La Bella Isola: Your Guide to Italy's Second-Largest Island

Orlaith Costello
June 03, 2024

Travel Guide: Sardinia

Whether seeking a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, you'll be spoiled for choice in Sardinia.

Sardinia, or ‘Sardegna’ in Italian, is Italy’s second largest island after Sicily. With 1800 kilometres of untouched coastline and surrounded by clear turquoise sea, it’s home to incredible historical sites and culinary experiences.

You could spend weeks exploring its vibrant villages, mountainous interior, countless cathedrals and excellent beaches.

In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to the Sardinia so you can start planning your itinerary.

Whether seeking a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, you'll be spoiled for choice in Sardinia.

PLANNING AHEAD

Before you launch into weeks (or months) of responsibility-free fun in Europe, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way, like sorting out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can spend fee-free around the world everywhere Visa is accepted. Plus, transfer and spend in up to 10 local currencies (including EUR). Take advantage of real-time exchange rates and preload your all-in-one Visa Debit Card before you even arrive in Europe.

GETTING AROUND

It’s a relatively small island, so renting a car is a good option. Pick one up at any major airport (Sixt, Avis and Hertz are available). Car spaces marked with blue lines must be paid for via ticket machines or the DropTicket app. White striped spaces are free. ARST runs extensive bus routes, Trenitalia connects major cities by train, and multiple ferry companies service the islands. The Trenino Verde is a fun way to explore the countryside by rail.

LOCALS LOVE

Beach days and snorkelling are favoured pastimes; one haven for both is the Gulf of Orosei. This national park on the eastern coast has mountains that plunge into the sea, creating dramatic cliffs and secluded bays. Su Sirboni Beach, known for its red rock formations, is a local favourite. This picturesque beach, featured in the James Bond film No Time to Die, is famous for its striking 100-metre-high rock formation, Punta Caroddi.

DON’T MISS

Alghero, steeped in Catalan heritage from its four-century colonisation, boasts captivating architecture, delectable cuisine and its own language, Algherese. Wander its cobblestone streets with Catalan-style churches and homes. Explore its ancient roots at the Nuragic complexes and the Coral Museum. Experience the local culture by tasting local specialities like rock lobster and baked salted escargots.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

Choose between luxe countryside retreats and sustainable coastal getaways.

1. Limolo House

Stay in a luxe eco-conscious guesthouse that's only a short distance from the famed flamingos at Cabras.

2. Cascioni Eco Retreat

A collection of traditional cottages modernised with private plunge pools and an on-site spa.

3. Hotel Baia Caddinas

Switch between the hotel pool and the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean thanks to the direct beach access.

4. Rifugio di Mare

A modern guesthouse perched on Punta Giglio's seaside cliffs with its own upmarket restaurant.

5. Is Cheas

Take a dip in your luxe suite's private pool, then sample some of the wines produced on site.

Restaurants

Sardinian cuisine is influenced by all its Mediterranean neighbours but somehow still tastes completely unique.

1. Josto

Enjoy fine dining with a twist made with local ingredients at this modern spot.

2. Fradis Minoris Ristorante

Dine at this zero-waste spot to enjoy waterfront views from the terrace overlooking Nora Lagoon.

3. Nautilus

Taste the catch of the day at this spot by the ancient walls of Alghero.

4. Sa Mandra

Taste the boundaries of Sardinian fare at this traditional agriturismo then stop in at the teaching farm to lend a hand at milking.

5. Su Tapiu

Choose to dine beside a crackling fireplace, in the sunny courtyard or down in the cellar at this cosy family-run restaurant.

Bars and Clubs

There's a surprisingly good party scene on the island alongside refined cocktail bars.

1. Le Terrazze Ritual

In the ruins of a historic building overlooking Baja Sardinia, a new cocktail bar is promising excellent brews, views and tunes.

2. Libarium Nostrum

Enjoy sunset cocktails with panoramic views of Cagliari at this stylish rooftop bar.

3. Phi Beach

An openair beach club boasting stunning views across to Maddalena Island and epic DJ sets into the small hours.

4. Món Bar Bistrot

People-watch as you enjoy an aperitivo at this intimate bar tucked down a cobblestoned alleyway in Alghero.

