Want a holiday away from crowded beaches? Go to central Sardinia.
You are in the Gennargentu and Supramonte mountains, in the middle of the island. The area has steep rocky slopes, dense oak forests and open high plateaus.
You can hike on marked trails through the woods. You can walk into the deep limestone canyons that cut through the mountains. You can also rest in the villages and try local wine like Cannonau.
In Orgosolo you will see walls covered with large political murals. Across the countryside stand many ancient stone towers called nuraghi. The Supramonte has wide, quiet plateaus with sparse vegetation and long views.
This part of Sardinia has fewer tourists than the coast. You can choose active days outdoors or simple rest in the mountain villages.
Main cities in central Sardinia
📍Oristano
Oristano and Its Wild Coast
Oristano is still far from mass tourism, offering beautiful and rugged landscapes. The surrounding area is rich in ponds, vineyards and spectacular beaches, while the wild coast stretches for around 100 kilometres, with Mistral-beaten cliffs and secluded inlets.
The Sinis Peninsula, near Cabras, is part of a beautiful natural oasis, with rocks sculpted by the sea, including the iconic S’Archittu.
For a glimpse into Sardinia’s ancient history, visit Nuraghe Losa, one of the island’s most impressive nuraghi, and Tharros, an ancient city at the extreme tip of the coast and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
The best beaches in Oristano
- Is Arutas
- Mari Ermi
- Torre Grande
- Torre dei Corsari
Is Arutas and Mari Ermi are made of small quartz crystals coming from the the granite island of Mal di Ventre.
What to see in Oristano area
- Bosa
- Santu Lussurgiu
- S’archittu
- San Giovanni di Sinis
- Arborea
What to do in Oristano area
- Tharros
- Fordongianus Roman thermal baths
- Giara di Gesturi
📍 Nuoro
Nuoro and Barbagia
Set between the mountains, Nuoro and the Barbagia region have increasingly become part of Sardinia’s tourist itineraries, thanks to their spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The area is particularly fascinating for its archaeological treasures, including numerous Nuraghi, Domus de Janas, Sacred Springs, Tombs of the Giants and Menhirs, offering a glimpse into Sardinia’s ancient history.
What to see around Nuoro
- Oliena
- Orgosolo
- Mamoiada
- Lollove
- Bitti
- Onanì
- Fonni
- Aritzo
What to do around Nuoro
- Sorgono Menhir
- Gorroppu Canyon
- Tiscali Nuragic Village
- Su Gologone
- Gennargentu
📍 Ogliastra and the East coast
The most important villages of Ogliastra include Cala Gonone, Arbatax, Baunei and Santa Maria Navarrese. Along the coast, wild beaches and hidden coves, true jewels of the Mediterranean, alternate with dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea.
Among the most spectacular are Cala Goloritzè, Cala Luna, Cala Sisine and Cala Mariolu, beaches that hardly need an introduction. The Gulf of Orosei also offers endless opportunities for exploring its rugged coastline and hidden beaches, whether on foot, by bicycle, on horseback, off-road vehicles or by boat.
The best beaches of the Orosei Gulf
- Cala Goloritzè
- Cala Mariolu
- Cala Luna
- Cala Sisine
- Cala Biriola
- Piscine di Venere
- Cala dei Gabbiani
What to see in the Ogliastra area (East coast)
- Orosei
- Cala Gonone
- Dorgali
- Baunei
- Santa Maria Navarrese
- Arbatax
- Tortolì
- Lanusei
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