{"id":13211,"date":"2026-06-11T14:27:05","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T12:27:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/?p=13211"},"modified":"2026-06-22T10:49:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T08:49:16","slug":"summer-in-sardinia-a-holiday-combining-dream-beaches-and-unexpected-gems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/estate-in-sardegna-vacanza-tra-spiagge-da-sogno-e-luoghi-che-non-ti-aspetti\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer in Sardinia: a holiday combining dream beaches and unexpected gems"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summer in Sardinia: a holiday featuring picture-perfect beaches, crystal-clear seas and unexpected gems<\/span><\/h2>\n

Read this if:<\/span><\/strong> Are you looking for somewhere to go this summer? Do you love the sea but don\u2019t want just sun loungers and parasols? Do you want to really understand what makes this island special? You won\u2019t find any boring lists of beaches here. You\u2019ll find answers to the questions you\u2019re probably asking yourself right now: when to go, where to go to avoid the crowds, what\u2019s really worth the price of admission, and why Sardinia might surprise you even if you\u2019ve been there before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Sardinia really that beautiful, or is it just marketing?<\/span><\/h2>\n

That\u2019s a fair question. And the answer is: yes, it\u2019s beautiful, but not all of it in the same way. There\u2019s a part of\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0what you see on Instagram (turquoise water, white sand, deserted coves) and a side that nobody talks about (narrow streets, traffic jams in July, beaches packed with people).<\/span><\/p>\n

The truth is that the\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0still has corners of\u00a0<\/span>unspoilt nature<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0that look like they\u2019ve come straight out of a documentary, but you need to know where to look and \u2013 above all \u2013\u00a0<\/span>when<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0go. If you arrive in August and expect to find a\u00a0<\/span>cove<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0all to yourself, you\u2019ll come up against reality. If, on the other hand, you plan with a modicum of intelligence, the\u00a0<\/span>holiday in Sardinia<\/span><\/strong> It turns out to be exactly what you hoped for: the sea, silence, and breathtaking scenery.<\/span><\/p>\n

When is the best time to visit Sardinia?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you have some flexibility, aim for\u00a0<\/span>June<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0o\u00a0<\/span>September<\/span><\/strong>. The sea is already warm (or still warm), the sun is out, but the\u00a0<\/span>beaches<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0they aren\u2019t packed with people. It\u2019s not the destination that makes the difference; it\u2019s the date.<\/span><\/p>\n

In June, you can still park without going mad, find a spot in the shade without a struggle, and enjoy the\u2019<\/span>crystal-clear water<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0as if it were your own. In July and August, even the\u00a0<\/span>beach<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0the further away it gets, the more crowded the room becomes.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to expect from Sardinia in summer<\/span><\/h3>\n

La\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia in summer<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s wonderful, but it needs to be managed sensibly: get up early, avoid the midday rush, and perhaps choose\u00a0<\/span>coves<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0accessible only on foot or by boat. And here\u2019s the key point: the\u00a0<\/span>most beautiful beaches<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0of the\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong> They aren't the ones with tarmac car parks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which beaches in Sardinia should I make sure not to miss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s start with a fact: there are hundreds of\u00a0<\/span>white sandy beaches<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0e\u00a0<\/span>bays<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0by\u00a0<\/span>fine sand<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0that they deserve. But if you have to choose \u2013 because time is what it is \u2013 focus on a few areas, not on individual beaches.<\/span><\/p>\n

North-east: Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago<\/span><\/h3>\n

In\u00a0<\/span>north-east<\/span><\/strong>, the area of the\u00a0<\/span>Costa Smeralda<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and the Archipelago of\u00a0<\/span>La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s simply off the scale. Here you\u2019ll find\u00a0<\/span>crystal-clear waters<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0which do not appear to be Mediterranean,\u00a0<\/span>backdrops<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0full of life, perfect for\u00a0<\/span>snorkelling<\/span><\/strong>, and\u00a0<\/span>white sandy beaches<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0such as Cala Corsara, Cala Coticcio<\/a> (Caprera\u2019s \u201cTahiti\u201d), and the famous\u00a0<\/span>Pink Beach<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0of Budelli.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please note: many of these are protected areas, so you cannot go ashore freely; instead, they are best admired from the sea. And that\u2019s just as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

