Resorts of Sardinia – which one to choose for recreation, photo, description, map
“The best beaches in Europe, charming views and seductive cuisine” – perhaps this is how Sardinia can be described in a few words. Despite belonging to Italy, the island has been influenced by Spanish and Ethiopian culture. The authenticity of architecture, combined with amazing local beauties and a developed level of service, turn the resorts of Sardinia into a place of paradise.
Porto-Worm
One of the most expensive and beautiful places in Sardinia owes its appearance to Prince Aga Khan IV, who once decided to create the most beautiful place on earth. Today this corner of the island is a symbol of fashionable and serene life. Numerous villas, alleys of luxury shops, expensive restaurants and five-star hotels show that the prince succeeded.
Porto Cervo is interesting not only for those who want to see a few celebrities with their own eyes. Talented people of their time worked on the appearance of the resort, including Luigi Vietti. And now an amazing play of colors and a combination of neat buildings, lost among the rocks and blue water, opens up before the eyes of the traveler.
The most popular holiday destinations on Porto Cervo are the beaches of Liscia Ruja, Romazzino with a flat coast and everything necessary for a comfortable family stay, the Millionaire night club, as well as the local golf club with an amazing panorama and restaurants Il Pescatore, La Pergola with author's kitchen.
Cagliari
The administrative center of Sardinia is located in the south of the island, on the coast of the Gulf of Angels. Surrounded on different sides by the sea, mountains and striking architectural monuments, Cagliari gives you the opportunity to try a diverse holiday. The adjacent beach offers its guests 8 kilometers of pure white sand and the latest equipment for a pleasant pastime. A variety of activities such as snorkeling, canoeing and quad biking will delight visitors of all ages.
Those who like to combine business with pleasure should pay attention to the cultural heritage of the Sardinian capital. The Fortress of St. Michael, the Roman Amphitheater, the Basilica of St. Saturnion, the Archaeological Museum of Cagliari are just a few iconic objects that the locals are so proud of. The proximity of the airport, the abundance of cafes with authentic cuisine and hotels for every taste make Cagliari the best place for a long stay.
Rotondo
The port extends to the northeast of Sardinia, on the territory of the Costa Esmeralda. The picturesque place, designed in the form of a circle (hence the name), attracts businessmen and celebrities from all over the world. Like Porto Cervo, Rotondo was created as a paradise, pleasing with magnificent views and pretensions to luxury. Thanks to the efforts of eminent architects, the port resembles a small Venice with many bridges, arches and streets surrounded by greenery.
Among the main attractions are the Church of San Lorenzo, Piazza San Marco and the open-air amphitheater. You can also get acquainted with a chic yacht club that can accommodate 600 VIP class yachts. Seaside holidays are provided by the beaches of Spiaggia Ira, Marinella and the Beach of Stones, equipped with the latest technology and seasoned with memorable views of the marina. Diving enthusiasts should definitely go to the neighboring island of Tavolara, which promises vivid emotions from the contemplation of underwater beauties.
San Teodoro
Everyone who appreciates a cultural pastime will find something for themselves in this town in the northeast of Sardinia. Numerous concerts and film festivals allow you to enrich your horizons and meet with eminent filmmakers and artists. Monuments of medieval architecture are harmoniously combined with green streets, luxury shops and famous restaurants.
Natural objects are also remarkable – the rocks of Montinieddu and the area of Kala Girgolu, which amaze the viewer with the talent of nature. The beaches in the vicinity of the city of St. Theodore will appeal to both adults and children. Gradually increasing depth, even sandy bottom and developed infrastructure provide a truly serene daytime rest. And with the onset of sunset, the coast turns into a dance paradise for lovers of relaxation in the spirit of Ibiza.
Santa Margherita di Pula
Picturesque landscapes and a developed cultural life are the main reasons why the resort is so popular among tourists and the Italians themselves. Bright panoramas of lakes framed by rocks and coniferous groves, and rich fauna deserve the attention of every visitor to Sardinia. The sea here is clean, calm, with a gradually receding bottom and amazing underwater views. The remains of an ancient civilization are represented by preserved baths with floor mosaics and an amphitheater.
Evenings of poetry, classical music and theatrical art are still held on its podium. The town itself has a friendly and cheerful disposition. In summer, festivals and open-air discos are often held on its streets. And the abundance of hotels, cafes, shops and souvenir shops will please those who come here for a long time.
