea or by crossing a path. We recommend you rent a boat from the port of Santa Maria Navarrese.

Tip: find out more about Ferryhopper's favorite beaches in Sardinia on our dedicated guide!

The heavenly Cala Goloritzè in the Gulf of Orosei

Sightseeing in Sardinia

In addition to dreamy beaches, Sardinia has several historical, artistic and natural beauties. Between millenary nuraghe and UNESCO Heritage Sites, the island offers various activities.

Here are some of the top cultural attractions in Sardinia:

• The sunny city of Cagliari, with stunning palaces and medieval castles
• The city of Oristano, with its charming historic center and some of the most famous beaches on the west coast
• The picturesque village of Bosa, with its colorful houses and its riverside port
• The medieval seafront city of Alghero, with its animated historic center and its famous ramparts
• The picturesque medieval village of Castelsardo, with a museum dedicated to wicker and the art of weaving
• The Archaeological Museum of Sant’Antioco, with a collection of rare finds
• The Garibaldi Compendium of Caprera, the farmhouse where Garibaldi spent the last 25 years of his life.
• Nuoro, the heart of Sardinia, with its narrow streets and its historic buildings
• The city of Carbonia, home to the famous Coal Museum of the Great Serbariu Mine
• The village of Orgosolo, with its 150 murals scattered around its streets
• The Nuraghe Arrubiu, one of the largest nuraghes in Sardinia known for its red color
• The Archaeological Area of ​​Nora, one of the  most important historical sites in Sardinia
• Tharros and its archaeological area, located at the southern tip of the Sinis peninsula
• The Su Nuraxi di Barumini complex, the best-preserved example of the form of the defensive complexes

The famous archaeological site Su Nuraxi di Barumini

If you are looking for natural parks and breathtaking landscapes, here you can find the most beautiful natural attractions of Sardinia:

• The Molentargius Natural Park, a beautiful natural oasis in the heart of Cagliari, featuring salt flats and pink flamingos
• The Su Marmuri Cave, considered the most impressive in Europe
• The Rock of Pan di Zucchero, one of the most impressive natural monuments on the island
• The Is Zuddas Caves, with crystals called "cave flowers" and "aragonites"
• The Gennargentu National Park, one of the most stunning wildlife areas in the Mediterranean
• The scenic SP71 road, offering an incredible panoramic view of the southeastern coast
• The Capo Testa peninsula, a stretch of enormous rock formations with spectacular shapes
• The Caves of Neptune, home to an underground saltwater lake
• The island of Sant'Antioco, connected to the mainland by a bridge
• The WWF Oasis of Monte Arcosu, the habitat of the very elegant and rare Sardinian deer
• The Monte Albo Nature Reserve, a lunar-like landscape with breathtaking trails and views
• The Gorropu Canyon, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Italy
• The Sa Spendula waterfalls, perfect for trekking lovers or a family picnic
• The Asinara National Park, an unspoiled oasis hosting 90 wild donkeys

Happy donkeys in the Asinara National Park, in Sardinia

Nightlife in Sardinia

Sardinia is a perfect destination for those looking to combine a relaxing vacation with vibrant nightlife. 

The Costa Smeralda area, in the north, is certainly the the island’s hotspot for entertainment. The towns of Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, San Teodoro, Olbia and Palau are famous for their luxury nightclubs, top-notch services, and exclusive venues.

Santa Teresa di Gallura is also a favorite among young travelers, thanks to its historic clubs and lively atmosphere.

But the island's nightlife is not far behind in the south either. Here the options are cheaper, but still lively. Head to Poetto Beach in Cagliari and the Quartu area, where seaside bars and lounges create the perfect setting for a night out.

For those who are not fans of busy bars and clubs, both Cagliari and Alghero often offer evenings of concerts and live performances in a more laid-back setting.

Food in Sardinia

Sardinian cuisine has its roots in the pastoral and peasant tradition, with recipes that have been handed down for generations. The combination of the famous Sardinian cheese with a glass of Cannonau wine is explosive.

Here are some of the most tasty local delicacies to try during your stay in Sardinia:

• porcetto arrosto (roasted suckling piglet)
• culurgiones (pasta stuffed with potato, pecorino cheese, and mint)
• malloreddus (thin ribbed shell-shaped pasta with sausage and tomato sauce)
• pane carasau (flatbread with olive oil)
• casu marzu (sheep milk cheese)
• pecorino cheese
• fainè (porridge with chickpea flour, salt, and olive oil)
• pasta with sea urchins
• fregola con i frutti di mare (handmade couscous with seafood) 
• bottarga (salted, cured fish roe)
• biscotti anicini (crunchy biscuits with anise)
• savoiardi (light, dry sponge biscuits)
• seadas (fried pasta stuffed with pecorino cheese and covered with honey)

The traditional Sardinian seadas

Tips for your vacation in Sardinia

Here are 9 tips that we hope will be useful before and during your trip to Sardinia:

