Destination: Italy

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Sampling Sardinia

Discover this spectacular island in a leisurely 900km round trip (take as long or as short as you like) starting in the capital, Cagliari.



The attractions of Sardinia are no secret to Italians, but the majority of foreign visitors to Italy have yet to include this spectacular island on their itinerary – it is a world apart and the perfect place to combine fascinating historical sites with spectacular scenery and some all-essential beach R&R.

The capital, Cagliari, is an attractive city with a hilly medieval town centre and its own lovely beach. Moving up the west coast, you shouldn’t miss the Costa Verde, a magnificent stretch of coastline that remains unspoilt and offers idyllic spots for swimming and sunbathing. The Nuraghe Su Nuraxi fortress, a vast nuraghic complex dating from 1500 to 400 BC, is just inland. To the northwest, on the Sinis Peninsula, you’ll encounter the ancient Roman city of Tharros, which boasts ruins of significant archaeological interest.

Head north to the charming town of Bosa and its fine beach before continuing on the dramatic coastal road to Alghero, a pretty, walled port town and a good base to explore more of the island’s superb coast. Swinging east, you can follow the beaches to Santa Teresa di Gallura, which is not a bad base for the northeast part of the island, or make for La Maddalena, at the heart of a captivating archipelago.

The province of Nuoro has isolated inlets, spectacular gorges, deep caves and wonderful walking trails, and will give you a unique taste of the island’s traditional culture. The most spectacular bit of coast, the Golfo di Orosei, can be explored by boat or on foot from Cala Gonone to the north or the more laid-back Santa Maria Navarrese, further south. From here, beach-lovers with wheels can complete a slow circuit back to Cagliari along the coast road.

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