What to see in Sardinia

48 must see places

Cala Mariolu
Cala Mariolu

Pebble beach, Cliff

The bay of Cala Mariolu is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. It's hard to say which will captivate you more, the stunning blue water or the breathtaking limestone cliffs that line the coast. The beach is covered with finer white pebbles and larger rocks, which you can also lie on. In the summer season there is a small kiosk on the beach where you can buy drinks and snacks. The entrance to the water is quite steep, but the reefs…

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Cala Luna
Cala Luna

Sandy beach, Cliff, Cave

Described by many travellers as the most beautiful beach in Sardinia , Cala Luna also regularly features in the "best" beaches in the world. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-cala-luna] The bay lies in the most remote part of eastern Sardinia in an area of spectacular cliffs, rocks and caves. Facilities and appearance of the beach The beach, which is…

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Bosa
Bosa

Village, Tourist town

This picturesque town on the western coast of Sardinia in the province of Oristano fascinates visitors with its streets, colourful facades, pebbled pavements and palaces. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-bosa] Last but not least, visitors will be enchanted by the Seravalle Castle, built in the 12th century by the Tuscan Malaspino family. Only the walls,…

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Asinara
Isola dell Asinara

Island

The second largest island off the coast of Sardinia, Isola dell'Asinara was once a prison and a station for cholera patients. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-asinara] Today it is a popular tourist destination for walking or cycling tours and an ideal destination for day trips from the resorts in the north of Sardinia. A national park with dolphins and…

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Isola Asinara
Stintino

Resort, Sandy beach

Stintino is a popular resort on the north-western tip of Sardinia and one of the starting points for a trip to the island of Asinara. [btn "Choose a beachfront hotel - booking.com" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-stintino] In the tiny town of Stintino you will find a wide selection of restaurants, several grocery and beach shops, but especially a nice beach with the "nurago", a historic tower…

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Alghero
Alghero

City

Sardinia's fifth largest city is a popular tourist centre and one of the entry points to Sardinia thanks to the local airport Alghero AHO. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-alghero] Alghero lies on a rocky promontory in the northwest of Sardinia. It has well-preserved medieval fortifications with massive bastions. You'll also be enchanted by the…

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Olbia
Olbia

City

Olbia, the fourth largest city in Sardinia, is a major tourist centre, thanks to the Olbia OLB International Airport outside the city and the beautiful coastline around it, which boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. [btn "Book a hotel in Sardinia in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-olbia] The city itself is an ideal base for travelling, and there are…

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Sassari
Sassari

City

With 126,000 inhabitants, Sassari is the 2nd largest city in Sardinia after Cagliari. [btn "Book a hotel in Sardinia in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-sassari] Of the big cities, we rank it among the most beautiful on the island, mainly thanks to its authentic atmosphere with a minimum of tourists, nice monuments and typically narrow streets with lots of hidden corners.…

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Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda

Sandy beach, Coast

Over 10 km long, the rugged Emerald Coast is renowned for its magical nature, many coves and small beaches with fine white sand. The warm, clear sea and the green hilly shores enhance the Caribbean atmosphere. [btn "Book a hotel in Sardinia in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-costa-smeralda] The main resorts on the Costa Smeralda are the small, beautifully landscaped…

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La Maddalena
La Maddalena

Island, Sandy beach

The charming La Maddalena archipelago, consisting of 7 larger and several small islands, is scattered just a kilometre off the northern coast of Sardinia and within sight of Corsica. [btn "Book a hotel in Sardinia in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-maddalena] The archipelago is particularly popular for its rugged coastline, small coves, sandy beaches with beautiful rocks…

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Cala Goloritze
Cala Golorizté

Pebble beach, Cliff, Cave

The bay with the beach of Cala Goloritze is one of the most famous places of the eastern coast of Sardinia around Golfo di Orosei. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-cala-goloritze] Cala Goloritzé is located in the municipality of Baunei between the resorts of Arbatax and Cala Gonone. Facilities and appearance of the beach The immediate surroundings of…

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Cala Fuili
Cala Gonone

Resort, Sandy beach

Cala Gonone is located on the shores of the Golfo di Orosei, whose beaches are among the most beautiful in Europe, especially the secluded Cala Mariolu and Cala Luna, which can only be reached from Cala Gonone by boat. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-cala-gonone] Cala Gonone is set in a stunning landscape of steep limestone mountains, and just the…

