Attractions Nearby Sardinia, Day Trips and Excursions

(Sardinia, Italy)



Photo of ancient remains in Tharros, western SardiniaThere are good options for day trips and excursions on Sardinia - the road system is fair and the island is not overly gigantic. Head for secluded bays or perhaps take on the mysterious interior with its lofty hills and curious village attractions.

The island of Caprera is just off the mainland and is home to a number of appealing attractions, such as Garibaldi's House, while further north again is Corsica (France), a mere ferry ride away. All around the coast is dramatic scenery, although none more so than at Capo Caccia, home to Neptune's Grotto.


Further picture of ruins in Tharros

Tharros

With stunning, stark, coastal scenery away from the tourist masses, Tharros, in western Sardinia, is good for a jaunt from Cagliari (south) or Alghero (north).

This ancient town sits on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Oristano and holds a set of Roman ruins. The place was abandoned a thousand years ago and makes for a fine picture with the azure sea as a backdrop.

Neptune's Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno)

Address: Capo Caccia, Sardinia, Italy, IT
A fantastic attraction, if somewhat off the beaten path, is the cave and tunnel complex of Neptune's Grotto. This beautiful part of western Sardinia is just across from Alghero in Capo Caccia and is especially popular with those with a head for heights and confined spaces. Boat tours go to Neptune's Grotto direct from Alghero, while those with good legs can take the bus or drive to Capo Caccia and then clamber down the 654 steps to the caves.
Open hours: April to September - 09:00 to 19:00 daily; October - 10:00 to 17:00 daily; November to March - 09:00 to 14:00 daily
Admission: charge includes tour

Photograph taken at Garibaldi's House, on the neighbouring island of Caprera

Garibaldi's House

Address: Caprera Island, Sardinia, Italy, IT
A popular side trip takes in Garibaldi's House on the island of Caprera, a short boat ride from Palau. After being exiled from Italy in the mid-1800s for attempting to take control of Naples and Sicily with his band of Red Shirts, revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi spent the final years of his life here.

Further photo taken at Garibaldi's House, a popular attraction on Caprera IslandWhile not spectacular, it's worth a look along with the museum if you are already on the island.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Tiscali

Tiscali is another of those rarely-visited tourist destinations, as it is off the beaten track and up a mountain in the centre of the island. It is a Nuraghic village, once home to the early peoples that inhabited Sardinia, although most of the structures have eroded away. There is also a large cave close by, as well as lofty Mount Sopramente.

Image of Fonni, a quiet village on Sardinia

Fonni

Fonni is a pleasant, out-of-the-way village located inland on Sardinia, popular with day trippers from Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero. This historic village with its narrow streets is quaint and easy to get about on foot. The interesting architecture and colourful paintings that litter the village are a big change from the Sardinia touristy norm, plus it's also set amid striking mountain scenery.

Photo showing the island of Maddalena, nearby Sardinia

Maddalena

The island of Maddalena is located just 2 km / 1.5 miles from the coastline of north-eastern Sardinia and lies within the Straits of Bonifacio. Day trippers regularly choose to take an excursion to Maddalena, to enjoy sunbathing on its gorgeous beaches, such as both Bassa Trinita and Cala Francese, and to explore its ancient fortifications. The neighbouring island of Caprera is actually connected to Maddalena by a narrow causeway strip and comes with further attractions, being a nature reserve for seabirds and peregrine falcons.

Corsica

Address: France, FR
Corsica is the ultimate day trip from the northern side of the island. Just a short ferry ride away from Palau or Santa Teresa, the attractions of Corsica are as diverse and beautiful as Sardinia, albeit French. Everything from sublime beaches, scuba diving, and mountain hikes can be had, although most visitors loiter around Porte Vecchio. Other important destinations on Corsica include Ajaccio, Bastia, Bonifacio, Calvi, Cargèse, Corte and St. Florent, all of which have something to offer visiting tourists.