Sardinia Travel Guide 2026: exceptional places, experiences and emotions in the greatest destination of the year

Great international tourism is once again shining a spotlight on Italy and the amazing wealth of beauty that Italians can boast - and offer - to travelers from around the world. This year, we want to join you on an adventure discovering Sardinia, the most magical and passionate island in the Mediterranean, awarded in the annual guide Best in Travel by Lonely Planet as one of the best world’s destinations for 2026.

Are you already booking your next trip? Great! Give us just a few minutes of your time to guide you through the best of the island from North to South: here's our Sardinia Travel Guide 2026, your starting point for the journey you can't miss!

This year Sardinia continues its dynamic path of maturation in tourism, with a growing focus on deseasonalizing arrivals - the island no longer wants to be just a summer destination dedicated to luxury and pristine seas, but aims to attract a variety of tourists also in autumn, winter and spring - and on diversifying travel routes, offering alternative activities even in summer.

An ambitious project of growth and awareness of its heritage, enhanced by Visit Italy's sincere commitment with the campaign Unconventional Sardinia and by the work of local governments with their transportation expansion plan within and beyond island's borders.

This renewal focuses on air travel, with the launch of important new international routes to Paris-Orly (last year), New York, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, Seville and Istanbul and the strengthening of internal connections between Cagliari (South Sardinia), Olbia and Alghero (North Sardinia).

This focus also includes the optimization of land transport infrastructures, with the goal of making on the road travel options increasingly convenient. Planned for 2026 the opening of long sections of the Sardinia Cycle Route too, an initiative that embraces the new needs of sustainable tourism dedicated to cycling enthusiasts.

With our Sardinia Travel Guide 2026 prepare for an engaging adventure to discover the most beautiful destination of the year, a journey through places, experiences and emotions that spans the entire island, exploring twelve destinations - ideally, one each month - in North, Central and South Sardinia.

North Sardinia must-see in 2026:

• Wonderful Gallura, from coast to hinterland

• An adventure on the banks of Coghinas

• From Asinara’s blue to Sassari’s urban elegance

• Alghero and the wonders of Coral’s Coastline

Central Sardinia must-see in 2026:

• The prehistoric charm of the land of nuraghi

• Exciting horseback tours through Barbagia and Ogliastra

• Cala Goloritzé, the world’s most beautiful beach

• Samugheo, a temple for sardinian crafts

South Sardinia must-see in 2026:

• The Path of Saint Barbara in Sulcis-Iglesiente

• Sant’Antioco, a little island designed by great beauty

• Fascinating Pula, by history, archaeology and forest bathing

• Cagliari, city of sardinian pride and the way to Villasimius

North Sardinia is the land of heavenly beaches and breathtaking coastal scenery, where the luxury of seaside villas and resorts of the Smeralda blends perfectly with the authenticity of small inland villages , just to mention a few Ittiri, Bonorva and Pattada, and the unmistakable flavor of tradition of the ancient regions of Nurra, Romangia, Anglona and Gallura.

A journey to be experienced thanks to Salude & Trigu, the program by the Sassari Chamber of Commerce that highlights local events transforming them from pure expressions of the island's folk spirit into unmissable opportunities of revamp for tourism and culture.

Gallura knows how to win the hearts of tourists from around the world, offering a package of exclusive travel experiences that satisfy both the desire for beauty and the sense of adventure.

Starting from Olbia, you can explore the region on the road following the magical SS125, traveling along the coast to discover stunning locations such as Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo, Porto Cervo, Arzachena, Palau and its extraordinary Bear's Rock, overlooking the enchanting archipelago of La Maddalena.

But did you know that Gallura has two distinct Moon Valleys? You’ll find the first at Capo Testa, a promontory overlooking the sea near the town of Santa Teresa, while the second, also known as the Plain of the Great Stones, is located inland near Aggius. Further along, don't miss Tempio Pausania and Mount Limbara, icon of sustainability and slow living.

The valley crossed by Coghinas is one of the most underrated destinations in the North of the island, which is why we've reserved it a spot in the Sardinia Travel Guide 2026. Here the region's typical rural and wild landscape finds a new balance, between calm waters and pristine nature.

At the namesake lake, birdwatchers and photography enthusiasts can find rare species and capture unforgettable moments in a picture, while those who prefer active exploration can visit the village of Oschiri and the elegant Church of Nostra Signora di Castro, among the most beautiful examples of romanesque churches. The riverbanks offer scenic trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking, but if you're feeling adventurous enough you can also try kayaking.

