South Sardinia

South Sardinia is a region brimming with authentic experiences that will delight any traveler. The region’s coastline is a highlight, with stunning beaches like the famed Chia Beach, featuring over 5 km of pristine sand and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can also explore hidden coves and rocky inlets, finding tranquility and seclusion rare in tourist destinations.

The ancient Nuragic civilization shaped South Sardinia, leaving remarkable ruins like the well-preserved Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s most impressive Nuragic example. Visitors can discover the region’s history in these ruins, glimpsing a fascinating past.

South Sardinia also embraces tradition, immersing visitors in local culture. Markets and workshops showcase crafts like weaving and ceramics, passed down through generations and offering insight into the rich heritage.

Food highlights South Sardinia, with fresh seafood, local produce, and wines unique to the region. Visitors can indulge bottarga, dried fish roe; or sample the acclaimed Cannonau red, made from region-specific grapes and said to have health benefits.

The main airport is Cagliari Elmas Airport, located 7 km northwest of Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital and largest city.

South Sardinia brims with authentic experiences leaving travelers in awe. Stunning beaches, ancient ruins, cultural traditions, gourmet food and wine showcase a highlight reel of all the region has to offer, from pristine natural beauty to historical depth and culinary delights. A true hidden gem, South Sardinia embraces exploring its sheltered coves and secluded shores as much as showcasing cultural landmarks and vineyards of renowned vintages.

Best Places to Visit in South Sardinia

South Sardinia is a region rich in natural beauty, history, and culture, home to many popular destinations.

Cagliari: The capital city of Sardinia, Cagliari is a vibrant and historic city that is known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and cultural events. Visitors can explore the city’s historic center, which features ancient walls, narrow streets, and a stunning cathedral, or visit one of the many museums, such as the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari or the Cagliari Art Museum.
Chia: A small town located on the southern coast of Sardinia, Chia is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged landscapes. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports at the famous Chia Beach, or explore the nearby lagoons and sand dunes.
Pula: A charming town located on the southern coast of Sardinia, Pula is known for its historic center, archaeological sites, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Nora, which include a Roman amphitheater, a Phoenician settlement, and a Byzantine church, or enjoy the sun and sea at the nearby beaches of Santa Margherita and Su Guventeddu.
Villasimius: A picturesque town located on the southeastern coast of Sardinia, Villasimius is known for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the stunning Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, which is home to a diverse range of marine life, or enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and forests.
Costa Rei: A popular tourist destination located on the southeastern coast of Sardinia, Costa Rei is known for its long stretches of white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling at the stunning Cala Sinzias beach, or explore the nearby hills and pine forests.
Porto Pino: A small coastal village located on the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Porto Pino is known for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and pine forests. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing and swimming at the famous Porto Pino beach, or explore the nearby ancient Phoenician ruins of Sant’Antioco.
Teulada: A picturesque town located in the southwestern part of Sardinia, Teulada is known for its traditional architecture, narrow streets, and charming cafes. Visitors can explore the town’s historic center, which features ancient walls, medieval towers, and a stunning church, or enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and forests.
Nora: An ancient Roman and Phoenician city located on the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Nora is a fascinating archaeological site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich history. Visitors can explore the site’s well-preserved ruins, which include a Roman theater, a public bath, and a temple, or visit the nearby museum, which showcases artifacts from the ancient city.
Sant’Antioco: A small island located off the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Sant’Antioco is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and traditional fishing villages. Visitors can explore the island’s many historic sites, such as the ancient Phoenician settlement of Sulcis, or enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and forests.
Isola di San Pietro: A small island located off the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Isola di San Pietro is known for its picturesque beaches, rugged landscapes, and charming villages. Visitors can explore the island’s traditional fishing culture, sample local cuisine, or enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and forests.
Barumini: A small town located in the central part of Sardinia, Barumini is home to the Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, one of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of Nuragic architecture in Sardinia. Visitors can explore the site’s ancient ruins, which include a central tower and several surrounding huts, or visit the nearby museum, which showcases artifacts from the Nuragic period.
Iglesias: A historic town located in the southwestern part of Sardinia, Iglesias is known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and cultural events. Visitors can explore the town’s historic center, which features medieval walls, narrow streets, and a stunning cathedral, or visit one of the many museums, such as the Iglesias Mining Museum or the Diocesan Museum.
Carloforte: A picturesque town located on the Island of San Pietro, Carloforte is known for its colorful houses, charming harbor, and traditional fishing industry. Visitors can explore the town’s many historic sites, such as the ancient Phoenician settlement of Sulcis or the 18th-century Torre del Coltellazzo, or enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and forests.
Sulcis: A region located in the southwestern part of Sardinia, Sulcis is known for its rich mining history and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the abandoned mines and industrial sites that dot the landscape, or enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and forests.
Tharros: An ancient Phoenician city located on the western coast of Sardinia, Tharros is a fascinating archaeological site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich history. The site includes well-preserved ruins and a museum that showcases artifacts from the ancient city.
Cabras: A small fishing town located on the western coast of Sardinia, Cabras is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fresh seafood. Visitors can also explore the nearby archaeological site of Tharros, which is just a short drive away.
Arbatax: A small town located on the eastern coast of Sardinia, Arbatax is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and the nearby Grotte del Bue Marino caves. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, cycling, and water sports in the area.
Ogliastra: A region located in central-eastern Sardinia, Ogliastra is known for its rugged landscapes, traditional villages, beautiful beaches and Blue Zone with a highest number of centenarians. Visitors can explore the area’s many hiking trails and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Barbagia: A mountainous rural region located in the central part of Sardinia, home for iconic Cannonau red wine, Barbagia is known for its traditional agropastoral culture and customs, including the famous Carnival of Barbagia, as well as its stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the region’s traditional rural villages, sample local cuisine, and enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.
Grotte di Is Zuddas: Located near the town of Santadi, the Grotte di Is Zuddas are a stunning network of underground caves that are renowned for their unique rock formations and otherworldly beauty. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves to explore their many chambers and learn about their geology and history.
Grotte di Su Mannau: Located near the town of Fluminimaggiore, the Grotte di Su Mannau are another popular cave system in South Sardinia. The caves are known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites, underground lakes, and other natural wonders.
Grotta del Bue Marino: Located on the island of San Pietro, the Grotta del Bue Marino is a large sea cave that was once inhabited by monk seals. Visitors can take boat tours of the cave to explore its many chambers and admire its stunning rock formations.

