SARDINIA

 Sardinia is served by three main airports: Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero. Unfortunately, there is no direct flight connection from Copenhagen. Therefore, I recommend arriving to Cagliari to minimize commuting within the island. FYI: We made our booking through KIWI.com, with departure on Friday, the 11th, and return on Friday, the 18th, for a total cost of 7,000 DKK for four people. We fly with Ryanair, with a layover in Milan-Bergamo. If you depart on one day earlier, the tickets are much cheaper. 

You could also get to the other 2 airports and then travel to Cagliari… just keep in Mind that Sardinia is not Santorini: it’s more than half the size of Denmark, and the Trains system dates back to the Roman Empire, so you will certainly need a car. kayak.it is a great car rental aggregator.

Upon arriving on the island, it would be a shame to confine your entire stay to Cagliari. If you’re accompanied by younger kids, consider using Cagliari as a base camp and organizing daily trips to nearby attractions. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, don’t hesitate to explore and visit anything that captivates your interest! Below are some of the main attractions that I’d boldly recommend:

Welcome to Sardinia’s capital, where ancient history meets vibrant culture. Nestled along the captivating shores of Sardinia, this coastal gem beckons with historic landmarks, charming streets, and panoramic views. Check a good tourist guide of the city at this link.

Stretching for eight glorious kilometers, this sandy haven invites you to unwind amidst crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscapes. With a backdrop of vibrant cafes and azure skies, Poetto Beach is the perfect blend of relaxation and seaside adventure, making it a must-visit destination for beach enthusiasts. Near Poetto there is the BrucoMela and an old style Luna Park playground for Kids!

From Poetto, you can also go visit the Flamingos: one of the biggest draws to Sardinia! Around Cagliari, there are two main spots for visiting the flamingos- Stagno di Molentargius and Stagno di Cagliari. During sunrise and sunset, the flamingos in Sardinia take flight in mass turning the sky pink.

Step into the heart of Cagliari’s rich history and charm with a visit to the Castello area. Nestled within ancient fortress walls, Castello boasts narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city and sea. Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of this historic district, where every corner tells a story and offers a glimpse into the city’s past.

If you love learning more about history, the National Archaeological Museum is a must do in Cagliari ! As the main archaeological museum in Sardinia. It houses a huge collection of objects from the Neolithic to the Roman period, including of course the Nuragic civilization whose famous nuraghes are emblematic of the island.

On the southern end of the Castello is Bastione Saint Remy, a large structure that rises up from the modern town below to the ancient district. The bastion is known for being one of the most impressive monuments in the city and from the top, you can enjoy wonderful views overlooking the city and the sea.

While the Castello Quarter sits on the hill towering behind it, the Marina Quarter is a maze of streets that house just as much history and culture. Take time to explore the district, losing yourself in the streets while you pop into shops or stop for some food in the many restaurants that you can find in the district.

This well-preserved Roman amphitheater, nestled in the heart of Cagliari, invites you to relive the drama of ancient spectacles. Nearby you have the Botanical Garden, which along with an outstanding array of mediterranean and tropical plants, the gardens are home to ancient Roman relics, such as wells and tanks. 

Beyond the enchanting streets of Cagliari, embark on unforgettable day trips to discover the wonders that surround this vibrant city. Explore ancient ruins at Nora, where history whispers tales of the past. Unwind on the sun-kissed shores of Villasimius, a paradise for beach lovers. Take a scenic drive to Barumini and step back in time at the Su Nuraxi archaeological site.

Before the roman Empire, Sardinia hosted the Nuragic civilization, which built 8,000 Nuraghi towers scattered across the island. The nuraghe Su Nuraxi the largest and most famous nuraghe of Sardinia. It’s tall 20 meters, occupies 5000m2, and it’s located in Barumini, about an hour drive from Cagliari. 

This archaeological site is the only one listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sardinia. There, you can discover the large central tower with smaller ones surrounding it. The walls and fortifications are also clearly visible: it’s the only nuraghe of Sardinia that have been fully excavated.

