Sardinia Island Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

Sardinia, Italy, is a striking island—the rocks are colored black from basalt, silver from granite, red from porphyry—and it has had great historical and strategic importance.

Its location 150 mi/240 km southwest of Rome helps explain why every Mediterranean power has controlled the island at one time or another—Romans, Phoenicians, Spaniards, Turks, even a pope. The northern coast of present-day Sardinia is a favorite vacation spot of Italy's extremely wealthy, which explains the island's high prices.

A visit to Sardinia merits at least a week, which gives visitors the chance to experience the beaches, a city or two, and some of the beautiful interior. One of the bigger cities, such as Olbia, Cagliari or Alghero, makes a good base, and visitors can continue on to explore the coast by boat or navigate the island's scenic interior.

A good alternative to renting a car is to circle the island by boat over the course of two weeks, stopping in the small towns and coves along the way. If you're not yachting around the isle, plan a minimum of three nights. Also keep in mind that many hotels shut down in the fall and spring.

Must See or Do

Sights—The powder-white beaches of the Costa Smeralda; the medieval city of Oristano; the pretty port of Cagliari.

Museums—The exhibits from 6,000 BC at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Cagliari; the Roman ships at the Museo Archeologico in Olbia; jewelry and musical instruments, including a 3,000-year-old launeddas, at the Sardinian Ethnographic Museum; fascinating history of bread at the Centropanificazione Monteleone Rocca Doria.

Memorable Meals—Gelato at Il Giglio Marino; Sardinian specialities at Gologone; exciting Catalan innovations at Al Tuguri.

Late Night—See and be seen at the Phi Beach club; Aquatica Bar in Alghero for great food and sunsets; Beach Bar Torregrande in Oristano for beach dancing and sunsets.

Walks—A multiday trek to Selvaggio Blu with Corrado Conca tours; exploring the trails in Gennargentu National Park; walking from bay to bay at Cala Gonone; walking trails in Asinara National Park.

Especially for Kids—Enjoying gelato by one of the island's beautiful beaches; visiting the albino donkeys at Asinara National Park