These places, with others, offer unique, unforgettable experiences showcasing South Sardinia’s natural beauty, history, and culture.

The Most Important Archaeological Sites in South Sardinia

South Sardinia is home to a rich and diverse range of archaeological sites that offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s ancient history and culture. Here are some of the main archaeological sites in South Sardinia:

Nora: An ancient Roman and Phoenician city located on the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Nora is one of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia. The site includes well-preserved ruins of ancient buildings, including a Roman theater, a public bath, and a temple, as well as a museum that showcases artifacts from the ancient city.
Tharros: An ancient Phoenician city located on the western coast of Sardinia, Tharros is a fascinating archaeological site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich history. The site includes well-preserved ruins of ancient buildings, including a temple, a necropolis, and a Byzantine church, as well as a museum that showcases artifacts from the ancient city.
Su Nuraxi: A Nuragic archaeological site located in the small town of Barumini, Su Nuraxi is one of the most important and well-preserved examples of Nuragic architecture in Sardinia. The site includes a central tower and several surrounding huts, as well as a museum that showcases artifacts from the Nuragic period.
Monte Sirai: An ancient Phoenician and Carthaginian city located near the town of Carbonia, Monte Sirai is a fascinating archaeological site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s ancient history. The site includes well-preserved ruins of ancient buildings, including a temple, a necropolis, and a fortress, as well as a museum that showcases artifacts from the ancient city.
Giganti di Mont’e Prama, located in Cabras, is an archaeological site known for its collection of large stone sculptures dating back to the Nuragic period. These sculptures depict human figures, animals, and mythical creatures, and are among the largest and most impressive examples of Nuragic art in Sardinia. A museum dedicated to the site is open to visitors, offering a glimpse into Sardinia‘s ancient past.
Tiscali: A Nuragic archaeological site located in the mountains near the town of Dorgali, Tiscali is a unique and fascinating site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s ancient history and culture. The site includes a Nuragic village that is built inside a natural cave, as well as a museum that showcases artifacts from the Nuragic period.
Pozzo Santa Cristina is an archaeological site located near Paulilatino in central-western Sardinia, known for its impressive rock-carved well that dates back to the Nuragic period. Visitors can descend into the well using a spiral staircase and view the stunning rock carvings on the walls, which include depictions of animals, human figures, and symbols. The site also includes a small museum showcasing artifacts from the Nuragic period.
Nuraghe Losa: Located near the town of Abbasanta in central Sardinia, Nuraghe Losa is a well-preserved example of a Nuragic fortress. The site includes a central tower and several surrounding huts, as well as a museum that showcases artifacts from the Nuragic period.

The Best Things to Do in South Sardinia

South Sardinia offers visitors a wealth of opportunities to experience its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Some of the top things to do in South Sardinia include:

Exploring the beaches at Chia, Tuerredda and Porto Pino. Featuring crystal-clear turquoise water and soft sand, these beaches showcase South Sardinia’s scenic coastline.
Visiting the archaeological sites of Nora, Tharros and Su Nuraxi which provide insights into the island’s Punic, Roman and nuraghic history. Nora in particular is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the Mediterranean.
Tasting local Sardinian cuisine like bottarga, culurgiones, seadas, fiore sardo cheese, and Cannonau wine. Seadas are sweet or savory pastry rolls usually filled with cheese, fruit or chocolate.
Hiking the trails of Sette Fratelli Park, Monte Albo Nature Reserve or Cala Goloritze Beach. Offering stunning coastline, mountain and sea views.
Exploring the islands of San Pietro, Sant’Antioco or Isola di Cavoli. San Pietro features secluded beaches while Sant’Antioco has well-preserved architecture and Isola di Cavoli pristine nature.
Visiting the Grotte di Is Zuddas, Grotte di Su Mannau, Grotta del Bue Marino and Grotta di Nettuno sea caves. Displaying impressive stalactites, stalagmites and underwater chambers. Grotta del Bue Marino was inhabited by monk seals.

Experiencing unique activities like:

Horseback riding through scenic trails with stables offering guided tours.
Winery tours and tastings of Cannonau, Monica, Moscato and Vermentino wines.
Scuba diving or snorkeling amongst octopuses, fish, sea turtles and shipwrecks.
Traditional craft workshops in basket weaving, pottery making, weaving and soap production.
Local festivals such as Sagra del Pesce seafood festival, Festa di Sant’Efisio patron saint festival and Festa del Vino Cannonau wine festival.

From beaches to caves, hiking to wine, South Sardinia provides a multitude of opportunities for an unforgettable vacation amid natural beauty and cultural heritage.