Are you looking for an Italy beach vacation that doesn’t involve driving south to the Amalfi Coast? Well look no further, because mainland Italy, plus the island life, is just a short plane ride away! The island of Sardinia, Italy is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and it has everything you could ever want in a holiday. Water that sparkles in the most profound shades of turquoise, blue, and green, and Italian cuisine so delicious my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The island of Sardinia, Italy also has sandy beaches, and a unique history that you can’t help but ponder as you sip the delightful local wines. This big, little Italian island has a lot of ground to cover. So allow me to help you discover where to go in Sardinia, Italy. Keep reading to learn more about Alghero, Stintino, and La Maddalena island- my favorite cities on the island of Sardinia, Italy.
Why Sardinia?
I first discovered Sardinia on Instagram. I came across a picture that someone took from inside a cave, but facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. The grayish white rocks of the cave curved over the blue and green tones of the water to create a beautiful juxtaposition that left me inspired. I just had to see it with my own eyes.
Researching the Island of Sardinia, Italy
As I began my research on this autonomous Italian island back in 2018, I struggled to find information on this lesser know Italian destination. But I was determined! I was drawn to the water history, and the mystery. I decided to spend 10 days.
Before I flew from my hometown of Chicago to Europe, I booked a flight into Alghero (West-Sardinia) along with an accommodation for 4 nights. I also booked a flight home from Olbia (East-Sardinia). The rest? I would figure out when I got there.
I had a rough idea of where to go in Sardinia, but I didn’t want to make solid plans since the information I found online felt incomplete. Looking back, I can’t believe how spontaneous I was! But I just had a feeling that I would meet people that would point me in the right direction.
Fate was on my side: Where to go in Sardinia, Italy
As I was on a bus transfer to the smaller airport in Milan, I met an English woman who had just spent a couple weeks in Sardinia. She told me all about her trip, and it sounded incredible. Her advice also solidified the Sardinia Itinerary I had been considering. I was so relieved! She also gave me great advice. She encouraged me to spend as much time as possible on a boat.
My island of Sardinia, Italy Itinerary
And so as soon as I arrived, I would sit on the beach in Alghero researching boating excursions and booking accommodations for myself for 10 amazing days in Sardinia. Keep reading to see where I stayed on the Italian island of Sardinia!
Alghero: Where to go in Sardinia, Italy
One of my favorite things about Alghero, is that you can enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches during the day, and the liveliness of the promenade and old town at night. This makes a visit to Alghero essential during your Italy beach vacation!
I spent my days with my toes in the sand, and then at night I had my choice. I could stay near the beach at one of the many vibrant bars and restaurants. Or it was only a 15-minute walk to the bustling and charismatic old town.
Booking.comNear the beach, I had an unforgettable meal at Ristorante Enhorabona. I tasted my first Sardinian wine and mingled with an American couple that makes Alghero their second home. I dined on pasta, clams, and tomatoes, which were seasoned ever so perfectly. The dish was then sprinkled with Bottarga- a Sardinian delicacy that I would continue to find on many of my meals while on the island.
Sunset + Negroni
After dinner, I enjoyed a Negroni at one of the bars on the beach and watched an unforgettable sunset behind the mountains. All the ingredients you need for the perfect Italian beach vacation. I can still see the rich amber colors that matched my Negroni as the sun went down. I will forever remember the sprig of fresh rosemary they put in my Negroni, along with the man dancing to the beat of his own Sardinian drum.
The Old Town of Alghero: The Island of Sardinia, Italy
After a leisurely walk down the promenade; past the gelato stands and market where I would later purchase Sardinian meats and cheeses, I was finally within the great walls of the Old Town. I found myself walking through the narrow and winding medieval streets surrounded by unique shops, restaurants, and bars. Each one was more charming than the next!
The night sky was illuminated by the most incredible lanterns hanging throughout the city that created an ambiance that was ever so lively and inviting. From the buildings to the churches, to every cobblestone in between, Alghero has so much character and you can truly feel all of the historical and cultural influences.
Where to eat in Alghero: the island of Sardinia, Italy
For dinner, I dined at Trattoria Cavour and had one of the greatest, most inventive meals of my life! I enjoyed sweet and savory prawns to start followed by pasta because well, when in Sardinia! I washed it all down with a refreshing Sardinian white wine while I practiced my Italian with the restaurant staff.
