Sardinia travel guide, practical tips and top-rated things to do
This Sardinia travel guide gathers top-rated experiences across the island, focusing on city sights, coastal adventures and cultural escapes. Start with practical routes, recommended pacing and transport options, then pick the experiences that match your trip length and energy. Expect market mornings in Cagliari, scenic walks in Alghero, boat trips to hidden coves, and hands-on cultural encounters inland. Each entry explains what to expect, who it suits, and how to get there, so you can move from idea to plan in minutes. Use this as a field guide for a day, a long weekend or a full circuit, and find sensible, memorable things to do in Sardinia without the guesswork.
1. Tombe dei giganti di Goronna
Image / FAI
Stone-built collective tombs from Sardinia’s ancient past.
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What to expect
You will see long stone galleries and upright slabs arranged in a semi-circular forecourt. The setting is rural, with short grass and simple paths. There are no large visitor buildings, so the experience is mainly visual and interpretive. Expect basic signage rather than a museum-style presentation.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground and bring sun protection and water. Allow time to walk around the exterior and study the stonework. If you want context, check local guides or the nearby town for information on Nuragic sites. Combine this stop with other regional ruins or countryside drives to make the most of the area.
2. Associazione Culturale Atzeni
Image / X
Sculpture, craft and countryside in one quiet spot.
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What to expect
An outdoor collection of sculptures and site-specific works set among garden paths and Mediterranean planting. Pieces tend to favour material texture and traditional motifs reinterpreted in contemporary ways. The site is low-key and focused on the art, with a measured, reflective atmosphere.
Plan your visit
Wear sensible shoes for uneven paths and a light layer for wind on open days. Bring a camera and a notebook if you like details. Combine the visit with a walk through Mamoiada to get a sense of local craft traditions. If you need practical details, check with the local tourist office before you go.
3. Bike Or di Roberto Pigato
Image / Tripadvisor
A straightforward local bike hire that gets you cycling quickly.
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What to expect
Simple, service-focused hire. Staff help you choose a bike and point out good routes. Bikes tend to be well kept, and you can expect basic accessories and practical advice for local terrain.
Plan your visit
Book ahead in peak season and bring ID. Tell the team what kind of ride you want, they will recommend a bike and route. Pack water, sun protection and a small lock if you plan to stop for coffee or sightseeing.
4. Padiglione Tavolara
Image / Università di Sassari
A compact museum for local art and Sardinian culture.
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What to expect
Modest, focused displays rather than large-scale collections. Expect rotating exhibitions, a mix of contemporary pieces and heritage material, clear signage and close-up viewing. The layout suits visitors who prefer calm, concentrated visits over long tours.
Plan your visit
Check the museum’s current programme before you go, as exhibitions change. Arrive in the morning to avoid crowds and to see galleries in steady daylight. Combine the visit with a short walk around the nearby streets and a stop at a local café afterwards.
5. Civic Market of San Benedetto
Image / Tasting Sardinia
A working market where food and local life meet.
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What to expect
Busy aisles, loud vendors and tables piled with fruit, vegetables, fish and cured meats. You can buy ingredients to cook, pick up snacks to eat on the go, or browse specialty counters for cheeses and preserves. Stalls range from small family sellers to larger fish and deli vendors, so variety and quality are the main draw.
Plan your visit
Go with a small bag and reusable produce bags. Bring some cash as smaller stalls may prefer it. Start with a lap to see what’s on offer, then return to the stalls that caught your eye. If you plan to buy fresh fish or meat, ask vendors for storage or travel tips.
6. Giardino Sotto le Mura "Giardino Fratelli Giuseppe e Vittorino Fiori"
Image / Comune di Cagliari
A small green pause beside Cagliari’s old city walls
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What to expect
Simple, well maintained paths, scattered benches and a few shaded lawns. Views focus on the harbour and the near‑by cityscape rather than formal planting. Facilities are limited, so plan for a short visit or combine this stop with nearby streets and viewpoints.
Plan your visit
Head here as part of a short walking loop through the Castello and Marina areas. Bring a bottle of water and a light layer for coastal breezes. Paths can be uneven in places, so wear sensible shoes. The garden suits solo time, a quiet pause with a partner, or a short family walk.
7. Reef Cruise Alghero
Small-group boat trips to reefs, caves and clear water
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What to expect
Expect a compact group, a safety briefing and opportunities to swim or snorkel at calm reef sites. Guides provide practical pointers rather than lengthy commentary. Boats stop for short swims and photo opportunities near cliffs and shallow reefs. Basic snorkel kit is often available, but bring your own if you prefer.
Plan your visit
Book a morning slot for calmer water and steadier light. Bring swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a light waterproof bag for valuables. Wear water shoes if you plan to step on rocky shores. Tell the operator about any mobility needs when you book. Arrive a little before departure to board calmly and hear the safety briefing.
