5 Unique Things to Do in Sardinia like a Local

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.

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Where I stayed:

Santa Teresa di Gallura: Da Adriana Guesthouse

La Maddalena: Guest House Tra Rocce E Mare

Cagliari: Rooms Loru

Galtellì: Tenuta Don Ballore

Alghero: Country Rooms

1. Wander Around

Sardinia must be explored by car, as public transportation is very limited. I suggest a beautiful coastal road from Albenga to Bosa (road 105), that is stunning and very wild.  During spring/autumn time I also suggest exploring the central island, not so much in summer as is very hot during this season. 

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, or alternatively you 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: this trail starts at Cala Fuili and finishes here. This remote beach can be reached on foot or by boat. On foot is 5 km, it takes 2 h more or less to arrive to the beach (so another 2 h to go back). 

• 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

In Italy, no matter where you go, you can bet that wine is going to be awesome. In Sardinia there are many wineries, I highly recommend Cantina Fradiles. Their wines were amazing and we had the best time.

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!