Sardinia essentials

Sardinia features a diverse landscape ranging from the prehistoric Su Nuraxi nuraghe at Barumini to the 500-meter limestone walls of Gorropu Canyon. This collection highlights the island's unique geological formations, such as the white quartz sands of Is Arutas and the towering dunes of Piscinas. It includes archaeological sites like the Phoenician-Roman ruins of Tharros and the Neolithic ziggurat of Monte d'Accoddi, alongside coastal landmarks like the stalactite-filled Neptune's Grotto and the protected pink sands of Budelli's Spiaggia Rosa.

Sardinia Essentials — Map

Ciamabue / CC BY 2.0

A

Barumini

Su Nuraxi is a nuragic archaeological site in Barumini, Sardinia, Italy.

Gianni Careddu / CC BY-SA 4.0

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La Pelosa Beach

A superb beach with clean water and fine-grained sand which attracts big crowds at times. Nice place for a relaxing afternoon.

asibiri / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Asinara National Park

Asinara is the second largest island of Sardinia after Sant'Antioco. It houses a great variety of habitats.

Tobias Helfrich / CC BY-SA 2.5

D

Neptune's Grotto

Neptune's Grotto is a stalactite cave near the town of Alghero on the island of Sardinia, Italy.

Niko Koriko / CC-BY-SA

E

Cala Mariolu

Pebble beach featuring emerald green water and a unique mix of pink and white pebbles with sand. Access is available via a challenging hiking trail or by boat.

Pigiosu / CC BY 3.0

F

Gorropu Canyon

Deepest limestone gorge featuring walls up to 500 meters high carved by the Rio Fiumineddu river. This natural reserve is characterized by its wild state and unique endemic flora and fauna.

Fawcett5 / Public domain

G

Tharros

Tharros was an ancient city and former bishopric on the west coast of Sardinia, Italy.

trevis_lu / CC BY-SA 2.0

H

Spiaggia Rosa

Located on the island of Budelli, this beach is famous for its pink sand composed of crushed shells and coral fragments. Access is strictly restricted to boat viewing from a distance to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Cala Goloritzé

Cala Goloritzé is a beach that is located in the town of Baunei, in the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei, in Ogliastra, Sardinia.

|EPO| / Public domain

J

Nuraghe Santu Antine

Santu Antine, also known as Sa domo de su re is a nuraghe in Torralba, one of the largest in Sardinia.

Roberto Mura / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Cala Luna

A crescent-shaped beach in the Gulf of Orosei, distinguished by several large sea caves along the shoreline. It is accessible via a 4-kilometer hiking trail from Cala Fuili or by boat from Cala Gonone.

Gianni Careddu / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Dune di Piscinas

Located on the Costa Verde, these massive sand dunes reach heights of up to 60 meters, forming one of Europe's largest dune systems. The desert-like landscape is punctuated by endemic flora and old mining ruins.

Christian Pinatel de Salvator / CC BY-SA 4.0

M

Capo Caccia

A dramatic limestone promontory near Alghero, featuring vertical cliffs that drop 300 meters into the sea. It is the site of the Escala del Cabirol, a 654-step staircase leading down to Neptune's Grotto.

Ramon Espiña Fernand… / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Cala Brandinchi

Often referred to as 'Little Tahiti,' this beach is characterized by exceptionally shallow, turquoise waters and fine white sand, backed by a dense pine forest and salt marshes.

Gianni Careddu / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Monte d'Accoddi

Monte d'Accoddi is a Neolithic archaeological site in northern Sardinia, located in the territory of Sassari, Italy.

Isiwal / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Capo Testa

The most northern point of Sardinia where you can observe enormous granite rocks that have been modelled over the years into the most…

ManuelM / Public domain

Q

Spiaggia di Is Arutas

Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, particularly due to its sand in various colors, including pink, green and white.

Mihael Grmek / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Citadel of Castelsardo

An impressive castle situated on a steep cliff over the sea, overlooking the picturesque village of the same name.

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Spiaggia Cala Coticcio

Located on Caprera Island within the La Maddalena archipelago, this small cove is known for its granite rock formations and clear water. Access is regulated and requires a guided trek or arrival by boat.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

T

Castle of Serravalle

The Castle of Serravalle is a medieval castle in Bosa, province of Oristano, Sardinia, Italy.

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