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Capo Caccia
Capo Caccia

Cape, Cliff, Cave

Cape Capo Caccia, at one of the westernmost points of Sardinia, is one of the most beautiful natural sceneries of the whole Mediterranean and one of the most visited places in Sardinia. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-capo-caccia] Steep limestone cliffs rise up to 170 above sea level on a narrow spit of land, creating a fabulous spectacle, especially…

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Palau
Palau

Resort

Palau is a lively resort in the north of Sardinia in a picturesque landscape of rugged coastline, coves and crags of peculiar shapes. It serves as a starting point for trips to the La Maddalena archipelago and as a destination for a relaxing beach holiday with ideal conditions for snorkelling, diving or even golfing. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie…

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Badesi
Badesi

Village, Sandy beach

The small town of Badesi on the north-west coast is rapidly gaining popularity and more and more tourists are heading here. They are particularly attracted by one of the longest beaches in Sardinia. With more than 8 km of continuous layers of fine white sand and clear sea, it is simply impossible not to enjoy a holiday. [btn "Find the best hotel by the sea on booking.com" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p…

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San Teodoro
San Teodoro

Resort, Sandy beach

San Teodoro, formerly a town of little importance, has become one of the main resorts in Sardinia since the turn of the millennium. It lies in a gently rolling green landscape surrounded by beautiful beaches that are among the "best" in Europe. [btn "Find the best hotel by the sea on booking.com" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-santeodoro] The town itself offers many restaurants, shops and…

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Golfo Aranci
Golfo Aranci

Resort, Sandy beach

The town of Golfo Aranci is a world famous and renowned resort adjacent to the Emerald Coast. [btn "The 10 most luxurious hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-golfo-aranci] Golfo Aranci lies on a narrow peninsula surrounded by about 20 smaller beaches and a beautiful hilly landscape of pine trees and limestone cliffs. Beaches and swimming The most beautiful beaches stretch in…

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Capo Testa
Capo Testa

Cape

Cape Capo Testa is a beautiful rugged peninsula connected to Sardinia by a narrow neck, with small beaches on either side. [btn "Find the best beachfront hotel on booking.com" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-capo-testa] The entire islet of Capo Testa is made up of massive granite rocks shaped by the wind into bizarre forms. Locals often refer to Cape Testa as "moonscape" because that's exactly…

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Castelsardo
Castelsardo

Castle, Village

The small town of Castelsardo is located on a rock massif below the castle of the same name, which gave the name to the whole town. The romantic scenery is dominated by the 12th century castle surrounded by small colourful houses with narrow winding streets. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-castelsardo] Wicker baskets are ubiquitous in Castelsardo's…

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Villasimius
Villasimius

Resort, Sandy beach

The resort of Villasimius is without exaggeration the pearl of Sardinia, where you will spend your dream holiday. [btn "The 10 most luxurious hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-villasimius] The rugged coastline around Cape Carbonara, bordered by beaches of fine snow-white sand, the photogenic hilly surroundings and the villages with their many restaurants open late into the…

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Costa Rei
Costa Rei

Resort, Sandy beach

The thriving tourist resort of Costa Rei - the Royal Coast - boasts some truly royal beaches with fine snow-white sand and quite extensive facilities. [btn "The 10 most luxurious hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-costa-rei] The resort is roughly 70km from Cagliari CAG Airport. Beaches and swimming There is de facto only one beach on the Costa Rei, over 8km long, which…

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Arbatax
Arbatax

Resort

The town of Arbatax is the centre of the central-eastern coast of Sardinia and, together with Santa Maria Navarrese, 5 km away, forms a pair of important resorts and starting points for excursions around the island. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-arbatax] Beaches and swimming A beautiful beach stretches the entire length of the coastline between…

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Orosei
Orosei

Village

The large bay of Golfo di Orosei, in the east of Sardinia, is one of the most beautiful parts of the coast, boasting the "best" beaches. Among the most famous are Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna or the beaches around the small resort of Cala Gonone. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-orosei] The main centre of the region, however, is the town of Orosei, situated…

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La Caletta
La Caletta

Resort

The small town of La Caletta is a hidden treasure of Sardinian beach holidays. The small, quiet resort lies on the east coast and is lined with long beaches to the north and south. [btn "Book a hotel in Sardinia in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-caletta] La Caletta offers all the facilities, restaurants, shops and beautiful surroundings covered with mature pine forests.…

