5 experiences to do in 2026 to reveal Sardinia's hidden soul

Sardinia immediately brings to mind images of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and postcard-perfect landscapes. But this extraordinary island has so much more to offer. As D.H. Lawrence wrote, “Sardinia is unlike any other place”: it is mysterious and ancient, welcoming you and surprising you with its millennia-old traditions, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable flavors.

It is also a land full of unique activities and unmissable cultural events, such as the popular festivals included in the Salude & Trigu program – a project supported by the Chamber of Commerce of Sassari – featuring numerous fascinating events across Northern Sardinia.

In particular, we have selected 5 authentic experiences to do in Sardinia in 2026: you can choose from stunning itineraries and events among the most special that this wonderful land has to offer!

2026 is the perfect year to immerse yourself in the most authentic Sardinia and uncover its lesser-known side. Off the beaten tourist paths, the island offers hidden villages to explore on foot, small local markets where you can taste traditional products, festivals and events celebrating centuries-old traditions, and natural itineraries revealing breathtaking landscapes.

In Sardinia, every day can turn into a new adventure, blending history, culture, and nature, allowing you to experience unforgettable moments immersed in local life. Want to discover more? Here are 5 authentic experiences to do in Sardinia, designed to reveal hidden corners, events, and activities that will make the island truly special and unforgettable this year.

Among the unusual things to do in Sardinia, you absolutely must include in your itinerary an excursion between Anglona and Romangia, two historical hilly regions in the north of the island. Anglona, a land of plateaus overlooking the Gulf of Asinara, is dotted with sites of cultural interest, such as the Malaspina castle in Osilo, the Gothic co-cathedral of Sant'Antonio Abate and the Doria castle in Castelsardo, and many remains of the Nuragic civilisation. Castelsardo is also the main stage of Musica sulle Bocche Festival, one of Europe's most famous shows, an eco-sustainable event starring quality music.

Romangia lies near the ancient Roman colony in Sardinia, Turris Libisonis (today's Porto Torres). This land of hills, vineyards and olive groves is one of the oldest terroirs in Italy. The region also includes Sorso and Sennori, two towns famous for their wines. Anglona and Romangia are a great destination for a trip in autumn: to promote a more conscious and sustainable type of tourism, away from the high season, between October and November you’ll be welcomed by a network of events celebrating culture and fun: meetings, games, music, and street food.

One of the "tastiest" experiences to do in Sardinia is surely a great idea tasting its excellent wines. Usini, in the Sassari province, is a production hub of grape varieties such as Vermentino and Cagnulari. As you stroll through the village, you will notice spectacular murals celebrating its farming and culinary legacy, depicting the grape harvest and the preparation of andarinos, the traditional local pasta. The town and its surroundings offer many points of interest, with historic houses, museums, ancient churches, and the archaeological site of the Necropolis of S'Elighe Entosu.

When the wine is almost ripe, you may attend an event that rediscovers the culinary, cultural, and folk traditions of Usini: the name of the festival is Ajo' a ippuntare and is one of the most fascinating folklore events in North Sardinia. It is an excellent opportunity not only to taste the area's renowned wines but also to learn more about these fascinating places. Guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops take place during the celebration, scheduled in November.

Alghero is a magnificent town with a Spanish atmosphere, an ancient medieval stronghold in north-western Sardinia. A popular summer resort, it boasts one of the best-preserved historic centres in Sardinia, where the Catalan-Aragonese influence, a legacy from the years it was a Spanish colony, is still evident. A great way to explore the area is on foot, strolling along the 16th-century gilded city walls or wander through its winding alleyways, squares, and historic buildings.

Visiting Alghero offers authentic and captivating experiences, especially for music lovers. From April to November, the town comes alive with numerous cultural events and live performances, such as JazzAlguer, a music festival featuring concerts in some of the city’s most iconic locations. Alghero is also one of the stops of the Musica sulle Bocche Festival. In 2026, Alghero’s event calendar will once again include a wide range of cultural, sporting, and educational activities, as well as initiatives that promote local traditions, food, and wine.

In the northeastern part of Sardinia, Gallura includes 21 municipalities in the Sassari province and boasts some of the world's most famous and seductive coastlines, where you can live some of the most extraordinary experiences to do in Sardinia! It ranges from the wonderful coves and inlets of Emerald Coast to the wilder archipelago of La Maddalena and the white beaches of San Teodoro. Heading inland, you’ll discover a definitely different landscape, more rugged and rural.

Here, amidst dense oak forests, Vermentino vineyards (in October, don't miss the event Benvenuto Vermentino in Olbia!), ancient and tiny villages, and mysterious Nuragic sites, you will meet an authentic and genuine Sardinia that is far from its best-known glossy image. Take a visit to the nuraghes around Arzachena, stroll among the millennial olive trees in Luras, stop in Tempio Pausania, and set off on adventurous hikes to the nearby countryside or up to Mount Limbara.

A cultured city populated by sites of great interest, Sassari is a pleasant destination to discover all year round, a place rich in activities and experiences to do in Sardinia. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the main street of the old town and ideally halves the city. The traditional commercial district develops in the northern part, while the main religious buildings stand south. The scenic Piazza Italia is the largest in Sassari, while Piazza Tola is the ancient medieval core. Here stands one of the island's first Renaissance buildings, Palazzo d'Usini. Don't miss the imposing Cathedral of San Nicola, the monumental Church of Santa Caterina, the Church of Santa Maria di Betlem, and the Fontana al Rosello,  just outside the city walls.

As for food, you can try the tastes of the local cuisine, with specialities like fainè, a Sardinian farinata made from chickpea flour. If you want to delve into the gastronomic universe of Sassari, then the Weekend dei Gusti is something you should not miss. The event is about the food and wine excellence of the Sassari territory, and it develops in taste routes through the alleys, streets and squares of the city centre. We also point out an unusual event that will arouse your curiosity: the Ciogghitta d'Oro, a popular competition consisting of a characteristic snail-sucking contest.