After dinner I strolled through the streets, still full of so much life, to a Sardinian & Spanish bar called SardOa. Their creative Gin cocktails, tapas, and atmosphere were the perfect ending to my time in Alghero. There was truly so much to entertain. Are you already dreaming about your next Italian beach vacation like I am?
Stintino, Sardinia: Where to go in Sardinia, Italy
The next morning I hopped a bus to Stintino- home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! The bus ride was about 2 ½ hours, and cost about 6 Euro. I stayed in downtown Stintino, and on my first day, I hopped another bus to La Pelosa, the world-famous white sandy beach with clear blue and green waters. It was a stunning sight to see!
Boating in Stintino
The next day I went on a boat tour that took me just north of Stintino to Asinara island. Asinara was home to a marine and wildlife preserve, and the island was once a high security Italian Prison.
Asinara Island has much history and a very unique natural environment both on the island and within the beautiful waters. I spent my day snorkeling, learning, and enjoying the surrounding sea with the Futurismo Ecotourismo Asinara Tour. It was an unforgettable day.
My Sardinia Holiday: The Best Food of my Life
When I tell people about the 10 days I spent on the island of Sardinia, Italy, I tell them that the food was consistently amazing! Sardinian cuisine takes its influence from Italy, but there were also hints from France and Spain as well.
In the evenings of Stintino, I had the pleasure of enjoying more Sardinian cuisine. Lots of meats, cheeses, the freshest fish, and pasta. And for dessert, I enjoyed my first of many Seadas-a honey and cheese pastry – a Sardinian specialty.
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Did you know? How to get around the island of Sardinia, Italy
Public transportation on the Italian island of Sardinia can be difficult to navigate. At the time I was there, Google Maps was not a complete reference guide. However, after doing my research and trusting the locals to steer me in the right direction, I successfully made my way around mostly by bus. Car rentals are also available.
Tip: Learn a little Italian before you go
English is not widely spoken in Sardinia, so come prepared with a smile and a willingness to learn as many Italian phrases as you can! Google Translate was also incredibly helpful with the language barrier.
How to get to the island of Sardinia, Italy
Not every city in Europe flies directly to the Italian Island of Sardinia, nor do flights go in and out of Sardinia every day of the week. So do your research ahead of time. But then again being stranded on the Italian Island of Sardinia would be quite the happy accident!
La Maddalena Island: Where to go in Sardinia, Italy
From Stintino, I boarded another bus to make my way to the ferry that would take me to La Maddalena island. La Maddalena is a former Naval Base on the North East Coast of Sardinia. What a charming town!
While there I spent a day on another boat. We swam, snorkeled, and enjoyed a feast of meats, cheese the freshest produce, and delicious Sardinian wine. It was a delicious meal to go along with the most beautiful waters I have ever laid my eyes on. I was so grateful to my English friend for her boating tip! I discovered that seeing Sardinia from the water was where they were hiding the magic.
From La Maddalena to Olbia
After 2 nights in La Maddalena, I made my way to Olbia where I would spend one night before flying home. All in all, Sardinia stole my heart with it’s charm, kind people, and mouth-watering cuisine! This American girl cannot wait to go back. Next time, I want to rent a car so I can spend more time discovering the hard to reach beaches. I still need to find the cave that made me want to go to Sardinia in the first place.
READ MORE OF JULIE AND HER ADVENTURES
This article is written by our writer, Julie Anne! A passionate explorer and storyteller, she brings us along on her adventures, diving into the food, wine culture, fashion, and history of each city she visits. Whether globetrotting or exploring her hometown, Julie captures the essence of each location, sharing the story of every place and person she encounters. Get a taste of Julie’s captivating narratives in her articles. We’re certain you’ll enjoy her immersive storytelling as much as we do.
Meet Julie Anne, our enthusiastic writer who believes every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. Passionate about local food, wine, fashion, and history, she dives into each city’s culture to bring you authentic, inspiring stories. She started writing in 2020 for Dutchbloggeronthemove. When not traveling, Julie Anne teaches music in Chicago, IL, and advocates for students with special needs. Stay tuned for her unique insights and adventures!