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Budoni
Budoni

Resort

The smaller resort, surrounded by untamed nature of sand dunes, pine trees and rising mountains, is particularly impressive for its beautiful beaches and low number of visitors. [btn "Book a hotel in Sardinia in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-budoni] Budoni is ideal for a quiet holiday or just a one-day stop during a road-trip in Sardinia. Beaches and swimming Most…

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Grotte Bue Marino
Grotte del Bue Marino

Cave

The caves of Bue Marino can be found on the east coast of Sardinia near the town of Dorgali. [btn "Choose the best hotel with sea view" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-bue-marino] The caves stretch for an incredible 20 kilometres and hide thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, freshwater pools, underground rivers and also fossils. A visit to the caves The Grotta del Bue Marino is divided…

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Isola Gabbiani
Isola dei Gabbiani

Island, Sandy beach

Gabbiani, often referred to as Isuledda, is not actually an island but a small peninsula. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-gabbiani] The latter forms two beautiful beaches that touch each other on a narrow stretch of sand that connects the "island" to the mainland. It is on this stretch of sand that you can swim in the sea on both sides. Beaches and…

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Grotta Ispinigoli
Grotta di Ispinigoli

Cave

The Ispinigoli Cave is located in the hills of the Supramonte Mountains near the village of Dorgali and is one of the largest in Sardinia. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-ispinigoli] Venture literally into the heart of Sardinia and discover a breathtaking and mysterious world underground. Europe's largest stalagmite This is a place that will make…

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Putzu Idu
Putzu Idu Beach

Sandy beach

Look for the charming beach of Putzu Idu in the north of the Sinis peninsula in the Sardinian province of Oristano, near the town of the same name. A narrow strip of fine sand mixed with small quartzite pebbles separates the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea from the Manna Salina. [btn "Book your Sardinia hotel in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-putzu-idu] Putzu Idu…

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Is Arenas
Is-Arenas beach

Sandy beach

One of the longest and most beautiful beaches in western Sardinia is undoubtedly Spiaggia di Is Arenas. [btn "Book a hotel in Sardinia in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-is-arenas] The beach lies in a quiet, remote area of western Sardinia, free from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, about 20 km north of Oristano. The shape and facilities of the beach The almost…

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Is Arut
Is-Arutas beach

Sandy beach

On the westernmost coast of the Sinis peninsula, there are several kilometre-long beaches with fine sand and a peaceful environment in nature completely away from civilisation. [btn "Book a hotel in Sardinia in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-is-arutas] The most popular and best accessible of these is Is Arutas beach, which is bordered by small rocky cliffs and bathed in…

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Valle di Lanaittu
Valle di Lanaittu

Valley, Cave, Archaeological site

The Valle di Lanaittu (sometimes spelled Lanaitto) attracts visitors to its beautiful and natural surroundings, with its many karst caves, views of the Supramonte mountains and the archaeological site of the Sardinian nurages, megalithic structures typical of Sardinia. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-lanaittu] Moreover, the valley is out of the way of…

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Monte Ortobene
Monte Ortobene

Mountain, Statue, Lookout

The granite mountain, located just a few kilometres from Nuora, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its seven-metre high statue of Christ the Saviour, which offers a magnificent view of the whole landscape. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-ortobene] The peak is a popular walking destination for locals from the nearby town of Nuoro and tourists…

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Isola San Pietro
Isola di San Pietro

Island, Sandy beach

The islet of St Peter off the south-west coast of Sardinia attracts visitors with the relaxed atmosphere of Carloforte, pretty beaches and the seasonal tuna fishing at La Punta. [btn "Find the best beachfront hotel on booking.com" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-san-pietro] At 51 square kilometres , it's the sixth largest island in the whole of Italy, so you're sure to keep yourself…

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With Gorrop
Gola Su Gorropu

Valley

The canyon of Gola Su Gorropu (or Gola di Gorropu) is considered the largest and deepest gorge in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe. [btn "Find a hotel in the middle of nature" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-goroppu] The Gorropu Gorge is one of Sardinia's most remote places with unspoilt nature and breathtaking views. The monumental dimensions of the canyon At its deepest point, the…

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Nuraxi Barumini
Su Nuraxi di Barumini

Archaeological site

The archaeological site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini is the most important monument of the typical Sardinian nuraghs, megalithic defensive structures spread all over the island. [btn "Find a hotel in the middle of nature" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-barumini] The site at Barumini is dominated by a three-storey large nurache, which is considered the best preserved monument of the nuragian…

