Sardinia, surrounded by smaller islands, is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and an autonomous region of Italy. The shores of the island are washed by the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian seas. Many travelers have appreciated the beauty of Sardinia, with the most beautiful coastline in Italy.
Features of the island of Sardinia
The island is located west of the Italian mainland and is divided into eight provinces. Less than 20% of the surface is lowlands, the largest of which is Campidano, located in the south of Sardinia.
The coast is almost two thousand kilometers and is quite diverse. Rocky areas alternate with relatively straight sections of the coast. The island is rich in history and has numerous archaeological sites.
Sardinia is an ideal place for a holiday in Italy with beautiful sandy beaches and beautiful pine groves. It has the most tranquil beaches, excellent restaurants, beautiful bars and promenades that are ideal for evening strolls.
Capital Cagliari
The capital is the city of Cagliari, with cozy streets throughout the city, with panoramic terraces overlooking the sea, located on the seven hills of the Campidano plain. It is the political, economic and cultural center of the region.
The oldest part of the city, with beautiful architecture, lies on the top of one of these hills, offering amazing views of the Gulf of Cagliari. The architecturally interesting area is surrounded by a defensive wall with bastions and two towers.
Here is the Cittadella dei Musei complex: the National Archaeological Museum, the Wax Museum, the Siam Museum and the National Art Gallery. The largest complex of art, history and culture of the capital and all of Sardinia.
There are several churches throughout Cagliari.
- Cagliari Cathedral, built in the 13th century. Over the centuries it has undergone several reconstructions and served both religious and political functions.
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria includes a beautifully decorated crypt carved into the rock.
- To the east of the old town is the early Christian church of San Saturno with a 17-meter dome.
- Among the interesting sights is the monastic Gothic complex of the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Bonaria, built in 1324, with an image of the Madonna di Bonario.
The 12th-century Castello San Michele is located on a hill overlooking the old town. The San Remy Bastion was built in 1901 from white stone. The amphitheater is cut into a rocky slope. an architectural masterpiece capable of accommodating tens of thousands of spectators, the cultural and social center of ancient Carales. The botanical garden includes rare plants from all over the world and is full of interesting tropical and Mediterranean plants.
Note! The city’s beach, 8 km long, with turquoise sea and fine white sand, is one of the longest beaches not only in Sardinia, but throughout Italy.
There are also many popular resorts and beaches nearby. In the vicinity of Cagliari there are salt lakes Santa Gilla and Molentargius.
Popular resorts and beaches
The southern part of the island is quieter, with fewer tourists, than the northern coast.
Pula is the most beautiful city and popular tourist resort in southern Sardinia. The picturesque town is located about 30 km from the capital Cagliari.
Not far from the resort of Pula lies the small peninsula of Capo di Pula, which is especially popular among mineralogists.
The best beaches in Sardinia
The historic town of Nora, with its ancient monuments, is also located near Pula. In this area, the beaches are distinguished by sand dunes.
The beautiful bay in a semicircle, Cala Chia Su Porto, is located on the southern coast in the Chia region. The beaches of the Chia area are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
The coast in the southeast is more hilly, with lush vegetation. The beaches are sandy, long, and the sea is clean.
The resort of Costa Rei is located in the southeast of Sardinia.
The eastern and southeastern coasts of Sardinia offer several beaches in the Gulf of Orosei, in the areas of Dorgali and Baunei or around the Gulf of Tortoli.
Cala Ginepro beach with fine sand, crystal clear waters and shallow waters.
With beautiful sand dunes – the famous Capo Comino.
La Caletta is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in this part of Sardinia. A long sandy stretch of coastline is overgrown with green pine trees. The beach is also popular for good surfing and kitesurfing.
Budoni are beautiful beaches located on the east coast of Sardinia. Popular places for families with children.
Additional Information! In the northeast of the island, the most popular beach destination is the Costa Smeralda. One of the most beautiful coasts is called the “Emerald Coast.”
The water here has a unique color that is difficult to find in other European countries. Popular resorts in Sardinia are located mainly on the Costa Smeralda.