For a touch of relaxation don't forget to try the river thermal baths near Casteldoria (Santa Maria Coghinas). At the mouth of the river, you can visit the charming village of Valledoria, and if you continue west along the coast you can discover the magic of Castelsardo.

Right after Casteddu the breathtaking Gulf of Asinara opens up before you, a blue expanse characterized by pristine nature, wonderful beaches and coves and exceptional villages worth visiting. Among these Sorso and Sennori, two small wine capitals here in Sardinia, and the seaside town of Porto Torres, gateway to the extraordinary Asinara National Park (boat connections to Cala Reale).

If you're looking for fascinating and relaxing explorations we recommend continuing on to the evocative village of Stintino, a true oasis of beauty where you can discover the best of the quiet life overlooking the spectacular sea of Sardinia. Don't miss the beaches of La Pelosa and La Pelosetta, simply heavenly!

The best place to continue your journey in Sardinia after visiting Asinara is the city of Sassari, an icon of urban elegance and politeness rich in history and fascinating views waiting to be discovered.

Alghero, the catalan soul of Sardinia, welcomes visitors with its evocative bastions overlooking the blue and the shops of the historic centre that celebrate the red gold of the sea on the famous Coral’s Coastline.

The beating heart of Alghero's natural beauty lies nearby in the Porto Conte Park, where trails immersed in mediterranean greenery lead to discovering places like Punta Giglio and the Prigionette Nature Reserve, home to ponies and deer. But the excitement culminates at Capo Caccia: take a deep breath and prepare to descend the 654 steps of the exciting Escala del Cabirol, an effort rewarded with access to the Neptune's Caves, a veritable labyrinth of stalactites masterfully sculpted by the waves.

Don't miss the marvelous Palmavera nuragic site and the lush Porto Conte forest, for an adventure that renews itself combining archaeology, hiking and fiery sunsets.

Central Sardinia is the land of ancient traditions and wild contrasts, where the heart of the island beats between the peaks of Gennargentu and Supramonte and the rugged valleys of Barbagia. It is the region of the murals of Orgosolo, witnesses to stories of life and cultural passion, the ancestral masks of Mamoiada, guardians of timeless folkloric rites, but also glimpses of paradise to discover along the coasts of Ogliastra.

Here life flows slowly and peacefully, marked by the rhythms of the pastoral world and the trotting of horses, passing through land villages and coastal towns where hospitality is sacred. Let yourself be guided by the deep silence of the hinterland and the wonders of the sea, in an authentic immersion in the most authentic Sardinia far from beaten paths.

Climbing into the heart of Sardinia means crossing a true open-air archaeological museum, dominated by the cyclopean shapes of nuraghi and the mysterious rock formations that have made the island famous worldwide.

Among the must-see stops on your trip it's impossible to forget about Nuraghe Losa in Abbasanta, enchanting with its imposing size and excellent state of preservation, and the Santa Cristina Archaeological Naturalistic Park in Paulilatino, which will amaze you with the geometric perfection of its elements, guardians of ancient practices related to the worship of water and stars. The undisputed star is Su Nuraxi in Barumini anyway, a vast archaeological complex part of UNESCO Heritage that consists of a large central tower overlooking a dense network of huts, corridors and walls: a veritable fortified village!

For those who love adventures just like Indiana Jones, while exploring Supramonte you can visit the Archaeological Village of Tiscali between the towns of Oliena and Cala Gonone. Walking among these stones and the majestic tombs of giants allows to touch with your senses an enigmatic civilization, the nuragic one, which still silently watches over the island today.

One of the most beautiful adventures you can experience in Sardinia in 2026 is exploring its rugged rural landscapes on horseback. Riding higher and higher along the trails of Barbagia and Ogliastra, you'll immerse yourself in places that seem timeless, and that can evoke distant emotions.

Supramonte offers wild landscapes where the white limestone contrasts with the green of centuries-old holm oaks. Starting from villages like Oliena or Orgosolo you can ride along ancient mule tracks, which meander through this landscape reminiscent of the great american plains, reaching panoramic points such as the Gorropu Gorge and Lake Cedrino.

In Ogliastra, more precisely near Baunei, Golgo plateau is the perfect destination for breathtaking horseback rides overlooking the azure sea. These horseback excursions allow for a profound connection with a nature that demands no rush, revealing secret corners and breathtaking views otherwise inaccessible to motorized vehicles.

