Things To Do in Sardinia

The National Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in the island’s history, providing an excellent overview that will give more meaning to the Sardinia attractions and insight into the lives of the people who lived here over 3,000 years ago. It includes impressive collections of ancient gold work, bronze statues, and other treasures that have been uncovered. The collection includes more than 4,000 artifacts from prehistoric times to the early Middle Ages, including Neolithic mother goddesses, the reconstruction of a Phoenician settlement, Carthaginian goldsmith examples, Punic, Phoenician, and Byzantine jewels, Roman and Italian ceramics, Nuragic bronzes, and the Nora Stone, an important archaeological find providing valuable insight into the Carthaginian presence on Sardinia. There is also a room that houses an important collection of wax anatomical models created by sculptor Clemente Susini from dissections by an anatomist in Florence in the early 19th century.

One of the top attractions in Sardinia is the 2nd century AD Roman Amphitheater, part of the ancient city of Nora. The extensive remains of this Phoenician settlement were later taken over by the Carthaginians who were followed by the Romans. It began its decline around 500 AD and was abandoned a few hundred years later. The amphitheater is so well preserved that it still hosts concerts today. You’ll see many other structures, including a forum, temples, mosaic pavements, villa foundations, and more, like an open-air museum of antiquities still in their original setting. The thermal complex is renowned for its gorgeous thermal baths with four that remain in various stages of preservation. Along the Roman streets, there are multiple public buildings, including the Foro which was the beating heart of Roman politics. The aqueduct complex provided water to public places like thermal baths as well as private homes.

Parco Nazionale dell & Archipelago di La Maddalena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the northeast coast of Sardinia. The collection of seven islands is UNESCO-listed for its diverse array of plant and marine life, but the reason most visit is for the visual appeal, featuring chalk- white beaches, rock formations, and the aquamarine Mediterranean Sea. Most of the islands can be reached by boat, with half and full-day excursions that will allow you to enjoy the tranquil coves and peaceful beaches that feel as if they’re worlds away from the mainland. It’s a masterpiece of nature, with rocks sculpted by the elements and even magically pink sands while shallow waters are so still, they’re like a mirror. The underwater world is inhabited by thousands of plant and animal species, ideal for snorkeling. Some tours include stops to shop in the local craft shops and to swim and snorkel while skirting many of the islands for breathtaking views.

The “Little Green Train” as Trenino Verde translates to, is one of the top attractions on the island. The narrow-gauge railway has been around for nearly 150 years and runs five different trips throughout the year, providing one of the best ways to explore Sardinia’s rugged landscapes and ports. The average trip is three-and-a-half hours long, but they run anywhere from an hour and 50 minutes to three hours and 40 minutes, traveling along spectacular coastline and through mountainous countryside. Routes include Palau-Tempio, Mandas-Laconi, Mandas-Sadali, Arbatax-Gairo, and Sindia-Bosa. The Palau to Tempio route covers less than 38 miles, traveling slowly to provide an immersion in nature while crossing Gallura from the sea to the mountains. Arbatax-Gairo is particularly fascinating, featuring the stunning cliffs called the Red Rocks, idyllic beaches, and the mountainous territory of the hinterland. The train itself is quite charming, with not much changed since DH Lawrence rode it back in 1921.

The deepest canyon on the island and one of the deepest in Europe, Su Gorroppu Gorge was shaped over time by the Flumineddu River which flows along its bed at a depth of over 1,600 feet. It’s nearly nine miles in length while the dramatic limestone cliffs rise almost 1,500 feet. If you want to hike the canyon, you’ll need to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes, with the 6.5-mile trail winding past rock pinnacles, eroded limestone slopes, and cliffs marked with caves. It takes about four to five hours to complete, round trip, with the sheer walls of limestone blocking the sun and the world outside. During quieter times of the day, you might see pine martens while golden eagles are often spotted perched in the trees. Look for the endemic Aquilegia nuragica plant with its lilac and white flowers which only grows here as well.

Sardinia has a long history of mining that’s believed to have been started sometime around 6000 BC. During the early 1800s, there were nearly 60 mines in operation, mainly producing silver, iron, copper, and lead. One of the island’s most important mining areas was Montevecchio, which operated through around the 1950s. Today, the region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared to prevent it from becoming completely abandoned. Many of the old facilities have been restored and are now open to the public to explore, and some were even transformed into hotels. Most of Montevecchio has been renovated and restored but there are still some crumbling structures, providing a ghost town kind of vibe. There are five different tours available that follow different routes, all of which include the miner’s homes, the owner’s residence, and management building. Others focus on mining operations, with tools, workshops, and the methods used to extract the minerals revealed.

If you are interested in learning more about Sardinia’s culture, you’ll want to visit some of the local markets. The markets on the island have long provided fascinating insight into the local traditions and include everything from food to handcrafted items. Various regions are renowned for specific craft traditions, such as the baskets made from willow, rush, and dwarf pine leaves in Castelsardo. Ceramics can be found at most markets in the larger towns, often painted in blue on white, giving them Greek flavor. The many bustling markets also serve a wealth of fish, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a variety of Sardinian specialties while offering some outstanding people-watching. Sant’Elia Market held every day of the week except Sundays from 7 a.m., is one of the nicest. It’s located in the old fisherman’s quarter on the outskirts of Cagliari’s city center and is especially renowned for its local cheeses.

Neptune’s Grotto is another one of the top attractions in Sardinia many consider a must-visit, extending for about 2.5 miles inside the promontory of Capo Caccia. The cave, which sits right at sea level, was discovered in the 18th century by local fishermen and eventually become a popular tourist spot with its name derived from the Roman god of the sea. It’s possible to reach by boat from Alghero which will drop you off right at the entrance and pick you up for the return. Some choose to descend the over 650 steps carved into the cliffs to reach the cave but don’t forget that you’ll also have to climb back up, a tough trek especially in the heat. The only way to explore the inside of the grotto is to take a tour that covers approximately two-thirds of a mile with stalagmites, stalactites, and a lake with a beach.