Porto Cervo is the most famous resort on the Costa Smeralda. The architecture of the area reflects typical Sardinian buildings.
Cala Granu is a small beach 1 km from Porto Cervo hidden in a small cove.
Baja Sardinia is 5 km from Porto Cervo. The resort is a water park Baia Sardinia with many water attractions for children and adults, water slides.
Olbia, in the northeast, is located in a deep bay, between two impressive limestone massifs, Capo Figari and Isola di Tavolara. The city has an international seaport and airport.
Palau is a beautiful seaside town on the Costa Smeralda. Ferries to Corsica and La Maddalena archipelago depart from Palau.
The largest national park on the island is Golfo di Orosei. The high mountains of Gennargenta come close to the sea. Rocks form bays. The park is home to rare species of animals.
The northern part of Sardinia is more diverse and offers many options for a great holiday. 16 kilometers to the north is the resort of Corsica. The local beaches are ideal for water sports,
Castelsardo is a picturesque, historic town on the northern coast of Sardinia, famous for its houses rising up the mountain. At the very top is a 12th-century castle with a weaving museum. From the top there is a beautiful view of the coast and Corsica.
In the north of the island, in the province of Olbia, there is Golfo Aranci and its wonderful beaches. The tranquil resort offers fishing, diving and dolphin watching in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Olbia.
Isola Rossa is an ancient fishing village that, thanks to tourism, has become a picturesque tourist resort with a small harbour. It extends along a coastline where red granite cliffs alternate with white sandy beaches. The sea takes on shades of red, especially at sunset.
At the tip of northern Sardinia lies the village of Santa Teresa Gallura. The area was settled by the ancient Romans, after which several archaeological sites have been preserved here. White sand beaches alternate with beautiful granite rocks, the shape of which often resembles a person or animal.
Alghero is a city in the northwestern part of Sardinia. It has a mild climate and sunny days all year round. The city is partially protected by old walls. The city has an impressive cathedral and palaces, and has its own airport. The cave, with a lake near Alghero, is considered one of the most beautiful natural caves in Sardinia. It, with formed stalagmites and stalactites, was excavated in the rocks.
About 50 kilometers from Alghero is another charming town called Bosa.
The west coast of Sardinia has a number of pristine coastal areas. On windy days there are strong waves and sea currents. But most beaches offer peace and quiet and are suitable for long beach walks.
The landscape of Putsu Idu Beach is complemented by charming flamingos. The beautiful sandy beach of Is Arouttas is located in a marine protected area.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is Cala Mariola, thanks to its crystal clear waters and special pink stones. Cala Brandinci is a beautiful beach surrounded by pine forests. near San Teodoro.
The Maddalena Archipelago consists of sixty small and seven main islands.
The largest of them, the island of La Maddalena is full of beautiful beaches. Caprera is the second largest island of the Maddalena archipelago.
San Pietro Island is of volcanic origin and has endless rows of vineyards and olive trees.
Climate
Thanks to its location in the very south of Europe, Sardinia, with its Mediterranean climate, enjoys about 300 days of sunshine a year. Pleasant temperatures throughout the year. In spring and autumn, temperatures are mild and range from 17 to 25 degrees. During this time, you can go hiking or explore the island on a mountain bike.
The hottest time is in July and August with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. Sea temperatures range from 14 to 26 degrees depending on the season, although in November the sea can still be 20°C.
To enjoy warm but not too hot weather, and to avoid the high season, you can visit April, September and October. Temperatures in November-March average between 11°C and 22°C.
The coldest month is January, and the most rainfall occurs in November. Sea temperatures begin to rise around May, when they exceed 20 °C. The warmest sea is in July and August, the temperature rises to 27°C.
Flights to Sardinia
Vacationers fly to 3 airports, which are located in different parts of the island.
In the capital Cagliari, Elmas Airport is 6 km from the city center, where passengers arrive on the southern coast of the island.
Olbia International Airport in the northeast of the island.
In the northwest, the airport is located in the city of Alghero.
The second largest island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea combines relaxation on beautiful beaches with plenty of entertainment and interesting places.
