AUTHENTIC SARDINIA
WHAT TO SEE BEYOND THE BEACHES: 9 PLACES OFF THE USUAL TOURIST ROUTES
When one thinks of Sardinia, everyone imagines its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear sea and breathtaking coastline. However, to discover the real, authentic Sardinia, you need to go beyond the best-known tourist destinations. Sardinia is not just a seaside paradise, but an island rich in millenary traditions, fascinating history and extraordinary places that tell the deepest soul of this land.
We decided to exclude the famous beaches from our list and focus on 9 unique places that will allow you to explore authentic Sardinia. Between archaeological sites, ancient villages and living traditions, these destinations will introduce you to a different Sardinia, far from the crowds and full of charm.
You cannot say you have truly visited Sardinia without exploring at least one of these extraordinary places. Get ready to discover the most authentic heart of the island.
1. BARUMINI
A type of defensive structure known as nuraghi developed on the island of Sardinia (only example in the world). Dating the 2nd Millennium B.C. in the Bronze Age. The complex consists of circular defensive towers built of dressed stone, with corbel-vaulted internal chambers.
The complex at Barumini, is the most complete example of this form of prehistoric architecture. Included in the list of world heritage of UNESCO in 1997. Located in Barumini, in the south-central Sardinia. Province of Medio Campidano.
2. NORA
Nora is an ancient Roman and pre-Roman town on a peninsula near Pula, near to Cagliari. It was an important trading town in its time, with two protected harbours, one on each side of the peninsula. Several different building styles can be seen in the excavated buildings.
Because the southern part of Sardinia was sinking into the Mediterranean Sea a substantial part of the former town is now under the sea. The ruins of Nora are an open-air museum, and the remains of the theatre are occasionally used for concerts in the summer. Located in the very south of the island in the province of Cagliari.
3.VALLE DELLA LUNA
The Moon Valley (Valle della luna) is located in a small peninsula (Capo Testa) in the far north of Sardinia, and is known as the ’60s hippy hangout. A unique place of its kind for the particular geological conformation, is formed by seven valleys separated from each other by large granite structures of which the highest reaches 128 meters above sea level and is commonly called “The Skull.”
Inside the valleys there are several caves that were formed due to erosion, in which you can comfortably sleep. Additionally, there is a freshwater source, which makes it particularly suitable place even in long stays. In fact, some people also reside in the valley throughout the winter without any particular problems and living in close contact with nature.
4. GROTTE DI NETTUNO
Neptune’s Grotto is a stalactite cave near the town of Alghero in the north-west sardinia. The cave was discovered by local fishermen in the 18th century and has since developed into a popular tourist attraction. The grotto gets its name from the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. The grotto is also accessible via a short boat trip from the port of Alghero.
A stairway cut into the cliff in 1954, the 654-step escala del cabirol (goat’s steps), leads from a car park at the top of the cliff down to the entrance. Tourists visiting Neptune’s Grotto are given guided tours and led single-file through a lit pathway, with tour guides providing information about the cave in Italian and English.
The grotto is widely visited, and during the peak tourist season in August, can contain around 200 people at a time.
5. ORGOSOLO MURALS
The village of Orgosolo is located about 17 miles from Nuoro, the capital of the province. Despite the geological seclusion, the murals have tremendously rich content, from countryside view to global history.
The Sardinia Island has about 250 paintings and 150 of those were contributed from the Orgosolo village.Orgosolo’s mural emerged in the late 60’s. Nowadays, Orgosolo’s mural is beginning to be recognized as “cultural heritage”. A few tourists do make it here to see the murals, although locals assure us that Orgosolo’s renowned hospitality has always attracted visitors.
6. GORROPU GORGE- GRAND CANYON
The gorge of Gorropu marks the natural boundary between the municipalities of Urzulei and Orgosolo, is about 1.5 kilometers. Sinks for about 500m on the bottom it shrinks until reaching in some points the minimum width of 4-5 m.
These size and shape characteristics, make Gorropu a masterpiece of nature and at the same time a treasure chest of biodiversity. Looking at the geography, but also the location of many surrounding nuraghi, you can deduct as before the canyon was a fundamental strategic and defensive function. The man then also lived and inhabited inaccessible and marginal places such Gorropu and there are many legends and stories associated with this site.
The old men speak of Sa mama de Gorropu (mother Gorropu), a fearsome creature that lives inside the canyon.
7. GAIRO
Perhaps the most famous ghost town of Sardinia, certainly one of the most beautiful and picturesque corners of the Ogliastra and the whole island. The story is haunted. Start the late nineteenth century, when several violent storms causing landslides, and continues for about half a century, until the terrible floods of 1951.
Old Gairo, the country that no longer exists, to attract tourists who enjoy the alternative routes to those of Sardinia postcard
8. BOSA
Located in the north central coast of Sardinia, it is a small village of ancient origins. Crossed by the river Temo (only navigable river in Sardinia) is characterized by typical colorful houses in pastel colors, the wrought-iron balconies, the narrow alleys of the old town.
Give it a magical atmosphere in Bosa handing the title of one of the most beautiful villages of Italy.
9. PORTO FLAVIA
Porto Flavia, located near Masua a short distance from the city of Iglesias. This attraction can be reached by means of a long tunnel 600 meters. Its entrance is accessible from the parking lot of Mausa beach and into the heart of the mountain and then emerge at mid-height of a cliff overlooking the sea, before a breathtaking view.
The tunnel, entirely excavated in the rock by the miners, emerges at mid-height on an overhang that, with appropriate protective barriers, offers a stunning view of a territory to be discovered.
An engineering jewel accessible from the parking lot of Masua Beach: a road accessible by foot or car, hugging the old railway track.
Exploring Sardinia
- Guide: Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches
- 6 Spectacular scenic roads in Sardinia
- Top 6 trekking trails in Sardinia
- 2 days in Alghero: recommended itinerary
- 9 towns in Sardinia to visit
- Where to surf in Sardinia
- 8 Festivals & events
- When to go to Sardinia
- 7 Reasons to visit Sardinia in September and October