If you prefer to spend a day on a beautiful beach, you should go to Villasimius and Capo Carbonara. Located in the south-east of the island, it takes about 1 hour to reach Villasimius from Cagliari. There, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia. You shouldn’t miss Spiaggia Simius and Spiaggia di Porto Giunco. 

Nora is another archaeological site to visit around Cagliari. Located south of the city, towards Pula, it’s about 50 minute drive away. Nora is a former trading post founded by the Phoenicians. It then became a Punic city before becoming the Roman capital of the island. It was among the most wealthy cities in Sardinia! Today, only ruins of this ancient city remains. You will be able to see a Roman theatre, Roman baths and beautiful mosaics. It’s also a great place to take a walk by the sea.

With its powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Chia Beach offers a slice of paradise for sun-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. It is located on the south-west of the island, it takes about 1 hour to reach Chia from Cagliari. Backdropped by rolling sand dunes and lush Mediterranean vegetation, this idyllic coastal retreat promises a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Sardinia is home to some of Italy’s most impressive wines and the best way to spend an evening is to hunt down local wine bars and try as many of them as you can. The island is famous for various different wines but the most common is Cannonau, which accounts for about 30% of wine production in Sardinia. You can find at this link some activities worth considering if you like great wine and beyond…

Venture beyond the city limits of Cagliari and unlock the treasure trove of attractions that await throughout the diverse landscapes of Sardinia. From the ancient allure of Nuragic ruins to the sun-soaked beaches of Costa Smeralda, Sardinia beckons with a myriad of experiences… Click on the images to ger redirected to relevant booking options!

Oasi Biderosa is a protected coastal wildlife reserve featuring a chain of linked coves with peaceful beaches. Fill your lungs with fresh air on a bracing, nature-filled ride through fragrant pine forest and olive groves, and past lagoons where flocks of flamingos stand sentry. Electric mountain bikes are available to take some of the strain; pack a picnic and prepare for picture-postcard views.

Known as Italy’s Alcatraz, the island was a place of detention for captured soldiers during the Second World War, and later for criminals. Since 1997, though, it has been a national park, a popular place for hiking, cycling and enjoying weird and wonderful wildlife (including free-roaming albino donkeys).

The coast of Sardinia has a feast of sites for snorkelling or diving, and you’ll have no problem finding a place to dig out your face mask. The port of Santa Teresa Gallura is a good starting point: Here you can fin into caves in search of octopus and moray eels, over vast boulders on the sandy bed or above damselfish darting among waving green fields of posidonia.

Best known are Neptune’s Grotto near Alghero, which stretches 4km and contains illuminated, cathedral-like chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Among other caves on the island are the Bue Marino Caves on the eastern coast and the inland Su Marmuri Cave near Ulassai. These can only be visited on guided tours, and you’ll need to dress appropriately (closed shoes and warm clothes).

The Gorropu Gorge — in the Gulf of Orosei National Park to the east — is a seriously striking place for a hike. This is probably the island’s wildest region. The limestone canyon, carved by the Flumineddu river, is one of the deepest in Europe, and runs through an area of ancient yew trees and oak forests, and wildlife including golden eagles and mouflon.

Embark on a trekking adventure to Tiscali, a hidden paradise nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of Sardinia. This ancient cave village, accessible only by foot, promises intrepid explorers a journey through time and nature. Trek through scenic trails, witness breathtaking vistas, and be rewarded with the awe-inspiring sight of Tiscali’s ancient stone dwellings.

Alghero invites you to explore its ancient walls, indulge in local cuisine along the waterfront, and unwind on golden beaches. Discover a captivating blend of culture and seaside allure in Alghero, a must-visit destination for those seeking a perfect Mediterranean escape.

Via Ferrata del Cabirol, located near Alghero, is an exhilarating adventure for thrill-seekers. Clinging to the rugged cliffs of the island, this via ferrata offers an adrenaline-pumping journey with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Securely harnessed, navigate iron rungs, suspension bridges, and vertical rock faces, reaching panoramic peaks that reward your bravery.