Villasimius
Sunny and quiet town located just 50 km from Cagliari. The territory of only 58 square meters gives natural diversity. The clean and pleasant coastline is accompanied by ridges of rocks and coniferous plants, so even in the tourist season there is somewhere to retire. Farms with grazing goats and cows bring an idyllic mood.
Those who are especially curious will certainly enjoy getting to know the ancient nuraghes. Despite numerous wars, an ancient fortress has been preserved on the territory of Villasimius. Despite the small number of hotels, shops and entertainment venues, there is always something to do in these places. Beach holidays, horseback riding, diving, a sea voyage to neighboring islands and a visit to the International Center for Experimental Art will fill your stay with meaning and pleasant impressions.
Costa Rei
The “Coast of Kings” is an hour's drive from the capital. A cozy village in an ecologically clean area of Sardinia will give a truly royal holiday. Several beaches have a different look and depth of the sea, so that tourists can choose a place to their liking. For those who prefer active leisure, diving, kiting, a trip to a nearby island and other entertainments are offered.
A variety of cafes, restaurants and resorts will not allow you to get hungry and be left without a roof over your head. Culturally, Costa Rei is interesting as a living testimony of ancient times. It is worth visiting the Piscina Rei megalithic complex, created 5,000 years ago, climbing the ancient Roman road to the peaks of the Seven Brothers Mountains and seeing the ruins of Su Guventu with your own eyes. A trip to the Serpentara with the famous Marine Park and the remains of the Luigi fortress (XVI century) will give no less vivid emotions.
Tortoli
A settlement in the eastern part of Sardinia – the main city of the province of Ogliastra. In addition to developed agriculture and agro-tourism, the village will delight you with memorable views and ancient monuments. In the Artabax region, there are deposits of red stone that color the coastal areas in a characteristic color. In combination with the riot of greenery, the blue of the sky and the azure of the sea, the surroundings will give wonderful shots and vivid emotions.
Numerous traces of ancient civilizations, including the church of San Andrea, the Tower of St. Gemiliano, the park of St. Salvatore, will tell about the great past of these lands and allow you to touch history. Several beaches allow you to soak up the sea. Orri, Chea and Porto Frailis have long won the hearts of vacationers for their serenity, picturesque and well-groomed views. For those who want to take a walk, the vast city park La Suguereta will come in handy, offering a variety of active entertainment for all ages.
Marinella
The village is located south of Porto Rotondo. White sand, shallow waters and the absence of strong waves explain the popularity of the local beach among parents with small children, the elderly and lovers of sea activities. For those who love big waves, it makes sense to come to the resort during the peak season. The beach has a developed infrastructure: a free shower, sun loungers, a children's playground and several bars. True, the surroundings cannot boast of a variety of establishments. But the problem is easily solved due to the proximity to a popular neighbor with fashionable restaurants, a yacht club and boutiques. Among the local attractions stand out the church of St. Lorenzo, as well as the villas of celebrities, including Silvio Berlusconi.
Stintino
The place, famous for its white-sand coastline with its wild appearance, is located in the north-west of Sardinia. The main beaches of Pelosa and Pelosetta not only provide unity with nature, but also allow you to touch the history. The first of them faces the island of Asinara with a difficult fate, and the second opens up an overview of the Aragonese tower of the 16th century. The nearby islet of Asinara, popularly called “Devil's”, is perhaps one of the main attractions of these parts. A few decades ago, it was here that the main Italian prison and quarantine zone was located.
Today, only the untouched and mysterious beauty of steep cliffs and stormy sea reminds of the old times on the territory of the modern natural park. Stintino is primarily a fishing village. Therefore, each guest should definitely try local seafood delicacies. The chefs will be happy to prepare tuna dishes for visitors, because it is the fishing and the extraction of this type of fish that have allowed the small village to become a famous point on the tourist map of Sardinia.
Olbia
The developed Sardinian city spreads in the northeast and serves as the center of commercial, cultural and tourist life. The port, airport, railway station and the abundance of buses make it easy to travel from here to any part of the island. The province is famous for its rich history. The Church of St. Paul the Apostle, the Basilica of St. Simplicio, the National Archaeological Museum are just a part of the cultural heritage that opens up to the eyes of the traveler.
