One of my most beautiful trips in Europe was to Italian Sardinia. We had booked an 8-day trip and rented a car to explore the island. On our road trip, we discovered these 8 amazing spots.

Rent a car in Portugal
Sardinia is the perfect destination to explore with your own rental car 😍 Looking for a rental car? Compare rental cars in Sardinia now

1. Castelsardo

We stayed near Castelsardo. This town is built on a steep cliff by the sea. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town and marvel at the women weaving baskets in doorways and selling them. On the way to the castle, you’ll find charming restaurants, museums, and souvenir shops. At the top near the castle, you can rest and enjoy the beautiful sea view.

2. Roccia Dell’Elefante

Near Castelsardo, along the road, you’ll find one of Sardinia’s most famous rocks. Weathering has shaped it into a massive elephant. Inside the rock sculpture, you can still find ancient burial chambers. Next to the elephant rock, there’s a lovely view over the fields. You won’t spend much time here, but it’s worth a stop if you’re nearby.

3. Stintino

Stintino is a well-known seaside town in the north. It has several beautiful beaches, especially Spiaggia Della Pelosa. I had never seen water this color before! Stintino is a small town with everything a tourist spot should have. We arrived during siesta, so most shops were closed.

We decided to take a taxi boat to the island of Asinara. On the island, there’s a prison that was used in the 1970s for top criminals and mafia members. Asinara is famous for its albino donkeys and also has wild horses. Enjoy the peace and nature of this national park.

4. Alghero

This city is often called the most beautiful city in Sardinia. In this atmospheric town, you’ll find many sights such as bastions, mighty towers, and the San Michele Church with its colorful roof. Many shops sell coral jewelry or souvenirs, and you’ll also find large chain stores. In the evening, walk to the harbor for an enchanting sunset. Alghero is sometimes called “Little Barcelona.”

5. Costa Smeralda

The Emerald Coast stretches about 55 kilometers and is lined with luxury hotels and villas. This is a true vacation paradise for the rich and famous. You’ll find many coves and beaches. Just go exploring, but note that prices at beach clubs here are higher than in other parts of Sardinia.

We had lunch in Porto Cervo, the capital of Costa Smeralda. Here you’ll find upscale boutiques, cafés, and lunch spots. At the marina, enjoy the view of the huge luxury yachts. Even Memphis Depay spent his holiday here on a yacht.

6. Roccia dell’Orso

Near Palau, you’ll find the Bear Rock. For €4, you can park your car and climb the rock. It’s a short 10-minute climb. Wear sturdy shoes because the stones are slippery. It’s often very windy at the top, and there are multiple warnings to stay within the fence.

The view is stunning. On a clear day, you can see Corsica, and it’s easy to see why this is considered one of the best views. “Orso” means bear, and if you stop along the road, you can see the bear shape appear in the rock.

7. Santa Teresa di Gallura

At the northern tip of Sardinia lies this town, about 15 kilometers from Corsica. In the historic center, you’ll find Piazza San Vittorio, surrounded by cozy Italian restaurants. Stroll through the charming streets and take a dip in the water. It’s just a short walk from the town.

8. Costa Paradiso

We ended our trip at Costa Paradiso. In high season, finding a parking spot can be tricky, but it’s worth it. A 20-minute walk brings you to a small, beautiful beach with crystal-clear water.

Climb down the stairs, where you’ll find several sun loungers. There’s a small stand selling drinks and a few sandwiches. You can also enjoy fantastic snorkeling here. This was the perfect way to end our trip.

This guest blog about northern Sardinia was written by guest blogger Jolanda.

Affordable stays in Sardinia

Find the best deals on accommodations in Sardinia here! Search and book today and start saving immediately.