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A Mediterranean island with a character all of its own

Sardinia rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Italy’s second-largest island combines a rugged interior, a long and varied coastline, and a cultural identity that feels distinct from the mainland. For anyone planning a holiday here, the island offers a mix of outdoor activity, archaeology, food and quiet stretches of coast.

Coast and sea

The coastline is the island’s best-known draw, and it is genuinely varied. Some beaches are long and sandy, backed by dunes and pine woods; others are small coves reached only on foot or by boat. The water is clear and suited to swimming from late spring through autumn.

Popular stretches sit in the north-east around the Costa Smeralda, while the south and west tend to be quieter. Boat trips run from several ports and are a practical way to reach coves that are hard to get to by road.

The interior

Away from the coast, Sardinia rises into mountains and plateaus that see far fewer visitors. This is walking and cycling country, with marked trails and old shepherds’ routes. The landscape is also home to the island’s archaeology: stone towers known as nuraghi, dating back thousands of years, are scattered across the interior, along with rock-cut tombs and other ancient sites.

Traditional food here is hearty — roast meats, flatbreads, pecorino and cured pork — and often served in small village restaurants rather than resort towns.

Towns and cities

Cagliari, the capital, sits in the south and mixes a historic hilltop quarter with a working port and a long city beach. In the north-west, Alghero retains Catalan influences in its language and architecture. Smaller towns such as Bosa and Castelsardo are known for their coloured houses stacked above the sea.

Getting around

The island has three main airports — Cagliari in the south, Olbia in the north-east and Alghero in the north-west — with connections to several European cities. A car is the most flexible way to explore, particularly if you want to combine coast and interior in one trip. Public transport links the main towns but is less useful for reaching remote beaches and trails.

When to go

Late spring and early autumn suit most visitors: warm sea, comfortable temperatures for walking and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest and hottest months, and accommodation and ferries should be booked well ahead.

Practical notes

• Ferries connect the island to mainland Italy and to several other Mediterranean ports.
• Walking shoes are worth packing even for a beach-focused trip, as many coves involve a short trail.
• Smaller hotels and guesthouses close out of season, so check opening dates if travelling outside the summer months.