You can enjoy walking in the Fausto Noce park or in the very center of Olbia. Beach areas stretch for a hundred kilometers along the Costa Smeralda. Mountainous landscapes, coniferous trees, light sand and the blue of the sea have long become a symbol of recreation in Olbia. Olbia will please gourmets and lovers of Mediterranean dishes. The annual May festival of Saggra del Cozze, where chefs from all over the world compete in the skill of cooking mussels, will especially delight.
Alghero
The Italian city stands apart from other resorts in Sardinia. The place was influenced by several peoples who fought with each other for the possession of a “tidbit”. But still, the Spanish culture won, making the then and today's Alghero a small Barcelona. Acquaintance with the beauties of Algeria should begin with a study of the historical center. The Church of St. Michele, Maddalena Bastion, the Cathedral of St. Mary and the streets that have preserved their ancient appearance will tell about the great and heroic past of these places.
Evidence of very ancient times is the “house of witches” – the tomb of the mysterious Nuragic period. The Grotto of Neptune and the Aquarium Mare Nostrum are sure to appeal to younger hikers and nature lovers. And after the cultural program, you can relax on one of the beaches. There are several of them in Alghero, and each is suitable for family holidays. Hotels of different stars, shops and cafes for every taste and budget will make your stay in Barchelonata comfortable and memorable.
Oristano
The city, founded in the 9th century, will appeal to everyone who appreciates eclecticism. The appearance of the old center retains the severity of the Middle Ages, and new buildings with a chaotic arrangement of streets demonstrate the comfort and cheerful disposition of small seaside settlements. A rich history has given Oristano many attractions, including the Tower of St. Christopher, Piazza im.
Eleanor of Arborea, Cathedral of Oristano. In the suburbs, you can get acquainted with a more ancient culture on the example of the Phoenician city of Tharros, the island of Mal di Ventre and beyond. The nature of these places promises interesting landscapes, proving the validity of the name of the city (“surrounded by lakes”). The combination of green hills, mountainous areas and the water surface, stretching into the horizon, conquered more than one traveler.
Capo Testa
Once on the cape of the same name there was an ancient Roman quarry. Until now, fragments of columns designed to strengthen buildings are visible in the sea. Today, these places have almost not preserved historical monuments. But the bizarre mountainous outlines attract tourists from all over the world. Polished by years of waves and winds, the rounded steeps are reminiscent of Martian landscapes. Many come here for the opportunity to see them with their own eyes and share a photo report with friends. Thanks to the stone surroundings, the local coast is protected from strong winds and large waves.
Light sand and a gradually receding bottom turn the beaches of Capo Testa into a comfortable vacation spot for families with small children. For them, by the way, safe water activities are provided. Older tourists, in addition to sunbathing, are given the opportunity to enjoy diving, snorkeling and jet skiing. Like other resorts in Sardinia, Capo Testa delights guests with authentic Mediterranean cuisine, hospitality and sunny weather.
Cala Gonone
The area belonging to the commune of Dorgali is located on a green hill with a beautiful view of the Gulf of Orosei. This area attracts connoisseurs of pristine nature, picnics and long walks. The local territories were inhabited in the Nuragic era and retain echoes of ancient times. Of particular interest to travelers is the natural Sea Cow Grotto with many stalagmites and stalactites inside.
Cala Gonone is part of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park. Cozy beaches, picturesque mountains and clear blue water have long been the hallmark of these places. The main advantage of Cala Gonone is the opportunity to find a secluded corner for yourself, located in one of the many bays. The coastline of the area is conducive to unhurried enjoyment of the sun and the sea. But some beaches are littered with sharp reefs. Therefore, for families with children, it is worth choosing places in the immediate vicinity of the village, for example, Cala Luna.
The city is located in the eastern part of Sardinia and has the cleanest coastline on the island. Memorable views of the sea and steep cliffs, an abundance of bays and the historically rich old part of the town have been attracting tourists here for decades. The main attractions are the Church of Our Lady of Navar (XI century) and the Spanish tower built in the XVII century.
Of no less interest is the park of wild oil plants, based on the site of the once existing Mediterranean forest. Among the green inhabitants, an old-timer stands out, who celebrated his thousandth birthday and has a trunk eight meters in girth. Another archaeological object hid here – a boulder, on which traces in the form of cups are visible.