East coast: the Gulf of Orosei<\/span><\/h3>\n

On\u00a0<\/span>east coast<\/span><\/strong>, the\u00a0<\/span>Gulf of Orosei<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s a whole different world. Here, the mountains drop sheer down to the sea, and the\u00a0<\/span>coves<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0(Cala Goloritz\u00e9, Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna) can only be reached by sea or after hours of\u00a0<\/span>hiking<\/span><\/strong>. The result? A sense of\u00a0<\/span>wild nature<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0that you\u2019ve lost elsewhere. The water is of a\u00a0<\/span>turquoise<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0so intense that it seems unreal.<\/span><\/p>\n

North-west: Alghero and the Coral Riviera<\/span><\/h3>\n

To\u00a0<\/span>north-west<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alghero<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and its Coral Riviera offer a different experience: more\u00a0<\/span>cliff<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0What a lot of sand, but\u00a0<\/span>backdrops<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0spectacular for\u00a0<\/span>go snorkelling<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0e\u00a0<\/span>dive<\/span><\/strong>. The\u00a0<\/span>Neptune's Grotto<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It is one of the attractions<\/a> most iconic, and the sea off Capo Caccia is a paradise for those who love exploring beneath the surface.<\/span><\/p>\n

Southern Sardinia: Cagliari and Chia<\/span><\/h3>\n

To\u00a0<\/span>south<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Cagliari<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and the area of\u00a0<\/span>Chia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0offer long stretches of\u00a0<\/span>fine, soft sand<\/span><\/strong>, dunes, ponds with pink flamingos, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the chaos of the\u00a0<\/span>Costa Smeralda<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span>Chia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0in particular \u2013 with beaches such as Su Giudeu and Tuerredda \u2013 it is one of the\u00a0<\/span>top destinations<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for those looking for\u00a0<\/span>crystal-clear water<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0without the jet-set price tag.<\/span><\/p>\n

San Teodoro and the bays of the north-east coast<\/span><\/h3>\n

And then there\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>Saint Theodore<\/span><\/strong>, with its\u00a0<\/span>La Cinta Beach<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0(kilometres of\u00a0<\/span>white sand<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and shallow water) and the nearby\u00a0<\/span>bays<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0between Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu. It is the ideal area for\u00a0<\/span>days at the seaside<\/span><\/strong> for families or those with young children, as the seabed is sandy and safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can I see all this without a car or a boat?<\/span><\/h2>\n

No. The\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It is an island designed for those with their own transport. Public transport is available but limited, especially in the more remote areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why renting is almost a must<\/span><\/h3>\n

But there is some good news: many of the\u00a0<\/span>most beautiful beaches<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0They can\u2019t be reached by car anyway. For the\u00a0<\/span>Gulf of Orosei<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and the Archipelago of\u00a0<\/span>La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>, the only sensible way to see more\u00a0<\/span>coves<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It takes a day by sea. So\u00a0<\/span>hire<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0a rubber dinghy or take part in a\u2019<\/span>excursion<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Being organised isn\u2019t a luxury: it\u2019s the practical choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u00a0<\/span>will give you the freedom to explore<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0without the stress of parking, traffic or fines. And the sea looks completely different from a boat: you can see the\u00a0<\/span>sandy beaches<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0from the right angle, discover caves and\u00a0<\/span>bays<\/span><\/strong> which wouldn't even exist on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

What else is there to do in Sardinia apart from going to the beach?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Why does everyone say, \u201cIt\u2019s not just about the beach\u201d? Because it\u2019s true. The\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia isn't just<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0the sea, even though the sea is its calling card.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiking and wilderness<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Sardinian hinterland is a forgotten continent: granite mountains, cork oak forests, limestone plateaus, canyons such as the\u00a0<\/span>Gorropu Gorge<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0(the deepest in Italy), and\u00a0<\/span>archaeological sites<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0as extraordinary as the nuraghi.\u00a0<\/span>Su Nuraxi<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Barumini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tells the story of a civilisation dating back 3,500 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sardinian cuisine: a culinary journey<\/span><\/h3>\n

