Sardinia Tourist Information and Tourism

(Sardinia, Italy)

Sardinia is one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Italy and a superb spot for scuba diving. This autonomous island sits in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, west of the Italian mainland and just above North Africa, and has incredible beaches and resorts. It also has a lofty interior and its capital is ancient and charming.

Although tourism booms in the summer, Sardinia is much more laid-back than certain brasher Mediterranean islands and also retains a unique culture and heritage. To add to this is an enviable climate, a unique and tasty cuisine, and friendly locals.

For the most current tourist information, head to the tourism outlet in the capital of Cagliari (on the Piazza Matteotti), as well as those in the Sardinian towns, villages and resorts of Alghero, Bosa, Cala Gonone, Iglesias, La Maddalena, Nuoro, Olbia, Oristano, Palau, Pro Loco, Santa Teresa di Gallura and Sassari. Further tourism outlets and places of interest reside on both the adjacent islands of Sant'Antioco and San Pietro.

Sardinia Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Much of the allure for island visitors is provided by the gorgeous beaches of Sardinia, which are at their best along the Costa Smeralda (north-east), as well as around the resorts of Alghero (north-west) and Cagliari (south). The eastern coastline is less developed and offers secluded coves and more isolated natural beaches, while the west coast has some good surfing opportunities, particularly around the Capo Pecora. Complementing the beaches of Cagliari are a number of attractions, such as cobblestone paths leading to the medieval district of Castello. Most will agree that Alghero has more charm and the character of this historic fortress town is enhanced by its old city walls, its cathedral and its grand palaces, as well as its coastal setting. Also worth visiting on Sardinia is the town of Olbia (gateway to the Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo), while for something quite different, the town of Nuoro enjoys a scenic mountain setting in the centre of the island. More information about Sardinia Tourist Attractions.

Sardinia has a long and interesting history, and traces of past settlements can be found at various ancient archaeological sites around the island. Much visited is the Anghelu Ruju Necropolis, where ruins date back around 5,000 years and include some interesting excavated tombs. Other important Sardinian landmarks include the early 12th-century Serravalle Castle, the Ruins of Barumini (Sardinian Nuraghe) near Cabras, and the Bastion San Remy, which stands close to the Cagliari harbourfront. In the town of Bosa is the striking Serravalle Castle (Castello di Serravalle), while next to Nuoro is Monte Ortobene, the highest mountain on the island, where hiking trails are in good supply. More information about Sardinia Landmarks and Monuments.

Much of the island's culture is concentrated around Cagliari, where a number of reliably good museums reside. Packed with information about the earliest settlements on Sardinia is the National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale) on the Piazza Arsenale, where Bronze Age statues are a particular highlight. Also within this complex (the Cittadella dei Musei) is the Wax Museum (Mostra di Cere Anatomiche), the Siamese Art Museum (Museo d'Arte Siamese) and the National Picture Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale), meaning that there is plenty to see here if you can drag yourself away from the beaches. More information about Sardinia Museums and Sardinia Art Galleries.

Depending upon where you are staying on the island, various day trips are possible to the more remote attractions. Tourists considering an excursion may like to pencil in a trip to Neptune's Grotto - a natural complex of caves connected by regular boat trips from Alghero, the historic village of Fonni - known for its mountainous backdrop, the ancient inland village of Tiscali - famed for its past Nuraghic settlement, and the town of Tharros, where Roman ruins and views of the Gulf of Oristano can be expected. Just a short boat trip away is the Maddalena archipelago and the French island of Corsica, both of which deserve to be visited. More information about Sardinia Attractions Nearby.

More Sardinia Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Italy
• Location: near Corsica
• Status: island
• Capital city: Cagliari
• Area: approximately 9,300 square miles / 24,085 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 1.7 million
• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: CET (UTC + 1) / summer CEST (UTC+2)
• Country dialling code: +39
• Telephone area codes: 070 / 079
• Average daily Sardinia January temperature: 14°C / 57°F
• Average daily Sardinia July temperature: 29°C / 84°F