North Sardinia
There are several protected areas and national parks in Sardinia with Gennargentu, Sette Fratelli, Monte Arcosu and the National Park of the Archipelago della Maddalena with its 60 islands and islets among the more noteworthy. La Maddalena Island, home to rare flora and fauna plus some of the most beautiful beaches, is the largest in the archipelago and can be reached by a 15 minute ferry crossing from Palau on the Sardinian mainland. These areas are fantastic places to visit and we highly recommended including them in your things to do in Sardinia.
The stunning coastal area of Costa Smeralda is home to a wealth of things to do in Sardinia. With its gorgeous white sand beaches, delightful towns and villages, there will be something to please everyone. The village of Porto Cervo is located in the centre of Costa Smeralda, situated in the centre of the marina and boasts fabulous shops and restaurants.
Trenino Verde (little green train) is a little known narrow-gauge railway providing three scenic routes, from Palau to Tempio, Bosa to Macomer and Arbatax to Mandas; meandering through a beautifully green and unspoilt landscape, up rugged mountains and through lush forests of the interior, past crystal clear lakes and along coastlines.
As Corsica is a mere 11km to the north, it is easy to board one of the many boats to enjoy a day trip to this delightful French region, a fantastic addition to Sardinia holidays.
South Sardinia
Sardinia has a rich history and many Nuraghic sites remain scattered across the island giving an insight into the island’s past with the largest site discovered that of Barumini, now an UNESCO World Heritage site. Set on the Capo di Pula promontory, the archaeological site of Nora, founded by the Phoenicians, is home to the remains of a Punic temple, Roman baths and an impressive Roman theatre and forum.
The marine nature reserve of Capo Carbonara is rich in marina flora and fauna and an ideal location for diving and snorkelling on holidays to Sardinia. A boat trip cruising along the coastline makes for a pleasant day out, whilst on dry land Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, boasts a delightful old quarter to be discovered, complete with medieval watchtowers and imposing cathedral. Equally for beach-lovers looking for things to do in Sardinia, the tranquil village of Chia with its series of superb, pristine bays is an ideal location.