A 4-Day Journey into Sardinia's Ancient Soul
- Peregryn travel writers
- Nov 17
- 9 min read
Set in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is famous for its incredible coastline, all shimmering sapphire and emerald hues. But it’s also an island of rugged beauty and deep history, where villages perch among wild peaks and ancient ruins whisper of civilizations past. Add in a rich culinary tradition using the island’s abundant fresh ingredients, and you begin to understand why Sardinia is such a unique holiday spot.
What’s to love?
Sardinia is home to a designated Blue Zone, in which the people are exceptionally long-lived and healthy into old age. Their genetics are partly responsible, but so is their lifestyle, a diet of freshly harvested vegetables and even fresher fish, close bonds with family and friends, and a keen enjoyment of life. You’ll be delighted to join in this joyful celebration of all that is wonderful, from the clear blue-green sea, to the award-winning Sardinian artisan foods and wines, to the ancient history and living culture that make this island so special.
Track the footsteps of the past as you wander medieval castle walls. Or go right back to the Bronze Age, as you explore the ruined monuments and temples, old tombs and necropolis of ancient Tharros, one of the most important trading centers of the Mediterranean in the 8th Century BCE. Away from the stunning beaches of the coast, the mountainous inland is home to rocky peaks and steep gorges, into which waterfalls plunge from the heights.
Southern Sardinian Secrets
Northern Sardinia gets all the press, with the glitzy image of Costa Smeralda splashing its luxury reputation around.
Of course, wherever you choose to go, no part of the island will be disappointing, but the southern part is the road less traveled, offering more authentic participation in real island life without having to sacrifice a single day on one of the stunning beaches.
Our four-day travel guide to Sardinia explores the soul of the Pula region, combining a city break, beach bliss and archaeological attractions in a single visit, an unmissable destination for anyone planning a trip to Europe. Best of all, Sardinia’s excellent public transport makes it easy without having to go through the bureaucracy of hiring a car and drive yourself.
Travel to Sardinia’s lesser-known regions by flying into Cagliari in the South, opening up the timeless beauty, soft sand beaches, and ancient heart of the island.
Day 1: Cagliari
Start your trip in Cagliari, a city whose very name, Karalis, is a clue to its Phoenician origins. Some of the most historic places to go in Sardinia can be found in the city; from the Castello district, where you can climb the ancient stone tower of the Torre dell'Elefante for a breathtaking panoramic view, to the 13th-century Duomo: the Cagliari Cathedral. As in so many other Italian cities, some of the most spectacular constructions are part of daily life. You may stumble upon the grand terrace of the Bastione di Saint Remy or the ancient city walls overlooking the harbor as you wander through the streets.
Going further back in time, you can explore the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater or lose yourself in the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, home to relics of the island’s mysterious Nuragic civilization. Wildlife lovers will also enjoy exploring the lagoons that lie on either side, home to cormorants, flamingos, and cranes, among others.
In such an interesting city, there are multiple lodgings and accommodations available at every price range. This is our pick of the best in the historic quarter:
Five-star boutique hotel with incredible sea views from the opulent rooms. A rooftop terrace overlooking the city is the perfect place for a sundowner before you go out to explore.
A gorgeously romantic spot in the heart of the city’s marina, overlooking the harbor. Rooms are simply designed with a contemporary elegance in the historic building.
A tiny oasis in the city center, this small boutique hotel is set within its own lush private gardens. Suites are prettily designed in organic materials and the hotel boasts several infinity pools.
This pretty design hotel has elegant and quirky furnishings, all within a 19th-century historic building. A rooftop terrace, their own wine cellar and a lounge bar in the garden complete the picture.
A foodie capital
Beyond the fascinating history and architecture of the city, Cagliari is also vibrantly alive with a noisy and welcoming atmosphere that D.H. Lawrence described as “strange and rather wonderful”. There’s a great foodie scene that comes alive in the evening along the promenades, as the restaurants and bars fling open their doors. Many people choose just to wander and dine somewhere that catches their eye in the evening — and you won’t be disappointed if you do. But if you prefer to seek out places in advance, these are the most recommended restaurants in Cagliari:
Typical Sardinian fare, served in an elevated way, Sa Piola prides itself on traditional dishes with innovation. The interior is rustic and charming and the service exceptionally friendly.
Any restaurant with a manifesto is bound to have strong opinions about food. At Sa Domu Sarda, it’s all about Sardinia beyond the fishermen, with a focus on the shepherds of the interior.
Refined tasting menus with wine pairings; this is the closest thing you get to classic fine dining in the city. The interior is elegant and understated, with original art work from local artists on the walls.
A classic Sardinian seafood restaurant serving lobster, mussels and the catch of day. Simply prepared, with love for the ingredients in a rough-hewn stone building. They also have a location with a terrace by the harbor.
A refined and elegant menu in a narrow room with a personal touch, Michelin-mentioned chef Luca Floris offers fresh and seasonal cooking, sometimes with each dish adapted to the personal tastes of the diner.
Boxout: From Cagliari to the southwest coast
There’s a really easy way to get from Cagliari to the south-west, without having to hire a car or a private driver. The buses are quick, safe and reliable and will only cost you a few euros. The drive is scenic as well, taking you along the pretty coastline. Catch the 129 from the ARST bus station at Piazza Matteotti in the city. It will take you all the way to the small town of Pula and its beaches beyond.