Arbatax
The resort town focused on the picturesque cape of Capo Bellavista, famous for its red porphyry rocks. Clear water and snow-white beaches make these areas a favorite haven not only for foreign tourists, but also for the Italians themselves. Thanks to its own port, transport links are well established not only with Cagliari, but also with mainland Italy, which opens up new opportunities for travel.
In addition to natural attractions, it is worth highlighting the main square of the resort – Skogli Rossi, ancient towers, with which the name of the city is associated.
And the Church of the Virgin is interesting not only as a historical, but also a cultural object, in honor of which extensive festivities are held in July. As for traditional recreation, there are several hotels with comfortable living conditions on the territory of Artabax. Tourist trips, horseback riding, spa treatments and more are provided for the guests. But the cozy beaches of Orri and Ponente, surrounded by coniferous groves and bays of amazing beauty, can give vivid impressions without additional entertainment.
Castelsardo
Magnificent landscapes, authentic cuisine and attractions at every turn – it's amazing how a small northern town with a population of only six thousand people can offer so much to inquisitive tourists. It is located on the rocky cape of Asinara, so lovers of breathtaking landscapes have a chance to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and Corsica soaring above the water. Yes, and Castelsardo itself is conducive to unity with nature, because it is part of the Asinara National Reserve.
To get acquainted with the history of the Castelsard lands, you do not have to travel outside the city. Interesting objects can be seen during a regular walk. Monuments dating back several thousand years are represented by ancient towers – nuraghes and pre-Nuragic tombs. The oldest of the burial grounds available here – the Fairy House – dates back to the 4th – 3rd millennium BC.
Medieval monuments of architecture will tell about a history closer to modern man: Doria Castle (XII century), the residence of the bishop, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (XVI century). One of the main religious holidays is associated with the name of the cathedral – the Lucinatti procession, which tells about the life of Christ and marks the arrival of spring.
Those wishing to bring original items from a trip should pay attention to wicker baskets. This is the oldest and most traditional type of handicraft with which the island is associated. In addition to straw products, ceramics, homespun paths, openwork weaving and jewelry made of silver and coral are famous for their elegance and high quality.
Costa-Paradiso
Paradise Beach is one of the iconic holiday destinations in Sardinia. This eight-kilometer stretch of land has every possible beauty, from numerous bays with golden sand to red mountains with grottoes. Among the many beaches, Li Cossi, Rena Bianca and Cala Spinoza are especially popular. Thanks to its location in an ecologically clean area, the water here is crystal clear, which is sure to be appreciated by professional divers and snorkelers.
Convenient entry into the water and the absence of unpleasant surprises at the bottom make Costa Paradiso a good option for family recreation. Due to the semicircular shape of the coast, strong winds are not a frequent visitor here, which will please mothers with small children. Like any popular resort, this one has everything you need for a comfortable stay: hotels and private houses of various levels of service, numerous cafes, restaurants and small shops.
Costa Paradiso is an attraction in itself, for which tourists from all over the world come here. But if you want to diversify your leisure time, you can rent a boat and make a short trip to Olbia, Porto Torres and even to the Corsican town of Bonifacio.
Sassari
The second largest city in Sardinia, located in the northwest, is rightfully considered an important tourist center. The rich past that began several millennia ago, the picturesque golden beaches and gardens immersed in greenery will not leave anyone indifferent. The streets of the historical center are decorated with outstanding architectural monuments – the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Church of the Virgin Mary of Bethlehem, the Sanna National Museum and several palaces.
The medieval walls of the city, the museum of the Sassari Brigade and the Castle Tower are evidence of the constant struggle for independence with Genoa, Pisa, Austria and Aragon. A special pride of Sassari is the university. It emerged among the first on the island and is now one of the best universities in Italy. Just ten kilometers from Sassari, a system of buildings dating back to the Nuragic period opens up to the eyes of travelers. The most famous of them are San Giovanni, Li Luzzani.
Those wishing to learn more about the cultural life of Sassari should come here in May, when a street festival takes place on the streets of the city – the Sardinian cavalcade. Participants, dressed in national clothes, perform folk songs and dances and show small performances about historical events important for the local places.