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Arzachena
Arzachena

City, Archaeological site

The town of Arzachena is the closest large community to the world-famous Emerald Coast with its hallmark of luxury and "Caribbean" beaches, although it is over 4 km from the sea. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-arzachena] Historical monuments Apart from the nearby beaches, however, Arzachena offers many historical sites, especially archaeological…

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Tempio Pausanias
Tempio Pausania

City, Archaeological site, Spa

In the centre of Gallura, under Mount Limbara, you will find the charming former Roman town of Tempio Pausania. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-tempio-pausania] The town attracts visitors with its granite buildings and walkways surrounded by many trees and parks, as well as its baths and archaeological sites. Historical monuments The most important…

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Punta la Marmora
Punta La Marmora

Mountain

Sardinia is known for its beautiful beaches, but hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy it. Of course, they must not miss the highest mountain in Sardinia, Punta La Marmora (sometimes also known as Perda Crapias), which rises to 1,834 metres above sea level. [btn "Find a hotel in the middle of nature" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-la-marmora] The mountain lies in the orphaned Gennargent…

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Piscine beach
Piscinas beach

Sandy beach

Piscinas beach in the south-west of the island is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia and Europe. Over 3.5 km of fine golden sand is bordered on one side by sand dunes with grasses and on the other by clear open sea. [btn "Choose the best hotel with a sea view" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-piscinas] Set in a secluded area away from civilisation, Spiaggia di…

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With Giudeu
Chia

Resort

The most popular resort in southern Sardinia is called Chia, about 50 km southwest of Cagliari near Cape Spartivento. [btn "Book a hotel in Sardinia in advance at a discount" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-chia] Rather than a classic resort, the Chia area can be characterised as a scattering of hotels and guesthouses along a beautiful rugged coastline with beautiful scenery. You would look in…

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Cala Brandinchi
Cala Brandinchi

Sandy beach

Cala Brandinchi is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. There's probably no argument about that. [btn "Choose the best hotel with a sea view" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-cala-brandinchi] Its incredibly blue and shallow water and snow-white sand have earned it the nickname "Little Tahiti". Facilities and beach design The surrounding beach is scented with low pine trees and grasses…

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Roccia dell Orso
Roccia dell'Orso

Natural formation, Lookout

The huge bear-like granite formation in the northeastern part of the island offers spectacular views of the turquoise sea and the La Maddalena archipelago. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-roccia-orso] The rock, battered by natural influences for more than 300 million years, stands on a 170-metre-high knoll and dominates the small peninsula that gave it…

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Roccia dell elefante
Roccia dell'Elefante

Natural formation

The elephant-shaped lava formation can be found on the road to Castelsardo. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-roccia-elefante] Due to the size of the Elephant Rock, about 2.5 metres, and its location just off the main SS134 road, tourists usually stop here for just a few minutes during their road-trip around Sardinia. The Neolithic inhabitants carved…

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Sinis peninsula
Sinis peninsula

Coast, Sandy beach, Cliff, Lake

Head to the Sinis peninsula for the archaeological site at Tharru, pink flamingos, charming lagoons and stunning beaches that are among the best on the island: Is Arutas, Putzu Idu. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-sinis] Reefs, flamingos and lagoons Sinis is all about nature. The beautiful limestone cliffs lining the coast give way to sandy beaches…

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Cagliari
Cagliari

City

Sardinia's largest city and its capital has a rich history, which is reflected in the city's unique architecture. There are also many beaches in the immediate vicinity of the city. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-castelsardo] Sights and attractions There is no shortage of monuments and huge city palaces built along the lines of other Italian cities.…

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Lago di Liscia
Lago di Liscia

Lake

The artificial lake Lago di Liscia is the main water reservoir for the eastern coast. The beautiful forests and undulating landscapes invite for walks and a very calming stay away from the hustle and bustle of the seaside resorts. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Sardinia" https://www.booking.com/region/it/sardegna.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-sardinie-lanaittu] As the Liscia reservoir is a drinking water reservoir, it is not possible to swim…

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Giara di Gesturi
La Giara di Gesturi

The 45 km2 plateau of La Giara di Gesturioffers beautiful walks through oak forests and macchia. This natural gem is crowned by wild ponies, which can be spotted especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

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