Then there is the\u00a0<\/span>Sardinian cuisine<\/span><\/strong>: it\u2019s not just roast suckling pig or carasau bread. Every corner of the island has its own specialities, and\u00a0<\/span>enjoy the delicious food<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0A meal at a remote farmhouse nestled in the hills is an experience that\u2019s just as worthwhile as a\u00a0<\/span>white sandy beach<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u00a0<\/span>culurgiones<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0(potato and mint ravioli), the\u00a0<\/span>fregola with clams<\/span><\/strong>, the\u00a0<\/span>pecorino<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0aged, the\u00a0<\/span>seated<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0with honey\u2026 it\u2019s a taste experience you won\u2019t expect.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most beautiful hiking trails<\/span><\/h3>\n

For those who love walking, the\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0offers\u00a0<\/span>hiking<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0unforgettable: the\u00a0<\/span>Blue Savage<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It is considered one of the most challenging and spectacular trails in Europe, but there are routes to suit every level. Even just a stroll through the\u00a0<\/span>Asinara National Park<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0or in the\u00a0<\/span>Montarbu Forest<\/span><\/strong> It makes you realise why Sardinians are so proud of their homeland.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it worth visiting Cagliari and Alghero, or is it better to just go to the beach?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Absolutely, for two reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cagliari: history and sea views<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cagliari<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s a beautiful city, with a medieval old town, sea views, a lively nightlife and excellent restaurants. Don\u2019t miss the\u00a0<\/span>Saint Remy Bastion<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and the neighbourhood of\u00a0<\/span>Castle<\/span><\/strong>. It is also an ideal base from which to explore the\u00a0<\/span>southern Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alghero: Catalan charm<\/span><\/h3>\n

Alghero<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s a real gem: stroll along the Catalan ramparts, tuck into some lobster, and use the town as a base for exploring the Coral Riviera and Capo Caccia. Both towns have an international airport, so if you\u2019re flying in, you can land there and start your\u00a0<\/span>holiday in Sardinia<\/span><\/strong> without wasting any time.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the experiences you absolutely mustn\u2019t miss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If I had to choose just three things:<\/span><\/p>\n

Go snorkelling or diving in the waters off Sardinia<\/span><\/h3>\n

Go snorkelling<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0o\u00a0<\/span>dive<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0in a\u00a0<\/span>backdrop<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0full of life. The\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It boasts some of the cleanest seas in the Mediterranean. Bring a snorkelling mask \u2013 even a basic one \u2013 and you\u2019ll discover an underwater world you\u2019ll never forget.<\/span><\/p>\n

A boat trip around the archipelago or the gulf<\/span><\/h3>\n

A\u2019<\/span>excursion<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0in boat in the archipelago<\/a> by\u00a0<\/span>La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0or in the\u00a0<\/span>Gulf of Orosei<\/span><\/strong>. There\u2019s no comparison between watching a\u00a0<\/span>beach<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0from land and approach from the sea. The\u2019<\/span>crystal-clear water<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0as seen from the boat, the\u00a0<\/span>coves<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0hidden gems, that sense of freedom\u2026 that is the very heart of\u00a0<\/span>holiday in Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

A dinner at a farmhouse in the countryside<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dinner at a farmhouse in the countryside. There you\u2019ll discover the\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong> The real thing \u2013 not the kind you\u2019d put on a postcard, but the kind that stays with you. The shepherds, the Cannonau wine, the silence of the countryside, the stars unmarred by light pollution. The sort of thing you won\u2019t find in any tourist guide.<\/span><\/p>\n

How can I book everything without going mad? Are there any holiday packages, or is it better to organise it all myself?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It depends on your\u00a0<\/span>type of holiday<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Holiday packages and all-inclusive packages<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you want a hassle-free experience \u2013 flight, hotel, shuttle,\u00a0<\/span>hikes<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0optional \u2013 the\u00a0<\/span>holiday packages<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0<\/span>all-inclusive packages<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0They are a sensible choice, especially for families.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do-it-yourself: more freedom, lower costs<\/span><\/h3>\n