1. The mistral wind can make summer days in Sardinia feel cooler than expected, so don't forget to pack a sweatshirt or jacket.
2. Traveling to Sardinia off-season is a great way to save money and avoid the crowds. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere.
3. Easter in Sardinia, with traditional processions and celebrations taking place across the island, is a special experience.
4. Winter brings unique cultural events, such as the Oristano Carnival and Cortes Apertas in Barbagia, perfect for those wish to discover Sardinia's authentic traditions.
5. The Feast of Sant’Antioco Martire is one of the island’s most important celebrations, blending history, food, and entertainment. Held from April 30 to May 2 in the town of Sant’Antioco, it’s a must-see for visitors.
6. The Feast of Sant’Efisio in Cagliari takes place every year from May 1 to May 4. It features a grand procession with traditional costumes, music, and dance, offering a deep dive into Sardinian culture.
7. The Feast of San Simplicio in Olbia on May 15 includes colorful parades, poetry, Sardinian songs, and local culinary delights, ending with a spectacular fireworks display.
8. The Sagra del Redentore in Nuoro, celebrated on the last Sunday of August, showcases a fascinating mix of religious traditions and folk performances, with parades of people dressed in traditional Sardinian attire.
9. The Noi Camminiamo in Sardegna project ("We Walk in Sardinia"), launched by the Regional Department of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Commerce, promotes slow tourism through scenic walking routes, offering a unique way to explore the island.

Useful information for Sardinia

Sardinia is a very popular travel destination, offering a wide range of services and facilities for its visitors throughout the year. However, most of the tourist activities operate during the summer.

In regards to your accommodation in Sardinia, you should keep in mind that prices can be quite high during the summer. Therefore, we recommend you either book your accommodation well in advance or visit the island off-season.  

The area of Costa Smeralda, and the towns of Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo are usually more expensive. The southern part of Sardinia is wilder and generally more affordable There you can find a very wide choice of hotels, pensions, guest houses and Bed & Breakfasts. Moreover, if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, we recommend staying in a farmhouse (agriturismo) in the Oristano area.

Sardinia is also an excellent destination for camping lovers. You can find the best camping sites in the areas of Alghero, Olbia, Costa Rei, and in the province of Ogliastra.

Good to know: keep in mind that several ferry companies allow you to embark campers and caravans on ferries to Sardinia, offering discounts and special rates.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Sardinia  

Here are some useful contacts to keep within reach during your trip to Sardinia:

• Cagliari Port Authority: +39070679531
• Olbia-Golfo Aranci Port Authority: +390789204179
• Arbatax Port Authority: +390782667093/667878
• Porto Torres Port Authority: +39079515151
• Cagliari Tourist Office: +390706778173
• "G. Brotzu" Hospital of Cagliari: +390705391
• ARST urban transport bus: +390784294173
• European emergency number: 112 

Transportation in Sardinia

Exploring Sardinia with your own vehicle is the best way to get around easily and visit multiple areas.

There are no motorways on the island, but the high-speed roads make it easy to reach the main areas. The SS131 highway runs from south to north connecting Cagliari to Sassari and Porto Torres, passing through the city of Oristano.

If you plan to move around by public transport, bear in mind that most of the island is served by the ARST bus lines, which connect not only tourist spots but also inland villages. As for the train, most of the regional connections depart from Cagliari and reach the main cities.

For a true road-trip adventure, you can bring along or rent a camper in Sardinia to save on accommodation and get around at your own pace.

The ARST regional railways also offer a wonderful way to explore Sardinia: the Trenino Verde, the Green Train. There are 4 lines that cross both inland and coastal regions: Mandas-Arbatax, Mandas-Isili-Sorgono, Macomer-Bosa, and Nulvi-Tempio-Palau. 

Just a few kilometers from the Sardinian coast, there are splendid islands and islets that you can reach by ferry or boat. From the small port of Palau, you can get to the island of La Maddalena, and then continue to Santa Maria, Budelli, and Spargi.

Also, from Calasetta and Portovesme you can reach the island of San Pietro with the famous town of Carloforte. From Porto Torres, boats depart for the unspoiled paradise of Asinara.

Sardinia ferry ports

Sardinia is home to several ports and marinas near the tourist resorts of the island. The main ports of Sardinia are the ones in Cagliari, Arbatax, Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Torres, and Santa Teresa Gallura.

The port of Cagliari, in the far south, is one of the island's oldest and is situated near the city center. The Sardinian capital is connected throughout the year with the ports of Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo.

The central part of Sardinia is home to the port of Arbatax, a very popular destination for summer holidays. Ferries arrive there all year round from the port of Civitavecchia in Rome.

Going north-east, you can find the port of Olbia, one of Sardinia's busiest, with over 1 million passengers annually. Olbia is connected with the ports of Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno, and Piombino.

Further north, the port of Golfo Aranci serves as the main getaway to the famous Costa Smeralda. Ferries arrive there regularly from Livorno, Savona, Nice (France), and Bastia (Corsica).

On the northwestern coast, Porto Torres is Sardinia’s largest port, thanks to its strategic location. Ferries arrive there from Italy (Genoa and Civitavecchia), Spain (Barcelona), France (Nice and Toulon), and Ajaccio in Corsica.

At the northern tip of Sardinia, there is also the port of Santa Teresa Gallura, in the province of Sassari. Located in a scenic bay, it’s the closest port to Corsica, with year-round ferry connections to Bonifacio, a charming coastal town.

Sardinia ferry: schedules and tickets

You can travel by ferry to the ports of Sardinia from Rome (Civitavecchia), Liguria (Genoa and Savona), Tuscany (Livorno and Piombino), Naples and Palermo.

The Italian island is also connected to some ports in France (Nice and Toulon), Corsica (Bastia, Ajaccio, Bonifacio, and Porto Vecchio) and Spain (Barcelona).

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry connections, compare prices and companies, check departure times, and book your ferry tickets to Sardinia in just a few steps. Take a look at our Map of ferries and start planning your dream Mediterranean vacation today!