Sardinia attractions

With hundreds of colorful market stalls crowding two floors and piled high with everything from seasonal produce to fish plucked directly from the Mediterranean Sea, Cagliari’s San Benedetto Market is one of the largest indoor marketplaces in Italy. This homage to Sardinian culture and cuisine is an ideal spot for mingling with local shoppers and sampling island specialties.

Conveniently located outside Olbia (a short drive from the airport and ferry terminal), this postcard-perfect beach is what the Sardinian coastline is all about—soft sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and views stretching to Tavolara Island. It’s a great place to cap off a holiday and soak up some more Mediterranean idyll before your flight home.

Located along Sardinia’s buzzy northeastern coast, Porto Rotondo is an upscale resort town. Adjacent to the Emerald Coast, the area is glitzy enough to have attracted the likes of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who has a villa nearby. W But while it's still pretty posh, these days Porto Rotondo doesn’t just cater to jet-setters; you’ll find plenty of amenities for regular folk, too.

With its dramatic cliffs rising directly from the sea, a network of sea caves and grottoes, and turquoise waters teeming with marine flora and fauna, Capo Caccia is one of the most dazzling stretches of coastline in northwestern Sardinia. Part of the Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area (Area Marina Protetta Capo Caccia - Isola Piana) within the Porto Conte Regional Natural Park, this idyllic spot offers ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, boating, and caving.

With its translucent turquoise waters, a stretch of white sand reaching more than a mile (2 kilometers), and lush hills blanketed with juniper, eucalyptus, olive, and pine trees, Spiaggia di Cala Sinzias is one of dreamiest beaches on Sardinia’s southwestern coastline. Easily accessible by land and sea and protected by two small promontories to the north and south, this idyllic retreat is popular with swimmers and sun-seekers of all ages.

Spiaggia del Lazzaretto is a beautiful beach near the city of Alghero, famed for its white sand and clear turquoise water. It’s a great choice for families, thanks to its shallow water, and is also a top pick for history and architecture buffs—the southern end of the beach is home to the Torre del Lazzaretto castle, which dates back to 1580.

Often touted as one of the best beaches near Alghero, Spiaggia di Maria Pia is famous for its soft white sand and a stunning pine forest backdrop. With clear, clean waters and scenic views of Alghero Bay and Fertilia, it’s a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing in nature, making it a must-visit for beach lovers.

Cala Dragunara, a pocket-sized cove on the northwestern corner of Sardinia, is one of the most famous beaches in Capo Caccia. Lined by lush Mediterranean vegetation, the cove can be accessed either via a stone staircase by land or directly by sea. Bask on fine golden sand, take a dip in the crystalline water, and hike along the path south to visit the 16th-century watchtower.

Alghero is known for its eclectic Spanish-influenced architecture, and Alghero Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria) is one of the city’s most striking examples. The Gothic-Catalan cathedral features a soaring bell tower piercing the sky above the old town, elegant main portal, and elaborate marble pulpit and altar.

Located on the Alghero coast, Spiaggia di Mugoni is a white sand beach situated within the bay of Porto Conte. A favorite among locals, it is fringed by pine and eucalyptus trees and offers views of the mountains near Tramariglio. Visitors come here for a peaceful spot that doesn’t feel too isolated, with parasols available to rent and beach bars for drinks by the sea.

The last remaining vestige of Alghero’s defensive city walls, the half-moon-shaped Torre di Porta Terra, is one of the city’s medieval gems. Today, this stone tower houses a tourist information point, but from the 14th to the 18th century, it marked the main inland city gate and was closed each night from dusk to dawn to hinder attacks by land. A highlight of city sightseeing tours, this historic tower is one of the oldest town's most photographed sights.

Lined with historic townhouses and palaces, Piazza Civica has long been Alghero’s most important square. By day, visitors can admire the 16th-century facade of Palazzo Albis (Palazzo de Ferrara)—where Charles V stayed in 1541 before heading off to war in Africa—as well as historic gems like Palazzo Serra and Palazzo Lavagna. By night, this square becomes the dining and imbibing hub of the city.

Punta Giglio is a mecca for nature lovers. Part of Porto Conte Regional Nature Reserve, this limestone promontory and forest complex showcases views of Sardina’s crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline. Visitors primarily come here to hike along the area’s well-marked trails or cycle through the scenic landscape. With its natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities, Punta Giglio is an ideal escape.

Set in a stylish contemporary building overlooking the Sardinian coastline, this small gem of an aquarium is a fun attraction for both kids and adults. Spend a pleasant hour looking at the various river and ocean creatures housed in open sea, deep sea, and tropical tanks, including piranhas, hound sharks, clownfish, and tortoises.

Situated between Alghero and Fertilia, Ponte Romano is an ancient bridge that was built by Romans as a vital crossing point. Even though it’s partially ruined, it still has many of its original arches, which attracts visitors wanting to photograph this historic landmark and admire remnants of the Roman Empire. It’s a great off-the-beaten-path destination for history buffs.

One of a handful of 16th-century watchtowers that once protected the city of Alghero from attacks by land and sea, Torre di San Giovanni is one of the city's most striking examples of medieval defensive architecture. The tower’s Catalan-Aragonese style harks back to Alghero’s time under Spanish dominion, and its original vaulted ceiling and sandstone walls are remarkably intact, making Torre di San Giovanni a must-see for architecture buffs.

Along Alghero’s impressive 16th-century sea walls, Torre di San Giacomo is one of a few medieval watchtowers still standing vigil over the coastline. This octagonal stone tower is remarkable for its Catalan architectural details. It marks where the two stretches of ancient walls known as the Bastion of Cristoforo Colombo and the Bastion of Marco Polo meet, one of the liveliest areas along the city’s waterfront.

Situated on the Punta Falcone, between the bay of Santa Teresa Gallura and the postcard-perfect Rena Bianca beach, this 16th-century tower is one of the most striking sights on the Sardinian coast. Climb to the rooftop observation deck to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the pristine coastline and turquoise water.

Best visited in conjunction with the nearby Su Nuraxi archaeological site, this center is dedicated to Sardinian culture and civilization from the Bronze Age to now. Check out historic photographs and a scale model of Su Nuraxi to see what the neolithic structures once looked like, and learn about the island’s artisan traditions.

Considered one of the best examples of Gothic-Catalan architecture in Sardinia, Alghero’s Chiesa di San Francesco ranks among the city’s most important historic attractions. The 15th-century church is part of a larger complex, which includes a Franciscan convent, cloister, and bell tower. Admire the highlights, then climb the 64 steps to the top of the tower for pretty views over the city.

One of the premier megalithic sites in northern Sardinia, the Lu Brandali Nuragic Complex (Complesso Nuragico di Lu Brandali) was discovered in the 1960s. Comprising a group of nuraghi—limestone dwellings dating from between the Bronze and Iron ages—the site offers some insight into the mysterious Nuragic culture.