Sardinia is not just about the sea.
Many tourists come to Sardinia for its stunning sea, but we can assure you that this fantastic island has much more to offer: ancient towns, remote villages, archaeological sites, museums preserving the history of Sardinia.
If you don’t want to spend your entire holiday on the beach, here are a few tips for great trips :
ALGHERO, NEPTUNE’S GROTTO, NURAGHE PALMAVERA
Four centuries of Spanish rule still live on in the culture, architecture and spoken language of this picturesque port. Alghero is also called “little Barcelona”, and its historic centre is one of the most interesting and fascinating in northern Sardinia. A few kilometres from the town lie the nuragic village of Palmavera and the Anghelu Ruju necropolis, two archaeological sites well worth a visit. Once in Alghero, you cannot miss the famous Grotta di Nettuno, a true natural jewel at the heart of the Capo Caccia headland. You can reach the grotto by boat, as it sits at sea level, but it is also accessible from land — though you will have to descend 110 vertical metres down the 656 steps of the “Escala del Cabirol”.
SELLA & MOSCA WINERY
Sardinia is renowned for its delicious wines. The Sella & Mosca winery offers tours with a local guide who will take you through the history of the estate and the place where famous wines are born, such as Marchese di Villa Marina 2017, Terre Rare Sella & Mosca Carignano del Sulcis D.o.c. , Vino Tanca Farrà, Canonau Riserva 2018, Vermentino La Cala Sella & Mosca
and Vino Terre Bianche.
CASTELSARDO, ROCCIA DELL’ELEFANTE
If you love fairy tales, visit Castelsardo, a charming medieval town famous for the majestic Doria castle, which now houses the Museum of Mediterranean Weaving.
Castelsardo has dominated a rocky promontory overlooking the sea for 900 years and is considered one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy. A short distance from Castelsardo stands the famous Elephant Rock, La Roccia dell’Elefante.
CASTELDORIA THERMAL BATHS
Thanks to relatively recent volcanic activity, Sardinia has a variety of thermal and mineral springs. If you have a free afternoon, experience the fantastic feeling of bathing in thermal waters surrounded by unspoilt nature. If you dip a little deeper, you can find black mud and try out its healing and rejuvenating effects. A unique experience … and completely free!!! The spot is sheltered from the wind, so it can be the perfect option on days when the mistral blows hard.
MUSEI DI AGGIUS, VALLE DELLA LUNA
The ancient village of Aggius is home to several interesting museums, such as the Museum of Banditry and the Ethnographic Museum, the largest ethnographic museum in all of Sardinia. Just beyond Aggius lies a magical place, the “Valle della Luna”, reminiscent of a lunar valley. Enormous granite formations have been sculpted by mountain winds into fantastic shapes. The rocks are an unforgettable sight at night, when the white boulders are lit by the glow of the moonlight.
VALICCIOLA WATERFALLS, MONTE LIMBARA
The waterfalls below Monte Limbara are among the most evocative routes in both summer and winter. The Riu Pisciaroni, flowing through the granite and carving out gorges, waterfalls and natural pools that in summer become places to relax in natural swimming holes, is a true paradise. From the town of Tempio Pausania head towards Monte Limbara and park at the Curadureddu sign; then walk to the waterfalls through the forest.
PARCO AVVENTURA ARZACHENA, LA CONTEA DI RENA
A one-of-a-kind attraction in Sardinia when it comes to active tourism. La Contea di Rena is the region’s first rock adventure park, located near the town of Arzachena, in the Rena area, on the road leading to Saline di Palau. The guided tour includes a trek, a via ferrata, a Tibetan bridge and a zip line. For bookings: +39 340 8760858 (Elisa)
TETI, SANTUARIO NURAGICO
The Abini nuragic complex is a Sardinian archaeological site located in the territory of Teti, and it is one of those rare places discovered by history enthusiasts who managed to preserve treasures of the highest value, such as bronze statuettes that can today be admired in the regional museum in the city of Cagliari.
ROCCIA DELL'ORSO (BEAR ROCK), PALAU
For millennia, the bear rock has been the silent guardian of the Palau area. You can reach Capo d’Orso (Bear Cape) on foot along a nature trail just 500 metres long. The route is not demanding and is suitable for everyone. From the top you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire northern coast and the La Maddalena archipelago.
OLIVASTRI MILLENARI DI LURAS E IL MUSEO DI SUGHERO A CALANGIANUS
An enchanting place almost out of this world, where you can admire a 4,000-year-old olive tree up close — a true spectacle of nature. From Luras you can head to the town of Calangianus, home to cork-processing factories, where you will also find the Cork Museum.