If, on the other hand, you fancy exploring and are up for a bit of a walk, doing it yourself gives you more freedom and often costs less.<\/span><\/p>\n

The golden rule: book in advance<\/span><\/h3>\n

The golden rule:\u00a0<\/span>book<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0in advance. For the\u2019<\/span>Summer in Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>, if you wait until May, you\u2019ll find very little and at crazy prices. Get a move on between January and March, book your flight and car hire (ideally with free cancellation), and then plan your\u00a0<\/span>hikes<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0little by little. The\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong> It will be well worth every hour you\u2019ve spent organising it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Sardinia really that expensive?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes and no.<\/span><\/p>\n

Expensive areas: Costa Smeralda<\/span><\/h3>\n

La\u00a0<\/span>Costa Smeralda<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and the most glamorous areas are as expensive as the French Riviera.<\/span><\/p>\n

Economic regions: the inland areas and the west coast<\/span><\/h3>\n

But the\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s a big decision: if you choose\u00a0<\/span>villages<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0inland areas, farm stays, or lesser-known destinations (think of the west coast, Ogliastra, the\u00a0<\/span>southern Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>), prices are in line with the rest of Italy, and sometimes lower.<\/span><\/p>\n

The trick to saving money<\/span><\/h3>\n

The trick is not to want the\u00a0<\/span>beach<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0the most famous at any cost. 10 kilometres from\u00a0<\/span>La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0or from\u00a0<\/span>Saint Theodore<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0there are\u00a0<\/span>sandy beaches<\/span><\/strong> just as beautiful and completely deserted. You just need to be willing to look \u2013 or ask the locals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is it really worth planning a holiday in Sardinia?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Why the\u00a0<\/span>Sardinia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s one of those rare destinations that lives up to its promise. The sea is exactly as it looks in the photos. The\u00a0<\/span>white sandy beaches<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0exist. The\u2019<\/span>turquoise water<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0It is not a filter effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

But to really enjoy it, you have to accept one rule: let yourself be guided by someone who knows the area, get up before everyone else, and don\u2019t go looking for the \u201cperfect beach\u201d because it doesn\u2019t exist. There are dozens of\u00a0<\/span>perfect beaches<\/span><\/strong>, each one different, each with its own character.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to bear in mind (to avoid making mistakes)<\/span><\/h2>\n
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    When to go:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0June and September are the ideal months. July and August are only suitable if you\u2019re prepared to get up early and be flexible with your plans.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Where to go:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Don\u2019t just look for one beach. Explore by area:\u00a0<\/span>La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for the picture-perfect sea,\u00a0<\/span>Gulf of Orosei<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for the wilderness,\u00a0<\/span>Chia<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for the long stretches of sand,\u00a0<\/span>Alghero<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for seabeds and reefs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    How to get around:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0You need a car, but when it comes to the most beautiful areas, you get the best view of the sea\u2026 from the sea. A boat trip isn\u2019t a luxury; it\u2019s often the only way to get where you want to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    What to bring:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0diving mask and snorkel (even cheap ones), biodegradable sunscreen, water bottle, respect for the environment. Sardinia is beautiful because it remains unspoilt. Help it stay that way.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    What to expect:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Not everything will go perfectly. There\u2019ll be narrow streets, queues and packed restaurants. But there\u2019ll also be sunsets you\u2019ll never forget, swims in crystal-clear water, and that feeling of being in a real place, not a theme park.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Estate in Sardegna: vacanza tra spiagge da sogno, mare cristallino e luoghi che non ti aspetti Leggi se: stai cercando dove andare in estate, ami il mare ma non vuoi solo sdraio e ombrelloni, e vuoi capire davvero cosa rende speciale questa isola. Qui non troverai liste noiose di spiagge. Troverai risposte alle domande che […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13249,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-default"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13211"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13211\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}