The 10 best villages in Sardinia to fall in love with all year round

When you think of Sardinia, it’s easy to picture yourself lying on postcard-perfect beaches, soaking up the warm summer sun while admiring the crystal-clear sea.

Yet, amid the breathtaking landscapes of this extraordinary region, there are small, often overlooked gems that deserve attention all year round. Places where time seems to move at its own pace, through medieval streets and panoramic hilltop views. Not just summer destinations, but vibrant villages that transform with the seasons and breathe culture and tradition.

We have searched, explored, and handpicked them, choosing 10 villages in Sardinia that truly enchant, from the first spring sunshine to the last winter winds. So, let yourself be amazed by the panoramas and hidden corners that tell the most authentic and captivating stories of this stunning land.

Sardinia hides a treasure trove of charming little towns. The island's best villages are not just picturesque backdrops, but living communities that breathe tradition, culture, and romantic atmospheres that you can enjoy not only in summer but in every season, from the fresh greenery of spring to the warm hues of autumn and the winter folklore.

Of course, there are many more places that would deserve a stop… but we’ve been selective, choosing 10 unique spots that range from the coast to the inland, mixing medieval alleys with breathtaking views, offering history, nature, local events, and even some delightful culinary surprises.

Seaside villages that tell stories of fishing and tradition, inland hamlets with mills and waterfalls, mountain towns where art, festivals, and sweeping views make you forget the outside world: get ready to discover ten truly special villages that show Sardinia is not just about summer, sea, and sun, but also history, nature, and pleasures to savor anytime.

For those who love the sea and breathtaking views, Stintino, a small fishing village tucked at the far northwest corner of the island, is an unmissable sight.

The famous Spiaggia della Pelosa draws visitors year-round with its fine white sand and turquoise waters, but the whole area has plenty to offer even outside the summer season.

In spring, excursions to Asinara National Park provide the chance to immerse yourself in pristine landscapes, breathe in the fresh sea air, and discover hidden corners where nature rules supreme.

In autumn, coastal walks become more peaceful, while warm colors and soft light turn every view into a postcard-worthy shot. And in winter, Stintino reveals its most authentic side: the scent of the sea drifts through the streets, seafood dishes taste even more delicious, and every corner of the village seems to have a story to tell.

In the heart of Northern Sardinia, in the Anglona area, the town of Perfugas reveals itself as a hidden gem, a village that invites visitors to get lost among history and traditions.

The Archaeological and Paleobotanical Museum (MAP) offers a journey from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages, showcasing everything from plant fossils from a petrified forest millions of years old to some of the oldest artifacts ever found in Sardinia. 

Right in the town center, the Sacred Well of Predio Canopoli tells the story of Sardinia 3,000 years ago: a Middle Bronze Age nuraghe that captivates with its timeless elegance and beauty.

But Perfugas isn’t just about archaeology: on late spring evenings, at the MAP and at the Church of S. Maria de Foras, the IronikFolkTronik Festival brings the village to life with music, colors, and performances, transforming it into a vibrant stage full of energy.

As part of Salude & Trigu, a calendar that brings together cultural, culinary, and traditional events in the Province of Sassari, this initiative shows how Sardinia’s historic villages can be vibrant, engaging, and timelessly appealing.

If you head into Gallura and let yourself be guided toward Monte Limbara, just a short distance from Tempio Pausania, you’ll discover Calangianus, a village that surprises with its granite-paved streets revealing an authentic and still off-the-beaten-path Sardinia, like the Carrera Longa, which runs through the historic center and hosts charming Christmas markets in winter.

But the village’s true hallmark is cork, a living material that has supported the local economy and identity for generations. At the Cork Museum, housed in an ancient convent, you can explore stories of craftsmanship, ingenuity, and tradition, discovering why Calangianus is considered the Italian capital of cork production.

Then, in spring, during the month of May, Bookolica comes alive in Calangianus and Tempio Pausania, an unmissable literary festival blending books, music, and performances. You’ll find a village that turns into a stage of creativity, uniting the ancient soul of Gallura with today’s cultural energy, offering unique atmospheres and events throughout the year.

Bosa lies on the banks of the Temo River, along Sardinia’s western coast: a picture-perfect village, with pastel-colored houses reflecting on the water, romantic postcard views, and a character all its own.

In summer, those who long for a swim between dunes and sea can head to the nearby beach of Bosa Marina, while in the other seasons there are still countless reasons to fall in love with this truly enchanting town.

Overlooking the center from the hilltop, Malaspina Castle dates back to the 13th century and embodies Bosa’s medieval history. You can walk along the remains of its walls and climb to the top of its towers (mind the steep stairs!) to enjoy a spectacular 360º panorama.

On the opposite bank of the river, don’t miss the Museum of Tanning, housed in a restored 18th-century building. Here you’ll discover the industrial archaeology of tanning, from the original vats to ancient machinery, which for nearly a century made Bosa the tanning capital of Italy.

Burgos is one of those places that never fail to surprise: small yet full of charm, where medieval and Nuragic history meet among woods, trails, and breathtaking views.

At the heart of the village lies its castle, a striking fortress that towers over the valley below. Walking through the narrow alleys of the town—where you can also visit the fascinating Museum of the Castles of Burgos—and then climbing up to the ruins of the fortress means stepping into a picturesque atmosphere that evokes distant times.

Just outside the village stretches the Burgos forest, a green haven crisscrossed by pleasant trails, including those that lead to the Nuragic village of Costa, a genuine testament to the area’s millennia-old heritage.

Bathed in the golden light of autumn, wrapped in winter snow, revived by spring blossoms, or refreshed by the summer breeze of the highlands, Burgos reinvents itself with every season, while keeping intact its timeless charm.