Cala Goloritzé, national monument since 1995 and awarded as the world's most beautiful beach in 2025, is one of those places that enchants at first sight. Its impossible to resist its magical natural setting, with its famous stone arch that, like a doorway to a hidden world, reveals crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Reachable only on foot following a panoramic trail descending from the Golgo plateau, visiting this natural wonder is an adventurous hiking experience that finds its essence in a rejuvenating bathe, surrounded by a setting of pure beauty.

You can continue your journey south along the central-eastern coast of Sardinia, heading to Tortolì, a lively seaside town where you can admire the spectacular Red Rocks of Arbatax emerging from the pristine sea. You shouldn’t miss in the Ogliastra hinterland also the villages of Jerzu, Ulassai and Osini.

In the heart of Mandrolisai, the historic and cultural region located in the central core of Sardinia, Samugheo stands as the undisputed capital of textile art and a hub for all sardinian craftsmanship.

Here you can visit the exceptional MURATS, the Regional Museum of Sardinian Textile Art, a veritable temple housing precious artifacts such as antique saddlebags and rugs made with the distinctive pibiones technique, characterized by raised patterns on a flat weave. In the village of Samugheo, the tradition of hand-loom and artisan production according to ancient customs intertwines with contemporary design, offering a unique and comprehensive look at the evolution of the textile industry in a land, Sardinia, famous for the exceptional beauty of its traditional costumes.

In addition to the museum, you can visit the historic workshops dedicated not only to weaving, but also to the art of embroidery, wood and leather processing. Visit Samugheo for a full immersion discovering the vibrant local craft, that today still transforms simple raw materials into timeless works of art.

South Sardinia is the land of mines and brilliant colors, where the fine sand of Villasimius and the Dunes of Piscinas blends with rugged and wild cliffs, such as the Iglesiente between Buggerru and Nebida and the promontory of Capo Spartivento, caressed by a sea with kind-of-caribbean hues.

It is a region marked by the charm of history and the passage of civilizations and peoples from across the Mediterranean, traces of which are still evident today in the islands of San Pietro and Sant'Antioco, in the archaeological beauty of Nora and in the city of Cagliari, the island's sunny capital perched over the Castello district and surrounded by lagoons periodically populated by pink flamingos.

A mosaic of emotions complemented by the flavors of local cuisine, a celebration of the finest sardinian gastronomic products among which its majesty, bottarga, stands out.

Tackling the Path of Santa Barbara is one of the most significant experiences for exploring the south of the island, with its rugged landscapes and a historical heritage to be explored step by step. The itinerary is a circular route of approximately 500 km, divided into thirty stages that pass through all the mining sites from the past of Sulcis-Iglesiente.

Starting from Iglesias, the trail winds between breathtaking cliffs overlooking the sea and industrial archaeology sites, now part of the UNESCO Heritage and Geo-Mining Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia, crossing through iconic locations such as Porto Flavia, Piscinas with its enchanting sand dunes and the ancient mines of Buggerru.

It is an intense travel experience that blends history, spirituality and wild nature, perfect for active travelers who want to combine the pleasure of exercise with discovery.

Sant’Antioco, the largest island in Sardinia - if we exclude Sardinia itself! - connected to the mainland by an artificial isthmus, is a delightful microcosm of phoenician-punic history and natural beauty that's always worth a visit if you're traveling across Sulcis-Iglesiente.

The heart of the island’s village beats around Basilica of Sant’Antioco Martire, picturesque with its vivid colors and home to Sardinia's only early christian catacombs. Strolling through its streets you may encounter the ancient artisan ritual of byssus, also known as sea silk, a millennia-old textile art that still survives today thanks to the creative work of local master craftsmen.

The coast of Sant’Antioco offers breathtaking scenery, similar to the rest of the region, from the shallow warm waters of Maladroxia to the wild cliffs of Cala Lunga. And don't leave the island without visiting phenomenal places like the Capo Sperone cliff, the Sirens' Cave and the white town of Calasetta.

Pula is a jewel that masterfully blends the charm of antiquity with the regenerating power of vivid nature, with beaches that could rival with California and expanses of greenery where you can breathe in the purity of the Mediterranean.

Just outside the lively town of Pula there’s the Archaeological Park of Nora, an ancient city founded by phoenicians and later inhabited and developed by punics and romans, where to wander in awe among polychrome mosaics and admire the only roman theater in Sardinia, overlooking the crystal-clear sea.

From the seaside, the exploration moves on inland to the forests of Pixinamanna and Is Cannoneris, quiet places with an almost sacred atmosphere where hiking enthusiasts can practice forest bathing by following immersive itineraries - such as the D-200 trail to discover Gutturu Mannu departing from location Is Molas - for a complete experience combining sport and wellness.

