Tour guides Italy > Sardinia

5 ideas for guided tours in Sardinia

• The panoramic road of Porto Teulada

  

  Located at the southern tip of the island, the Porto Teulada coastal road stretches for 25 kilometers, running from Teulada to Santa Margherita di Pula. It follows one of Sardinia’s most beautiful and unspoiled coastlines.

  You’ll drive along the shore, taking in a landscape that shifts between steep cliffs, coves, and beaches with crystal-clear waters. Along the way, you’ll spot traces of the past, such as the Aragonese watchtowers of Porto Teulada and Budello. The most noteworthy stops include:

  – Torre di Pixinni, with its secluded cove and pebble beach;
  – Tuerredda Beach, famous for its fine sand and stunning bay;
  – Capo Spartivento Lighthouse, reached by a trail offering sweeping views of the entire coastline;
  – The Roman city of Nora.

• Tharros

  

  The archaeological site of Tharros, located in the heart of western Sardinia near the Capo San Marco Peninsula, was originally a port founded by the Phoenicians between the 8th and 7th centuries BC.

  Its open-air sanctuary (Phoenician Tophet) was used by the people to bury the burned remains of their dead. In a stunning natural setting, the ruins bear witness to the many civilizations that lived here—Carthaginians, Romans, and later the Byzantines.

  By 1070, the city was completely abandoned and turned into a stone quarry, which provided materials to build the nearby former capital, Oristano. Just next door lies the town of Cabras, where you can visit the Giovanni Marongiu Museum.

  Here you’ll find numerous ancient artifacts, most famously the Giants of Mont’e Prama. These statues, carved from round limestone blocks, are thought to date back to the Nuragic civilization around the 8th–10th centuries BC.

  This small town also boasts a wild, captivating coastline. Take time to stop at San Giovanni di Sinis Beach, where you’ll see charming little fishermen’s huts made of wood and reed, surrounded by gleaming sand dunes.

• Bosa

  

  Bosa is a charming town located in the Province of Oristano.
  Its historic village is called Sa Costa (“the coast”).

  The town is known for its pastel-colored houses that climb up the hillside. Following the narrow alleys leads you to the top of Serravalle Hill, where you’ll find the old Malaspina Castle, built in the 12th century.

  Climb up via a series of ancient stairways and take in the breathtaking view. Below lies the pedestrian historic center, reached by crossing the Ponte Vecchio over the Temo River, where the old tannery district (Sas Conzas) still stands.

  The historic center is full of charm, with its arcades and small squares. Along the main street, Corso Vittorio, you’ll find the old cathedral, as well as cafés, souvenir shops, and artisan workshops.

  Just 2 km away is the modern seaside resort of Bosa Marina, with a beautiful beach combining rocky stretches and sandy shores on either side.

• Alghero

  

  The charming port of Alghero lies on the northwest coast of the island, in the province of Sassari. Here you’ll find the most beautiful medieval historic center in Sardinia, with narrow yellow-walled streets surrounded by fortifications and Iberian-style houses.

  The influence of Spanish rule from the 14th century is still strongly felt, seeping from the walls and corners of every district. Catalan culture remains present in the daily life of the locals. Alghero is sometimes called “Little Barcelona,” and it even has a long promenade in the style of “Las Ramblas” that leads to the wide Lido di San Giovanni Beach on the northern edge of town.

  At its heart lies Piazza Porta Terra, a historic square where a tower once marked the entrance to the city. Along the main street, Via Roma, you can admire beautiful coral jewelry crafted by local artisans from the reefs nearby.

  Alghero is one of Sardinia’s most popular tourist destinations, with white-sand beaches such as the well-known Le Bombarde, as well as more secluded coves, all facing a striking emerald-green sea. Just outside the city, the centuries-old Maria Pia dunes, covered with juniper shrubs, are easy to reach and offer the perfect setting for a leisurely walk along the water’s edge.

• Cagliari

  

  Sardinia’s lively, cheerful capital lies at the southern tip of the province. This port city, built on seven hills, is set in the middle of the Gulf of Angels.

  Visiting it feels like opening a history book. The city’s origins go back to Phoenician times. Entry to the historic center is through the tallest tower in town, the Torre San Pancrazio. To enrich the experience, a local guide in Sardinia can help you uncover the secrets and fascinating stories of these iconic places.

  Here you can visit the oldest church in the archipelago, the Basilica of San Saturnino, which dates back to the 5th century, as well as the Roman amphitheater. Explore the historic districts, which trace a journey from prehistory to the era of the Savoy government:

  – La Marina: the fishermen’s district, full of restaurants and nightlife;
  – Stampace: the merchants’ quarter;
  – Villanova: once home to farmers and shepherds;
  – Castello: the medieval quarter with the Cathedral and Town Hall.

  In the Cagliari area, you can enjoy one of Italy’s longest beaches, Poetto, stretching for about eight kilometers. Nearby, visit the Sette Fratelli Regional Park – Monte Genis, one of the island’s largest, and the Molentargius Regional Nature Park – Saline, home to nearly 200 bird species, from herons to various ducks and even flamingos.