8. Mercatino Franchising Oristano
Image / Mercatino Usato Oristano
Second-hand finds and local chatter at Oristano’s neighbourhood flea market.
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What to expect
Rows of stalls with mixed goods, from clothing and kitchenware to small furniture and curios. Stall layouts are informal, so expect close quarters and a lively, workmanlike atmosphere. Most sellers are local; items are one-off and sold as seen. The market suits browsers as much as bargain hunters.
Plan your visit
Bring small change and a lightweight bag for purchases. Wear comfortable shoes for walking between stalls. Agree any return or repair terms with the seller before you buy. If you need measurements for furniture, take a tape measure. Allow time to look through a few stalls rather than rushing in and out.
9. Moonshine
Image / Ｍｏｏｎｓｈｉｎｅ Ｂａｒ
A small, easygoing cocktail bar for a straightforward evening drink.
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What to expect
A low-key interior with bar seating and a mix of locals and visitors. Drinks centre on classic and contemporary cocktails, served by bartenders who are happy to recommend something based on your taste. Music is present but not loud, so conversation is easy.
Plan your visit
Go in the evening and allow time for a relaxed drink. If you want a spot at the bar, arrive earlier on weekends. Ask the bartender for a suggestion rather than hunting the menu; they can tailor a drink to your preferences. Small groups fit best; larger groups should call ahead where possible.
10. Frecce delle grotte srl
Image / Frecce delle Grotte Alghero
Caves off Alghero’s waterfront, carved by the sea and worth the short trip.
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What to expect
Expect uneven, damp surfaces and pockets of low light inside the caves. Visits usually involve a short approach from the waterfront, often by small boat or a coastal path. Guides or crew typically point out key formations and safe routes through the caverns.
Plan your visit
Book or check availability in advance during the busy season. Wear sturdy, closed shoes and bring a light waterproof layer. Carry a small daypack with water, a phone or compact camera and sun protection for the harbour. Combine the visit with a walk around Alghero’s waterfront or a nearby coastal walk.
11. Buena Vista Scooter Rental Olbia
Image / Mindtrip
A practical way to see Olbia on two wheels.
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What to expect
Fast, straightforward hire: a brief paperwork check, helmet fitted and a condition walk-through of the scooter. Staff tend to be hands-on with route tips and basic instructions. Expect a mix of 50cc and 125cc scooters suitable for single riders and passenger seats for casual day trips.
Plan your visit
Book ahead in high season and confirm which licences are accepted. Bring a valid driving licence, photo ID and a card for the deposit. Wear sensible shoes and sun protection, and have a phone mount or map downloaded for offline use. Ask the team about fuel policy and insurance details before you sign.
12. Alghero
Image / Mindtrip
Sea walls, narrow streets and a relaxed Sardinian pace.
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What to expect
A walkable historic centre with stone-paved lanes, small squares and a cathedral-focused piazza. The seafront promenade and bastions offer views across the bay. Daytime feels calm to lively depending on season, while evenings draw locals to seafood restaurants and bars.
Plan your visit
Start with the old town, move on to the harbour and reserve time for a beach or coastal viewpoint. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbles and pack sun protection in summer. Try locally caught seafood and ask staff for the day’s special. If you want quieter tables, aim for early evening dining.
13. Devil Kiss Rock Club
Image / Around Olbia
Casual crepes, loud guitars, easy company.
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What to expect
A compact, lively space with postered walls, neon accents and limited seating. Service is informal, mostly counter-based. Food focuses on crepes made to order, with a short list of drinks. The crowd leans toward music fans and night owls, so noise levels rise as the evening progresses.
Plan your visit
If you want live music or a boisterous crowd, aim for the evening and arrive early on busy nights to secure a seat. For a quieter visit, go in the morning for coffee and a crepe. Order at the counter, then pick a table or stand near the bar. Bring a small group or plan to sit at the bar if you come alone.
14. La Passejada (Lungomare)
Image / Voyages et Evasions
A calm seafront walk with clear views across Alghero Bay.
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What to expect
A mostly flat, paved promenade that suits short strolls and longer walks. Expect open views of the sea, benches and places to pause. The route connects with the town, so you will pass shops, cafés and spots to sit and watch boats and the coastline.
Plan your visit
Start from the old town if you want a combined walk and sight-seeing stop. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer for sea breezes. Allow time to stop for a coffee or gelato, and to take in the views without hurrying.
15. Parco i Giardinetti
Image / Grand Hotel President Olbia
A calm green pause in Olbia
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What to expect
A compact neighbourhood park with mature trees and simple facilities. Expect grassy areas for a picnic, paved paths for a stroll and a low-key, local atmosphere. Families, dog walkers and people taking a brief break from the city are common sights.
Plan your visit
Treat this as a short stop while exploring Olbia. Bring a bottle of water and a light snack if you plan to sit on the grass. If you are with children, allow time for a relaxed play break. Combine the visit with a nearby café for a full pause in the day.