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Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, renowned throughout Europe and among Italians for its stunning beaches and rich culture. Despite being in Europe, it remains lesser-known among Americans and other international travelers. This is where my Italian summer took place, and I had the wonderful opportunity to explore it with my Italian partner. There is so much to discover about this vast island. I hope you find this information helpful and that it inspires you to consider a visit. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below!

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Getting There

• Sardinia is home to three different airports, which is crucial to consider when planning your trip. Choose the airport that is nearest to your accommodation and travel destinations.
• The airports are quite small and have limited reach. If you’re traveling from a place like the United States, you’ll first need to fly into a major city in Italy before heading to Sardinia.
• The optimal time to visit Sardinia is during May, June, or September, as most tourists flock to the island in July and August. By traveling in these months, you can enjoy warm weather with fewer crowds. I visited in September, and it was still very hot, with just one rainy day, which is typical for island climates.

Where to Stay

• We stayed at the Blu Hotel Morisco in Cannigione, Sardinia, which offered both breakfast and dinner as part of our package. The view of the pool area was absolutely stunning.
  • This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of town, making everything in Cannigione easily accessible on foot.
• For those seeking more budget-friendly accommodations, Airbnb can be an excellent choice. Many listings are situated in the countryside, which is where most options are found. Depending on the location and size, Airbnb can often be more affordable than hotels.
• If you have the opportunity to extend your stay beyond a week and explore various regions in Sardinia, it is highly recommended for a more enriching experience. However, if you’re planning a brief visit, it’s best to focus on one or two areas.
• Prior to your trip, research the beaches you wish to visit to identify the most suitable area for your stay. Sardinia is larger than it appears, and it’s not feasible to drive around the entire island to reach every beach you see online.
  • Be aware that many of the stunning beaches in Sardinia may require reservations, sometimes weeks in advance.

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What to See and Do

• The Neptune’s Grotto
• Dolphin Watching
• Traditional Home-Cooking Class
• Horseback Ride

Best Beaches – In No Particular Order

• Spiaggia del Principe
• Spiaggia Capriccioli
• Cala Luna – Must enter by sea
• Berchida beach
• Scoglio di Peppino
• Porto Giunco

Best Beaches that Need Reservation

• La Pelosa Beach
• Cala Brandinchi 
• Lu Impostu
• Cala Goloritze

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Cultural Insights

• One piece of advice from a local that I followed was to venture beyond the main island. We took a ferry to La Maddalena, which also offers boat tours to discover the renowned La Maddalena archipelago.
• Upon arrival, we found that there was an abundance of activities available beyond just the popular beaches, including hiking, wildlife tours like dolphin watching and snorkeling, as well as an underground walking tour of Cagliari.

Practical Tips

• Many of the beautiful beaches you’ll want to explore are a bit of a drive away, which brings me to my first tip for visiting Sardinia: rent a car. We booked our vehicle in advance, allowing us to hit the road without any delays upon arrival. The rental company met us at the airport, and we were on our way in just 10 minutes. Since rental prices can be high, I suggest contacting several companies to find the best deal.
• If you don’t possess an international driver’s license or an EU license, be sure to confirm this before booking to avoid any complications. Fortunately, my partner is Italian, so we didn’t face any issues, but I noticed many reviews from others who had encountered problems regarding this matter.
• Bring cash! Every video and blog we consulted advised us to carry cash for beach expenses. While we had no trouble using our cards while in Sardinia, we still found having cash to be quite helpful.

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Sardinia is a stunning and distinct island in Italy, offering countless ways to enjoy your visit. With numerous beaches, restaurants, and attractions, everyone you consult will likely have their own favorite suggestions on what to do and where to explore. For a more detailed and visual guide to these tips, feel free to check out my YouTube video.