Sardinia

Start with the essentials: these are the towns and cities most useful as bases for exploring the island. Head south to Cagliari for its compact old town, regional airport and direct ferry links, then move north to Olbia for quick access to the Costa Smeralda. On the northwest coast, Alghero offers Catalan-flavoured streets and nearby beaches, while nearby Sassari is the island’s cultural hub with markets and museums. For quieter salt‑marsh lagoons and wide beaches, consider Oristano on the west coast. Together these centres give a practical map of Sardinia : choose an airport or ferry town as your base, plan drives around coastal stretches, and balance time between city walks and beach days. Expect short drives between towns and seasonal opening hours; book car hire and ferries in high season. This mix suits first-time visitors and repeat travellers who want a mix of culture, coastline and calm.

Start with the essentials: visit Sardinia’s defining places and learn why they matter. For a clear itinerary, begin at the Must-See Attractions to cover landmark sites efficiently, then read through History, Heritage and Everything In-between for context that brings ruins and museums to life. Pair those visits with a focused Cultural Fix — galleries, festivals and neighbourhood arts that explain local rhythms — and choose from the curated options in Top-Rated Things To Do when you need reliable, highly-rated activities. This combination gives you both the big sights and the cultural threads that connect them, so you can plan each day with practical pacing and meaningful discoveries.

If you want Sardinia beyond postcards, spend time where people shop, cook and work. Start at Local Markets & Foodie Experiences for concrete tips on seasonal produce, stalls to visit and dishes to try. Then join hands-on Authentic Experiences — cooking classes, workshops and craft sessions that connect you to local makers. Finally, read Not your Average Traveller for a practical perspective on how to avoid traps and find thoughtful alternatives. Together these guides show how to eat, learn and travel like a local, with simple steps that fit into a day or a weekend on the island.

For outdoor days and quick escapes, choose routes that match your pace. Follow Explore Natural Wonders to find beaches, cliffs and inland hikes with clear access notes. When you want an organised day, check the routes in Day Trips for nearby towns and scenic drives that work as single-day plans. And for the offbeat viewpoints and villages you won’t find on the main trails, consult Hidden Gems — short detours, secret coves and local lookouts that reward a small extra effort. Together these guides map practical itineraries for coast or countryside, whether you have a full week or a single free day.