A vibrant capital city rich in history and excitement, Cagliari can be both the starting point and the final destination for your trip to Sardinia in 2026.

The city is ready to welcome you to its historic neighborhoods, such as Castello, Stampace and Marina, where you can experience the historical evolution of Sardinia itself among panoramic bastions like Saint Remy and the Elephant Tower, popular places of worship like the Church of Sant'Efisio and the Basilica of San Saturnino, and recreational areas like Monte Urpinu Park and the lively Poetto Beach, overlooked by the iconic Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle).

But there's more to the city than just its beauties. The journey continues by car along the panoramic road SP17, a succession of breathtaking curves between granite rocks and turquoise waters that reveals precious gems, such as the beaches of the Geremeas coast with their colors that seem painted by an artist's hands, and the extraordinary Villasimius, a gateway to the wild beauty of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area.

Our Sardinia Travel Guide 2026 is not just about places to discover and visit, but also experiences to enjoy and culture to learn firsthand. Following, we recommend some of the most interesting cultural events to savor the true essence of Sardinia, on a magical journey that embraces the island from North to South.

Friday January 16 and Saturday January 17 (night)

Fire Rituals of Sant’Antonio Abate (Sant'Antoni de su fogu), the official beginning of the Carnival season throughout Sardinia (until February 17, Shrove Tuesday).

Sunday March 29 - Monday April 6

Holy Week, full of events, rituals and celebrations throughout Sardinia; in particular, the most important events:

• Castelsardo | Monday March 30 2026 (Lunissanti); Thursday April 2 2026 (Prucissioni); Friday April 3 2026 (Ilcravamentu)

• Alghero | Thursday April 2 2026 (Cerques); Friday April 3 2026 (Desclavament)

• Orosei | Thursday April 2 2026 (Sos Sepurcros)

• Santu Lussurgiu | Thursday April 2 2026 (Coena Domini and Sas Chilcas)

• Iglesias | Tuesday March 31 2026 (Sos Misterios with the Baballottis)

Friday May 1 - Monday May 4

Festival of Sant'Efisio in Cagliari, an event that blends faith and folklore with solemn celebrations (mass and procession) and traditions symbolizing spring's abundance, such as the passage of Traccas and the Sa Ramadura flower festival.

Monday July 6 and Tuesday July 7

Ardia di San Costantino in Sedilo, one of the most important and spectacular Sardinian Sa Pariglia, combining the tradition of acrobatic horse rides with faith; don't miss the other themed events throughout the island:

• Oristano | Sunday February 15 - Tuesday February 17 2026 (Carnival’s Sartiglia)

• Santu Lussurgiu | Monday February 16 and Tuesday February 17 2026 (Sa Carrela 'e Nanti)

• Sassari | Sunday May 17 or Sunday May 24 2026 (Cavalcata Sarda)

• Desulo | Friday August 14 2026 (Sa Pariglia Regional Festival)

• Sedilo | October 2026 - dates to be defined yet (Zenias de Atonzu - Palio del Guilcier)

Friday August 14

March of Candelieri in Sassari or Faradda, one of the most important and picturesque examples of the Italian tradition of Great Shoulder Machines, a religious festival closely linked to the Ferragosto holidays.

For those who love live music to experience in the extraordinary setting of the coast North, we suggest you also keep an eye on the night concerts of the summer festivals JazzAlguer (Alghero), Musica sulle Bocche (Castelsardo) and Isole che Parlano (Palau and La Maddalena).

At the beginning of this Sardinia Travel Guide 2026 we outlined all the most important developments for the new year regarding international transportation and first-time flight routes, which are strengthening not only connections with Europe but also with America and the East.

But what are the most interesting travel options for exploring Sardinia once you've arrived on the island? We have no doubt: the road trip experience by car or motorbike, which you can rent in major cities and especially at airports, remains the quintessential prototype of the perfect trip to Sardinia, with the ability to move freely and at your own pace.

To reach the most hidden - and wonderful - places in Sardinia, like some of those we've explored together in this guide, you'll still need to bring with you hiking shoes and clothing and a bicycle.

Do you prefer a more relaxed, yet no less fascinating and adventurous vacation? Then you might consider renting a boat and sailing for a sea tour, a truly breathtaking journey along enchanting coastlines and picturesque harbors.

With our Sardinia Travel Guide 2026, your trip will be unforgettable: prepare to be thrilled, to have fun and to dream, the most beautiful and unmissable destination of the year awaits you!