Set into a cliff on the Inglesiente coast is an elegant tower and archway that conceal one of the great feats of engineering. For centuries, ore dug from nearby mines had to be transported from Manua beach by small boats. It was time consuming and dangerous. But in the 1920s, the engineer Cesare Vecelli built a pair of tunnels into the cliff along which the ore could be carried before it was dropped into cargo ships anchored below. He called it Porto Flavia, after his daughter, and it’s an amazing visit for people of any age.  

Dive into the deliciousness of Cagliari – a foodie’s paradise! From cozy corners with mouthwatering Sardinian bites to hip rooftop spots for sundown sips, this city’s got it all. Whether you’re into traditional treats, local wines, or fancy fusion flavors, Cagliari serves up a food and drink scene as diverse as its vibes. So, skip the formality, grab a seat, and let your taste buds explore the tasty side of this vibrant city!

Venture beyond the city limits of Cagliari and unlock the treasure trove of attractions that await throughout the diverse landscapes of Sardinia. From the ancient allure of Nuragic ruins to the sun-soaked beaches of Costa Smeralda, Sardinia beckons with a myriad of experiences… Click on the images to ger redirected to relevant booking options!

In Cagliari, yo should definitely try Caffè dell’Arte Specialty Coffee. It is a small, independent coffee shop that strikes the balance between a traditional Italian espresso bar and a place where you can try some unique beans from across the world.

Hidden in the maze that is the Marina district is Durke, a small shop that focuses on selling traditional Sardinian sweets and cookies. The small shop is run by three generations of one family, and the lovely women have been baking cookies using traditional methods for decades. As you walk past, they will do their best to lure you in and excitedly tell you all about the cookies as you try some samples.

Cagliari is full of places to enjoy an evening meal but none of them are quite as exciting as Lapola. The restaurant in Cagliari serves a range of fish dishes, however, the main focus is on lobster.Although there is a standard menu you can order from, the majority of people opt for one of the set menu options that are a phenomenal deal and of great value.

There is limited seating inside the little restaurant, so you will need to be lucky to get a place or you simply can take your food outside to enjoy in the Sardinian sunshine. The lunch is delicious and you really could tell how fresh the seafood is! The restaurant only opens for a few hours a day during the lunch rush and is a budget-friendly place in Cagliari.

There is something about the notion of walking down an Italian street while the sun beats down and you devour your body weight in gelato. Peter Pan has very good ice cream. The queue is worth the wait and once at the counter, you are greeted with an array of different flavors and types for you to mix and match in a cone or cup.

Ready for a taste of Sardinia? Dive into a world of flavors – from savory pecorino to fresh seafood straight from the Med. Pasta, herbs, and sweet treats, each bite tells a delicious story. Sardinia’s culinary scene is a must-try adventure for food lovers. Get ready to eat your way through the island’s tasty treasures!

Fregula is pasta made of semolina and shaped in small balls which are kind of like a slightly larger version of couscous. The pasta is traditionally cooked in a delicious tomato sauce with various bits of seafood mixed into the mix, although traditionally, they use clams.

Sardinia has its own form of stuffed pasta, culurgiones. The filling of culurgiones changes depending on the region of Sardinia you are in. In Cagliari, the typical filling is ricotta and potato-based. Sauce-wise, there is more leeway and the pasta is served with an array of sauces depending on the restaurant you visit.

If you’re after a traditional local drink to settle your meal as you watch the sun go down, ask for a glass of mirto. This liqueur is popular in both Sardinia and Corsica (it is said to have been exported to the latter by Sardinian outlaws), and is made from the fruit and leaves of the myrtle bush.

Porceddu is a simple yet a complex recipe made from roasted suckling piglet. This traditional dish of Sardinian cuisine is based on very simple ingredients where the body of piglet is cleaned and stuffed with meat, rosemary, herbs, fennel and others…It is a must do experience!

One of the most typical and known sardinian desserts is the Sebadas. They are fried cheese pasties and a typically Sardinian sweet, very rich in content and taste because of the goat cheese and some honey as garnish.