At the foot of the Supramonte, in the heart of Barbagia, lies Oliena, a village that will captivate you with its ability to blend food and wine traditions and mountain landscapes. Wandering through the streets of the historic center, you can feel the true soul of a timeless place, one that has preserved culture, craftsmanship, and local customs, including the production of Nepente wine, renowned throughout Italy.

Oliena is not just a village to admire in the summer months: every season offers unmissable experiences. During the traditional Autunno in Barbagia, for example, the village opens its historic courtyards with the famous “Cortes apertas” event: amidst tastings of cheeses, wines, and traditional sweets, you can connect with the region’s most genuine side.

In winter, the quiet streets and cozy trattorias create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying typical dishes such as barley and legume soups or pane frattau, while exploring the hidden corners of the historic center at a relaxed pace.

Come spring, the allure of the Supramonte returns: from scenic trails to the Sa Oche Cave, and up to the Monte Tiscali archaeological site, every step is an immersion in the nature and millennia-old history of the area.

Atzara is a small village located not far from Oliena, in the province of Nuoro, near the Supramonte area. While during the warmer months hiking through the woods to discover some of the most beautiful nuragic sites in the region is a must, throughout the rest of the year the artistic vocation of this charming village comes to the fore.

Here, in the heart of the historic center, you can visit the MAMA – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Antonio Ortiz Echagüe. Established in 2000 thanks to the initiative of the Municipality of Atzara and local painter Antonio Corriga, the museum was created with the aim of celebrating the artists who once stayed in the village.

In the early twentieth century, in fact, Atzara became a destination for Spanish painters, including Antonio Ortiz Echagüe and Eduardo Chicharro y Agüera, who were drawn by the allure of local traditions. This phenomenon contributed to the birth of a sort of “Atzara School,” which became a point of reference for Sardinian painting of the 20th century.

Visiting the MAMA during the low season, you can admire in total calm and relaxation the collection of this small yet evocative museum, which embodies the soul and the most authentic emotions of the local community.

Sadali is located in the greenest heart of Sardinia, on the border between Barbagia and Sarcidano, in a land crossed by springs and waterfalls, such as the splendid San Valentino Waterfall, which have earned it the nickname “City of Water.”

The ancient village unfolds around the historic center, where time seems to flow slowly among stone houses, quiet alleys, and medieval churches, in a landscape that blends nature and history.

The charm of Sadali does not end with its natural beauty: here, you can still breathe in the authenticity of daily life, preserved by a community that has kept its traditions intact. It's precisely this harmony between environment and culture that makes it one of the best villages in Sardinia and one of the best historic towns.

Is Sadali enchanting only during the summer? Absolutely not — it reveals its full charm in every season: in autumn, the waterfalls flow through golden woods, while in winter the silence of the alleys and the mist over the rocks create an almost suspended and absolutely unique atmosphere. 

In spring, finally, the streams come alive with playful water games among wildflowers, offering views of rare beauty and a sense of intimacy that captivates visitors of all ages.

Along the eastern coast of Sardinia, Baunei is a village nestled between the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Orosei and the vertiginous peaks of the Supramonte. During the summer months, it serves as the perfect base to reach Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé, two of the best beaches in Sardinia. In spring and early autumn, you can start from Baunei and travel on the charming Trenino Supramonte.

This is a small rubber-tired train offering guided excursions across the Golgo plateau, a unique experience that lets you admire breathtaking landscapes, walk in nature, and hear local stories from expert guides. Speaking of local stories and traditions, autumn in Baunei also brings events such as the Sagra del Maialetto, a festival celebrating the traditional Sardinian roasted suckling pig.

In winter, on the other hand, you can fully enjoy the tranquility and intimacy of a village that lives all year round amidst stunning scenery and authentic traditions.

Here you are at the last village of our journey, Villasimius, in the far south of Sardinia, a true gem nestled between crystal-clear waters and golden dunes.

It is one of the best seaside villages in Sardinia, famous for beaches like Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis, and Simius Beach, where the water takes on turquoise and emerald shades that leave you breathless.

But Villasimius is not just about the sea, summer, and sun: you can experience truly unique adventures all year round. In spring and autumn, for example, you can explore the natural beauty of the Capo Carbonara promontory and its protected marine area, walking along trails that offer outstanding sea views and spotting pink flamingos in the Notteri pond.

In winter, you can discover the village’s most authentic and historical side by visiting the Archaeological Museum, reaching the Torre di Porto Giunco or the Old Fortress, and admiring the churches of San Raffaele Arcangelo and San Michele Arcangelo, which tell centuries of local history.

We explored coasts, hills, and mountains to reveal secret Sardinia and some of its most enchanting town.

Ten villages, ten stories, ten places where this magical island shows off all its charm, ready to surprise us in every season.

Here’s the final recap of our journey:

- Stintino, a small fishing village, famous for La Pelosa Beach and the nearby Asinara National Park.


- Perfugas, with its rich archaeological heritage and the IronikFolkTronik Festival in late spring.


- Calangianus, set among the green rolling hills of Gallura.


- Bosa, a colorful town along the Temo River, known for its pastel houses.


- Burgos, home to a medieval castle and scenic trails that can be explored year-round.


- Oliena, at the foot of the Supramonte mountains, blending fine wines with breathtaking landscapes.


- Atzara, renowned for its vineyards and vibrant artistic traditions.


- Sadali, the “city of water,” with waterfalls and old mills surrounded by lush greenery.


- Baunei, gateway to wild coves and dramatic cliffside views.

- Villasimius, on the island’s southeastern coast, with some of the best beaches in Sardinia.