Day 2: The Ancient Wonders of Nora
Make your base in the charming town of Pula, which folds out around a picturesque main square. The streets around are great to wander around, just losing yourself in the moment and soaking up the atmosphere. Make time to drop into the pretty Romanesque churches of Sant'Efisio and San Giovanni Battista and the neoclassical Villa Santa Maria, designed by a famous local architect.
But the real attraction of the region is the Roman ruins of Nora, just a 40-minute walk from the town, perfectly placed on the coastline and overlooking the sea. The landscape is breathtaking, throwing the archeological wonders into sharp relief. Explore Roman villas, some still with well-preserved, intact mosaics, the baths, temples, and of course the theater. Nora is one of the most imposing places to go in Sardinia, and the most important archeological sites on the island. History is literally at your feet, and you can spend the day exploring it.
Return to Pula for dinner and your overnight stay. There are charming cafes and restaurants seemingly on every corner, offering local specialties and fresh seafood, with friendly waitstaff calling you in to try their wares. The best ones to seek out are:
Set in a villa with a private courtyard, this restaurant specialises in local game and cheese. The house special is suckling pig, cooked on a spit in the courtyard.
Overlooking the bay and the lagoon, this Michelin-recommended fine-dining restaurant is splendidly placed on a small rocky promontory, offering creative cooking of prime local ingredients.
Homemade cooking “from Nonna”, this intimate little place is full of heartfelt charm and classic Sardinian hospitality. Linger over a grappa in the informal, pretty space.
When you’ve eaten your fill and perhaps had a digestif or two in one of the local bars, it’s time to wander back to the hotel. These are the pick of hotels in the area:
Charm by name and nature, this little guesthouse offers a beautiful location in a private garden,, simple, elegant rooms and a very warm welcome from the hosts.
Between the mountains and the sea, this hotel is outside of the main part of the town, but still highly accessible. Beautiful rooms in stunning gardens, some with private pools.
Light, bright and modern, this spa hotel offers private villas and houses as well as rooms, all set around the lagoon pool, in the garden full of ancient olive and mastic trees.
Day 3: The Best Beaches of the Pula Region
The world-famous beaches of the Pula region are all accessible by that same local bus, number 129, departing from Pula town. These small towns that have sprung up around the coast are dedicated to making your beach day comfortable and relaxing, with numerous lidos (beach clubs) where you can rent a sunbed and enjoy a seaside cocktail.
The beaches of Santa Margherita di Pula are famous for their long stretches of soft, white sand and calm, clear waters, backed by pine forest. They’re a series of smaller coves, each one accessible on a picturesque hike through the pine trees, with friendly services waiting in the pleasant resorts that sit in between the forest and the sea. In the winter, this is a favorite destination for surfers, although in the summer, the waves wash in gently and low, making it a great beach for swimming.
For a quieter, less populated, and even more spectacular beach experience, continue a little further on the bus to the legendary beaches of Chia. At Spiaggia di Su Giudeu, you'll find rolling dunes and impossibly turquoise waters. A short walk will take you on to Spiaggia di Tuerredda, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Again separated by rocky outcrops, the coves of the Chia beaches can be reached by hiking directly across the rocks, meaning you can just keep going to the next one until you find the isolated Sardinian beach of your dreams. These beaches are less well-served by lidos, so you might want to bring your own food and drinks for a beach picnic.
Further still will bring you to the small and utterly charming village of Teulada, set in almost untouched natural landscape with a wild feel to it. The beaches are isolated and spectacular but it is the village itself that is the real draw, with traditions and festivals celebrating the inhabitants’ culture and crafts.
You may find yourself extending your stay to include a visit to every one of these beaches with their unique charm.
Day 4: A Relaxed Day on the Cagliari Coast
Returning on the bus to Cagliari, on your final day, you can ease into the laid-back rhythm of the city’s surrounding coastline. The main city beach, Poetto Beach, is just a short bus ride away. Sun and sea during the day, with sun loungers and beach bars ready to settle you in the perfect shady spot, the beach comes alive at night with live music, dancing, and entertainment. Its long stretch of golden sand and vibrant nightlife is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
If a quieter, more natural beach is more to your taste, head a little further out to Mari Pintau (meaning "painted sea"). This beautiful region is the first in a series of bays known for their mesmerizing blue and green waters, with the wild coastline as a backdrop. Mari Pintau is particularly popular for its smooth, colorful pebbles and the crystal-clear quality of its water, making it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The surrounding Mediterranean scrubland adds to its secluded feel, offering a peaceful escape from more crowded areas. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the island and all trips to Sardinia should include at least a brief visit to the area.
For a final stop, visit the tranquil Molentargius Natural Park, one of the lagoons just outside Cagliari city. The wetlands park is famous for its large population of flamingos, resident for the whole year but especially populous in June. But it’s not all about the flamboyant pink flamingos; the park has a diverse ecosystem with many bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Its network of walking and cycling paths allows visitors to explore the salt pans and freshwater ponds at leisure..
Four Days Travel to Sardinia
No Europe travel guide is complete without making time for this idyllic little island. Sardinia is small, but it’s packed with history, culture, and natural beauty, a microcosm of the continent in a single, beautiful destination, easy to reach and easy to get around.
Make it even easier for yourself by using Omio to book your bus tickets to get between towns, a seamless way to see the best routes at the click of a button. Plan your Sardinian journey with Omio.
