If you’re looking for a unique Italian getaway, Sardinia should be at the top of your list! Our recent trip in September was one of our absolute favorites, and I’m already dreaming of going back. Here’s a recap of our adventure, with tips to help you plan your own Sardinian escape.
Getting There & Getting Around
We flew from Rome (FCO) to Cagliari (CAG)—just over an hour in the air, making it a super easy hop to the island. We stayed for 4 nights and 5 days, but honestly, it wasn’t long enough. Sardinia has so much to offer, and we left wanting more
To explore the island, we rented a car from Avis. If you want to see more than just one town, I highly recommend this. Just be prepared: Sardinia’s roads are full of hairpin turns and mountain passes. Confident driving skills are a must, but the scenery makes every twist and turn worth it
Our Main Objective: Nuraghe Sites
Our main goal was to visit the Nuraghe sites scattered across the island. Nuraghe are ancient megalithic stone towers unique to Sardinia, built by the island’s prehistoric Nuragic civilization. Dating back to the Bronze Age, these impressive structures served as fortresses, dwellings, or communal centers and are a distinctive symbol of Sardinia’s archaeological heritage. Along the way, we discovered so much more—breathtaking landscapes like the Supramonte, delicious food, warm local hospitality, and even a few supercars and bikes zipping by
Where We Stayed
- Cagliari: Our most expensive stay (over $300/night), but the accommodation was beautiful, the service excellent, and we enjoyed a wonderful meal.
- Riola Sardo: A charming B&B with Rita, under $100/night. The room was small and quaint, and—fun fact—this place had the best toilet paper I’ve ever used
- Bosa: Moderately priced at $150/night, with a rooftop perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks. The location was fantastic, and Bosa itself completely stole my heart.
Must-See Sites
We packed our days with incredible sights:
- Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari
- Nora Archaeological Park
- Temple of Antas
- Nuraghe Arrubiu
- Su Nuraxi di Barumini
- Area archeologica di Tharros
- Sacred Well of Santa Cristina
- Nuraghe Losa
- Supramonte
- Nuraghe Mannu
- Giants’ grave of S’Ena’e Thomes
- Nuraghe Santu Antine
- Monte D’Accoddi
- Castello dei Doria
- Neptune’s Grotto
My Must-Have Travel Item
If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack Sea-Bands! I underestimated Sardinia’s winding roads and paid the price coming down from the Temple of Antas. Thankfully, I remembered my Sea-Bands, put them on, and felt immediate relief. Don’t leave home without them if you’re sensitive to curvy mountain drives. You can purchase Sea-Bands HERE. Please note, this is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog.
Here’s a glimpse of the winding, hairpin turn terrain you can expect to encounter while driving in Sardinia.
Most Memorable Moments
- Bosa: This town is pure magic—quaint stone streets, excellent restaurants, and everything is walkable. Don’t miss Bar Corso 79 for the best gin selection.
- Mountain Drives: The views of hillside villages are unforgettable.
- Lunch at Retrovino Market Bar in Dorgali: The drive was thrilling, with supercars and bikes racing past the Supramonte. The charcuterie board and octopus sandwich were delicious.
- Neptune’s Grotto: This wasn’t on our original agenda, but my husband suggested it last minute. We lucked out with parking and just made it in before they closed for the day. Pro tip: Buy tickets in advance if you want to visit
Final Thoughts:
Sardinia is a treasure trove of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just love a good road trip, this island has something for everyone. I hope our experience inspires you to plan your own Sardinian adventure!
