Sardinia Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Sardinia, Italy)

Although there is certainly no denying that Sardinia boasts some sumptuous sandy beaches, its not all about sand and sea when it comes to tourist attractions and holiday makers. Sardinia comes with a fine collection of towns and villages that invariably come with ancient forts, city walls and preserved structures from yesteryear.

Tourists will also find quality attractions and activities within the interior of the island, particularly when using Nuoro as a base. However, many find themselves inexplicably drawn to the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) and its beautiful natural scenery.

Alghero

Address: Alghero, Sardinia, Italy, IT
Alghero, on the north-west coast, has more charm and appeal than Cagliari for many visitors, as it is compact and quieter. The old fortress town is also built up against the water's edge and retains part of its old city walls. An impressive cathedral and palaces vie for attention with loads of restaurants, shops, bars and the nearby beaches. Of note, the town has its own airport.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Costa Smeralda

Address: Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy, IT
Costa Smeralda is the main tourist part of Sardinia, situated up in the north-east and having Olbia as its main centre. The beaches here are nothing short of divine and as good as anything you will find in the Mediterranean. There is also the established port of Porto Cervo, which is north of Olbia and loaded with private yachts. Luxury accommodation options, shopping and eating can all be enjoyed to excess on the Costa Smeralda.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cagliari

Address: Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, IT
Sardinia's capital and largest city, Cagliari sits in the south of the island around its large harbour and boasts an impressive history. This gateway city hails from Roman times and its old town has one of the most dramatic settings of any major Mediterranean city, perched on a cliff over the water. A warren of narrow streets makes for fun exploring and a fascinating collection of historic attractions will please any culture-vulture. Be sure to see the Bastione San Remy fortress.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Olbia

Address: Olbia, Sardinia, Italy, IT
Although perhaps not as appealing as Alghero or Cagliari, the major north-eastern town of Olbia is nonetheless a popular destination. It has its own airport and receives ferries from the mainland, acting as a gateway to the Costa Smeralda and providing facilities and services for tourists. The old part of Olbia has Roman baths, an impressive granite church and other historic goodies, plus there are oodles of bars and restaurants.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Porto Cervo

Address: Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy, IT
Porto Cervo is right up in the north-east on the Costa Smeralda and is the smartest port on Sardinia. The port area is the focus of its main attractions, with its rich marina and navy base, and there is also a selection of dazzling beaches within reach. The town area has many quaint alleys and a thicket of cafés, restaurants, shops and bars.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Nuoro

Address: Nuoro, Sardinia, Italy, IT
For a contrast, the mountain town of Nuoro provides an insight into the island proper and resides in the centre of Sardinia. It comes with several museums and galleries and also offers up a wealth of outdoor activities for the adventurous. The old quarter of Nuoro is the place to head to for history and handicrafts.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free