Sardinia
The Costa Smeralda is not the island, and rarely the best of it.
Country
Italy
Best Months
June, July, September
Best For
Families, Couples, Beach lovers
Sardinia's reputation rests on about 30km of the northeast coast. The water there is genuinely extraordinary and so is everything around it, in both directions.
Move inland to the Gallura, or west towards Alghero and the Sinis peninsula, and you get the same sea against a different economy. The interior is a working island of granite, cork oak and sheep, with an archaeology, the nuraghi, that has no parallel anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
The catch is size. Sardinia is bigger than most people plan for, and the roads across the middle are slow.
Sardinia
Highlights
Nuraghi: bronze age towers found nowhere else
Alghero and the west for the same sea, different island
The Gallura interior is granite, cork and quiet
Distances are larger than they look on a map
The wind decides which coast you swim on
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Things to do in Sardinia
Sailing Tour Tavolara and Molara | From San Teodoro
Discover the beauty of the crystal clear waters of Tavolara and Molara aboard a 13-meter sailing ship. Departing from the Port of San Teodoro, this 7-8 hour excursion will take you swimming in enchanting bays such as Cala Brandinchi and Lo Impostu. Enjoy an aperitif with typical Sardinian products and a lunch prepared on board, while exploring the smallest kingdom in the world, the island of Tavolara. With a dolphin watching experience while sailing, this adventure is perfect for families and groups looking for nature and relaxation. - Departure DA San Teodoro at 9:45, return at 17:30 approximately - Lunch on board with typical Sardinian dishes and aperitifs - Possibility to swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters - Suitable for children, families and groups, with a maximum of 10 participants
La Maddalena Archipelago Tour by Sailboat from Cannigione
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Maddalena archipelago on a 7-8 hour sailing tour from Cannigione. Aboard a comfortable 14-meter sailboat, explore beautiful bays such as Cala Granara and Cala Corsara, enjoying the vibrant turquoise waters. The day includes relaxing swims, snorkeling opportunities and a delicious lunch on board with local Sardinian specialties, accompanied by a refreshing Vermentino wine. With a small group of up to 12 participants, this intimate experience allows for personalized attention from the Expert skipper, who shares fascinating stories about the region. Perfect for nature lovers and those looking for a unique sailing adventure. Full-day sailing tour of the Archipelago of La Maddalena from Cannigione - Visit iconic places like Budelli Pink Beach - Enjoy a delicious Sardinian lunch with local wine and snacks
Private Boat Tour of the Archipelago of La Maddalena West Side
The tour is a private and intimate experience. The boat in fact, accommodates a maximum of 6 passengers. The size of the boat allows you to approach the less crowded coves. A friendly relationship is established with the commander, available to the customer throughout the day.
Cagliari Boat tour 5 stops , snorkeling , Sardinian aperitif included
Unique experience in a dinghy Maximum 10 people, where you can enjoy the sea and the quality of naturalistic life that Cagliari offers us, along the Poetto coast with various stops until you get to calabernat where you can anchor and enjoy the sun the sea is an excellent aperitif.
Magdalene Archipelago Tour from Cannigione - Luxury 3 Catamaran
Set sail on a luxury catamaran and discover the stunning Maddalena archipelago. This full-day tour from Cannigione offers a unique opportunity to explore crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and idyllic coves. The trip includes visits to enchanting islands such as Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria, as well as a delicious lunch on board with traditional Sardinian cuisine. Enjoy activities such as swimming and snorkeling while soaking up the sun on a spacious Lagoon catamaran. An Expert skipper will guarantee you an unforgettable day tailored to the weather conditions. - Visit beautiful islands including Spargi and Budelli - Enjoy a Sardinian lunch and local aperitifs on board - Suitable for all ages with a maximum of 12 people per group
Tour in Gommone di Cala Mariolu e Goloritzé con Skipper
Siete pronti per un' esperienza fantastica? Chi approda in Ogliastra non può non visitare le bellezze del parco marino del Golfo di Orosei e della costa di Baunei. Ti attendono spiagge da togliere il fiato, raggiungibili solamente in gommone. La nostra guida ti accompagnerà in questo percorso con competenza e un pizzico di simpatia. Quando tornerete a casa ricorderete questa giornata come la più bella esperienza del vostro viaggio in Sardegna.
Prices, durations and ratings are Viator's, shown as Viator published them on 2026-08-25. They change. Booking goes to Viator, not to us, and we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Getting There
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is the primary gateway for the northeast coast, with seasonal direct flights from London, Paris, Munich, and other European cities. Cagliari (CAG) in the south serves the western coast. Alghero (AHO) covers the northwest. Private aviation uses Olbia. Ferry services from mainland Italy (Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno) take 5-10 hours but allow you to bring a car.
Insider Tip
Pick a coast and stay on it. Crossing Sardinia to chase weather costs most of a day each way.
FAQ
Sardinia questions
Is the Costa Smeralda the best part of Sardinia?
It is the most famous part, which is not the same thing. The water there is genuinely extraordinary, and so is the water in both directions along the same coast. Move inland to the Gallura or west towards Alghero and you get the same sea with a different economy around it.
What are the nuraghi?
Bronze Age stone towers, thousands of them, found on Sardinia and nowhere else. They are the island's defining archaeology and most visitors never see one, which is a shame because there is no comparable monument type anywhere in the Mediterranean.
How long does it take to get around Sardinia?
Longer than people plan for. It is a large island and the roads across the interior are slow. Pick a coast and stay on it rather than crossing to chase weather, which costs most of a day each way.