5. Riservato Beach Bar

Enjoy sunset views over Capo Caccia, aperitivo in hand, then hit the dancefloor at this popular beach club.

Scenic Villages

Explore the numerous small towns dotted along its coastline and high up in the mountains.

1. Bosa

Peruse the colourful buildings and hilltop castle of this vibrant village less than an hour from Alghero.

2. San Sperate

If you love street art, you'll adore exploring the murals and sounding stones of this village in southern Sardinia.

3. Fonni

Perched atop the Gennargentu mountains is a celebrated ski town overlooking fields blanketed by rare flora.

4. Castelsardo

A medieval fortress town on the northwestern coastline of Sardinia that offers plenty of historical gems to explore.

5. Calasetta

This quaint fishing village on the island Sant'Antioco is home to top-tier beaches and an impressive modern art museum.

Cultural Sites

From iconic cathedrals to Neolithic tombs, Italy's colourful history is marked throughout the island.

1. Duomo, Cathedral of San Nicola

Come see one of Sardinia's most important places of worship, located in Sassari's old town.

2. Cagliari Cathedral

A visit to Sardinia's famous monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary is a must.

3. Su Nuraxi

This protected UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the best examples of Bronze Age defensive structures.

4. Fordongianus

Explore the ancient ruins of Roman baths in a town renowned for its natural thermal springs.

5. Domus de Janas

Discover ancient tombs carved into the rockface once believed to be the homes of fairies.

Museums and Galleries

Whether you're a nerd for wine, ancient ships or artwork, you can deep-dive special subjects here.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Further Afield

If you've got a little extra time, here are five day trips you should plan.

Sant'Antioco

A small island and municipality off the coast of southern Sardinia with pristine beaches, hidden sea coves and delightful snorkelling spots. You can reach the island via an isthmus by car, bus or train.
Neptune’s Cave

This stalactite grotto was first discovered by locals in the 18th century and named for the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. Join a boat tour from Cala Dragunara to see it for yourself. Alternatively, climb down the steep steps to the cave — careful they can be slippery when wet.
Poetto Beach

Sardinia has dozens of beaches worth visiting but make time to visit Cagliari's main beach. There are a number of striking historic towers to check out, including the Torre del Poeta (Poet's Tower), once used to signal barbarian incursions.
Selvaggio Blu

If you love to challenge yourself, there's not much more demanding than Europe's toughest multi-day 35 kilometre trek, Selvaggio Blu (or Wild Blue Way), along the east coast of Sardinia. You'll need some scrambling experience but the epic views across the Gulf of Orosei will be well worth the blisters.
Gorropu Canyon

Located in Nuoro, this is one of the deepest canyon systems in Europe. The gorge promises a great day of trekking with plenty of trails to suit hikers of all levels.

Get Started

Ready to start planning? We've found four experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.

La Maddalena Archipelago Tour

Embark on a day-long excursion to this stunning archipelago. Depart from Palau and head to the serene waters of Santa Maria, Budelli, Spargi and La Maddalena islands for a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters.Book now .
Pasta Making Workshop in Olbia

Join Simonetta’s workshop, Vittoria Arimani in Gallura, a village near Olbia, to feel as though you’re stepping back in time. Learn to make traditional pasta shapes like fregola, malloreddus and gigli, explore the wine cellar for a tipple and enjoy a meal with your fellow travellers. Book now .
Porto Flavia

Once a functional mining seaport, Porto Flavia now is a popular tourist spot. From its port opening on the Iglesiente coast visitors can enjoy staggering views of the Pan di Zucchero sea stacks, which tower 133 metres above the glittering Masua sea. Book now .
Wine and Food Tour in Tuk Tuk

What’s better than a wine and food tour? How about one where you’re zipping around in a tuk tuk? Ape Romantic tours operate numerous tuk tuk day trips, but we think the wine tour is a great way to sample some of Sardinia’s finest vino while staying comfortable. Book now .
Cala Goloritze Boat Tour

Live out your 007 dreams with a day-long boat tour up the Baunei Coast. Check out the local marine life as you snorkel in the crystal clear waters and see if you can spy historic shipwrecks and hidden coves. Book now .