5 Unique Things to Do in Sardinia like a Local

Sardinia Italy travel guide​ 

Sardinia is one of the main island of Italy, mostly known for its beaches and beautiful coastline. However Sardinia is also a must-destination for nature lovers. Are you an adventure seeker looking to tick off some incredible experiences in Sardinia? Look no further! Here are the 5 top things to do in Sardinia that will satisfy your craving for adrenaline and exploration.

Heads up: this page may include affiliate links. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. I only recommend tools I have personally vetted.

👉 Where I stayed:

• Santa Teresa di Gallura: Da Adriana Guesthouse 🅱️ Booking 🔗 🆃 Trip.com 🔗
• La Maddalena: Guest House Tra Rocce E Mare  🆃 Trip.com 🔗🦉 Tripadvisor 🔗
• Cagliari: Rooms Loru 🅱️ Booking 🔗 🆃 Trip.com 🔗
• Galtellì: Tenuta Don Ballore 🅱️ Booking 🔗🆃 Trip.com 🔗
• Alghero: Country Rooms 🅱️ Booking 🔗

1. Wander Around

To truly unlock the magic of Sardinia, renting a car is an absolute must, as public transportation won't take you to the island's most hidden gems. For a drive you'll never forget, take the coastal route from Alghero to Bosa (Road SP105). It is a stunning, rugged stretch of asphalt that winds between dramatic cliffs and the turquoise sea—pure, wild beauty. While the coast is the star in summer, I highly recommend venturing into the rugged heart of the island during the spring or autumn. The central regions are rich in culture and history, but they are best explored in the cooler months to avoid the intense summer heat.

2. Boat Tour Sardinia, Asinara Island

One hidden gem of Sardinia is definitely Asinara Island. This place hasn't been touched by tourism, and the local government is implementing multiple limitations to preserve this place.

👉 To visit this island you can either:

• Take a ferry and book a tour to explore the island by car
• Book a boat trip

✨ I myself suggest the latter, as the sea is beautiful, and you can stop at the remote beaches to avoid the crowds. I booked my day trip with Amaremare Sardegna🔗

3. Sardinia hiking trails

There are so many trekkings that can be done in Sardinia, on the coastline and at the centre of the island. Some that I loved:

• Cala Goloritzé: this is a remote small beach that can be reached on foot or by boat (in this case boats aren't allowed to reach the beach).

👉 The trail starts at Su Porteddu🔗 it takes 1h and 30 minutes more or less (513 meters elevation gain).

💸 You pay a 6€ ticket to enter. You have to book your spot, as there is a number limit per day.

• Cala Luna: With its golden sands and large caves that provide natural shade, Cala Luna is another gem of the gulf. It’s a favorite spot for climbers and snorkelers due to its unique rock formations and vibrant marine life.

👉 You can reach it by hiking through the scenic Codula di Luna canyon or by taking a boat from Cala Gonone (book a tour here🔗). The trail starts at Cala Fuili🔗 and finishes here🔗. On foot is 5 km, it takes 2 h more or less to arrive at the beach (so another 2 h to go back). 

💸 Free to enter

• Gola Su Gorropu: It's a spectacular gorge that can be reached only on foot.

👉  There are several trails to reach it, we picked a panoramic trail, that starts from Hotel Gorropu🔗 and arrives to the gorge (trail map🔗). It's 650 meters elevation, it takes 3-4 hours round trip. 

4. Taste Sardinian Cannonau wine

While Italy is synonymous with great wine, Sardinia’s wineries are a hidden treasure. I highly recommend a stop at Cantina Fradiles🔗. Their wines are absolutely stunning, offering a true taste of central Sardinia. It wasn't just about the tasting; the whole experience was a highlight of our trip. Make sure to try their Mandrolisai—it’s unforgettable!"

5. Surfing and windsurfing

While Sardinia doesn’t have the ocean, its position in the Mediterranean provides excellent conditions for surfing, particularly on the western and northern coasts. For those looking to learn or improve their skills, I recommend Bonga Surf School🔗, which offers professional lessons at some of the island’s most beautiful surf spots. One standout location is a stunning surfer beach you'll absolutely want to visit for its incredible waves and breathtaking scenery.

Windsurfing, on the other hand, is a major highlight of Sardinia’s watersports scene, with Porto Pollo being a renowned hub. Known as one of Europe’s top windsurfing destinations, this bay attracts both seasoned professionals and beginners eager to experience its consistent winds and vibrant atmosphere.

👉  The beach is lined with numerous windsurfing schools and rental shops, catering to all skill levels. I personally took two lessons (110€) at Scuola Windsurf - Kitesurf Portopollo.it RUPI'S🔗, and it was an unforgettable experience. The skilled instructors and welcoming community make learning fun and rewarding.

✨ After a day of riding the waves, the beach bars at Porto Pollo come alive. Here, windsurfers gather to share stories, enjoy music, and watch the sun set over the stunning Sardinian coastline—a perfect way to end an adventurous day.

These bucket list experiences are guaranteed to ignite your sense of adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're drawn to towering mountains, vibrant coral reefs, ancient ruins, diverse wildlife, or extreme sports, there's something on this list for every thrill-seeker. So, pack your bags, prepare for the journey of a lifetime, and make your adventurous dreams a reality!

Related Articles