Is Sardinia Worth Visiting? 11 Things You Need To Know

Ever wondered if Sardinia is just hype—or actually worth visiting?

If you’ve been asking yourself “Is Sardinia worth visiting?”, you’re not alone. I’ve spent time exploring the Italian island’s northern coast, eastern shores, and winding inland roads—and I can confidently tell you: yes, it’s worth it.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what makes Sardinia special, what to know before you go, and why it deserves a spot on your travel list.

Where Is Sardinia Located?

First things first, where is Sardinia?

Well, Sardinia is a large Italian island in the western Mediterranean, located just south of the French island Corsica and west of mainland Italy. It’s easy to reach by plane—just about an hour from Rome or Milan—but if you want to slow things down a bit, the ferry is a fantastic option too.

When I visited Sardinia with my family, we took the overnight ferry from Livorno, in Tuscany. We boarded in the evening, settled the kids in, and all went to sleep. By morning, we woke up to sunrise over this gorgeous island.

Once you’re on the island, having a car is almost essential. I recommend flying into Olbia or Cagliari if you prefer to skip the ferry and pick up a rental car there. Sardinia’s coasts, mountains, and towns are all spread out, and the best experiences are often just off the main roads.

PRO TIP: If you’re traveling with family or bringing lots of gear, the ferry can be a more flexible and affordable option than flying—plus, it’s part of the adventure.

Is Sardinia Worth Visiting? 11 Reasons I Think You’ll Love It

If you’re wondering is Sardinia worth visiting, let me give you eleven solid reasons that might just help you say yes. 

1. The Coastline You’ve Been Day-Dreaming About

Think turquoise Mediterranean waters, rugged granite cliffs, and those quiet little coves that look straight out of a travel ad. Sardinia’s coastline is unreal—and honestly, a little underrated.

Some of the best parts? You can’t even see them from the road.

That’s why I highly recommend a boat tour. We did one from Golfo Aranci and spent the day hopping between islands like Tavolara, Molara, and Figarolo. We snorkelled in crystal-clear water and ate fresh seafood pasta cooked right on the boat—with wine, of course.

2. Beaches for Every Mood

Sardinia isn’t a one-size-fits-all beach destination. It really depends on what kind of beach day you want.

If you love adventure, hike down to Cala Spinosa. For calm, family-friendly vibes, check out Rena Bianca or Rena Majore. Want something totally secluded and dramatic? You’ll love spots like Cala Goloritzé—only reachable by boat or trail.

Basically, if you’ve ever Googled “Italy’s best beaches,” you’ve probably seen Sardinia without knowing it.

3. Scenic Road Trips That Are Totally Worth It

Is Sardinia worth visiting for road trips? Oh absolutely. We drove from Santa Teresa di Gallura down the east coast to Tortolì, and honestly, the journey was just as good as the destination. Think coastal cliffs, rolling hills, and random goats and donkeys just hanging out by the roadside.

You won’t find traffic jams or stress here—just beautiful views and peaceful drives.

👉 Plan ahead: Compare rental car prices in Sardinia here to get the best deal before you go.

4. A Bit of Rustic Life… and a Touch of Glamour

This is one of the things I loved most. Sardinia gives you both:

• Rustic villages where you can sip €1.20 espresso, chat with locals, and slow down.
• Glamorous spots like Porto Cervo, where you’ll see superyachts, boutique shops, and the jet-set crowd living their best lives.

You can wander a sleepy inland town in the morning, then dress up for dinner in Costa Smeralda. Sardinia really does let you have it both ways.

5. Scuba Diving That’s Peaceful and Wild

Is Sardinia worth visiting for diving? Sardinia may not be as famous for diving as other Mediterranean spots, but that’s exactly why I loved it.

I dove around Santa Teresa di Gallura—wrecks, reef walls, giant groupers, and barely any other divers in sight.

The sites felt untouched, and the visibility was amazing. If you’re into diving and want something unique and uncrowded, this is a hidden gem.

👉 Want the details? Read my Diving in Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sardinia: Ultimate Guide for sites, tips, and who to book with.

6. Ancient History That’s Older Than Rome

If you like a bit of history with your holiday, Sardinia’s got you covered. Scattered across the island, you’ll find nuraghi—mysterious, cone-shaped stone towers that date back over 3,000 years.

They pop up like prehistoric beehives in the countryside, and many are open for you to explore. These aren’t just dusty ruins—they’re interactive, atmospheric, and perfect for breaking up your beach days with a bit of culture.

Why you’ll love it: It’s a great way to connect with Sardinia’s deeper story—and if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love climbing around and playing explorer-for-a-day. Check out this tour here.

7. Snorkelling That’s Surprisingly Good

No dive license? No problem. Sardinia’s snorkelling is just as rewarding. I snorkelled right off Capo Testa and from the boat near Molara, and spotted tons of fish (sea breams) and rock formations.

It’s the kind of place where the water is so clear, you’ll see the sea life before you even dip your head under.

👉 Pack smart: Bring your own snorkeling gear is way better than most rental options.

8. So Much to Do, Without the Chaos

We managed to snorkel, dive, island-hop, hike, beach-hop, and road trip—all in one trip—and still had time for long lunches and late-night gelatos.

That’s the magic of Sardinia: it gives you tons to do, but doesn’t make you feel rushed or overwhelmed. No strict schedules. No overcrowded attractions. Just space to enjoy your time, your way.

9. The Food Is Local, Honest, and Seriously Good

Sardinian food isn’t flashy—it’s flavorful. Think:

• Porceddu (slow-roasted suckling pig)
• Fresh seafood pasta
• Pane carasau (crispy flatbread)
• Pecorino everything

And the wine? Cannonau is the local favorite. Rich, smooth, and apparently one reason locals live so long. Worth a try, right?

👉 Hungry for more? Try a Sardinian cooking class or wine tasting experience for something hands-on and delicious.

10. It’s Easy to Pair with Corsica or Mainland Italy

Getting to Sardinia is simple—flights from Rome, Milan, or other European hubs are short and frequent. We took the ferry from Livorno overnight, slept like babies, and woke up to sunrise over the island.

You can even pop over to Corsica from Santa Teresa di Gallura in under an hour by ferry. Two islands in one trip? Yes, please.

11. It Still Feels Like a Hidden Gem (Outside of Porto Cervo)

Yes, Costa Smeralda is well-known. But beyond that, Sardinia still flies under the radar—especially when compared to places like Amalfi, Cinque Terre, or Sicily.

You’ll find uncrowded beaches, quiet trails, and places that feel like they’re just waiting to be discovered. It’s the kind of trip you’ll rave about when you’re back—while your friends say, “Wait, where exactly is Sardinia again?”

Want to know more about how Sardinia compares to Sicily? Check out my guide: 👉 Sardinia vs. Sicily: Which One Is the Ultimate Mediterranean Getaway in 2025?

Is Sardinia Worth Visiting – Pros and Cons (Because Balance Matters)

Pros	Cons
Ridiculously clear water for diving & snorkeling	Public transport is… aspirational. Rent a car.
Authentic villages—especially in the north—minus Amalfi-level crowds	Peak-season prices jump for hotels and cars.
Food that walks the blue-zone walk	August beaches are packed (Italians take holidays seriously).
Archaeology for the history nerd in you	Cash is still king in many small towns.

PRO TIP: Travel in late May or mid-September. Temperatures hover around 24 °C / 75 °F, prices drop, and the only sunset company you’ll have on some cliffs is a family of goats.

Best Time to Visit Sardinia

Spring (April–June) and fall (mid-September–October) are golden: wildflowers inland, warm seas, and 20 m/65 ft vis for divers. July–August brings blazing sun and buzzing nightlife—fun, but book early and pad your budget. Winter is mild and perfect for hikers, though coastal resorts go into hibernation.

PRO TIP: Dead-set on August? Lock in hotels and wheels by March, and snag travel insurance that covers delays and dive gear.

Sardinia vs. Similar Destinations

Sicily grabs headlines with baroque cities and volcano drama, but Sardinia counters with quiet coves, stellar dive sites, and zero Etna traffic jams. Curious how they stack up? Dive into Sardinia vs. Sicily: Which One Is the Ultimate Mediterranean Getaway in 2025?

Thinking Mallorca? Sardinia’s beaches are less built-up, nightlife is lower-key, and shoulder-season costs can undercut Mallorca’s high-season blowout.

PRO TIP: Compare ferry-inclusive packages—Sardinian ports often bundle car transport for less than two separate bookings.

The Wrap Up: Is Sardinia Worth Visiting?

So, is Sardinia worth visiting? Absolutely—especially if you crave crystal water, authentic villages, and dive sites where red gorgonian corals outnumber tourists. Yes, you’ll pay for a rental car and maybe brush up on hand gestures, but the payoff is an island that still feels like a secret.

Ready to plan? Check flights to Olbia, reserve that agriturismo feast, and pack reef-safe sunscreen. If diving’s on your radar, grab my gear checklist in the Ultimate Adventure Travel Planner. See you in Sardinia—and safe travels!