Exploring Italy is an absolute dream for most travellers. With many different places and attraction, the country offers an unforgettable time wherever you. Stunning lakes and mountains in the North and a beautiful coast line in the South. And of course, don’t forget about the islands. One of the most beautiful Italian islands is Sardinia, located in the Mediterranean Sea and a place for outdoor and beach lovers. A trip to Sardinia during the summer time is an absolute blast and you can enjoy the Caribbean of Europe to its fullest. But you will quickly discover that Sardinia is quite big and it seems almost impossible to see all of the island during one trip. Therefore, most travellers need to decide when coming to Sardinia: North or South. Which area is better for you and where can you do which activities?
This is a full guide to Sardinia and compares the Norths vs. the South to give you a full overview.
Introducing the South of Sardinia
Let´s start in the South. What is it about and what can you expect when exploring the Southern end of Sardinia?
The South is all about a stunning mountain scenery, quiet beaches and long coast lines. Compared to the North, the South is more laid-back and less touristy. It is all about experiencing the life on the countryside, going on adventures in the mountains and simply enjoying the breathtaking nature of the island. The biggest city of the South is Cagliari, which has quite a big international airport and can be reached from almost anywhere in Europe.
There are a few tourist centers and some beach resorts, but apart from that the South is more traditional and quieter.
Introducing the North of Sardinia
Sardinia: North or South? Let´s start with getting a basic overview over both of the areas.
Welcome to the North – a place of paradise. The North has all the beautiful beaches and bays a traveller dreams about. With the Costa Smeralda and many other places, you could spend months just visiting a new beach everyday. But its not only about beaches. You can go snorkeling, do some coastal walks or go climbing or on a boat tour.
The main cities of the area are Alghero on the West Coast and Olbia on the East Coast. Both have airports and are your starting point of an adventure in the North.
The best things to do in the Southern part
Of course, choosing the better part of the island kind of depends on the activities you plan during your trip. Therefore: what are the best things to do in the South of Sardinia and how can you best spend your time there?
As already mentioned, the South is all about nature, beaches and the mountains. You can spend a wonderful time there exploring and going on adventures. Depending on the time, you could get a little unlucky with the weather though. The South is more likely to get rain and some bad days, especially in the late summer.
Visit the city of Cagliari, go for some shopping or get to know more about the history of the city. Go for hikes and walks or just relax on the stunning beaches around Villasimius or Chia. Another beautiful area is the Costa Rei which is home to long beaches as well.
The best things to do in the Northern part
But what about the Northern part?
The North is all about beaches. Those are the places which will proof you why the name “European Caribbean” is actually more than justified. The clear blue water and the white sand bays really do remind you of the paradise. With stunning beaches on the Costa Smeralda or around Alghero, this area really is about spending time by the ocean.
You can go on day trips to Stintino, the Isola Maddalena or visit the city of Olbia for the best shopping in Sardinia. Alghero is a picturesque town to visit and spend a few nights and of course, do not forget about the stunning sunsets of the Northwest.
Climbers will get the best out of the island on the cliffs and rocks of the coast and outdoor lovers in general can hike up a mountain (yes, there are a few as well) or do one of the scenic coastal walks along the ocean.
This guide is all about what you should know before visiting Sardinia.
Sardinia: North vs. South -what is the better choice?
Before actually dropping it, let´s make clear, that this can be a personal opinion. If you’ve been to Sardinia, you might have had a different experience.
Let´s come to the conclusion of “Sardinia North or South”: If you need to decide between the North vs. the South, the better choice is:
The North.
This is especially due to the different attractions and things to do. Plus, this part of the island gives you a better insight into what Sardinia really is about and why it is such a beautiful island. The beaches, the small villages, the sunset spots and the nature in general. The North greets you with mostly sunny weather, paradise beaches to relax on and hidden bays. You can go for an adventure or just relax all day long. If you do not mind some tourists during the high season, this is the best place to be.
Click here to see the best beaches in Sardinia and where you can find them in the North.
The South, on the other hand, is a better choice if you are only looking for a hiking vacation. But if this is not your cup of tea, book your accommodation in the Northern part. You can as well split it up and spend some days close to Alghero and the rest on the Costa Smeralda. It´s up to you. It is highly recommended to move around during your trip to see as much as possible. The distances between the different areas make it impossible to explore the whole area from just one location.
But definitely, for the ultimate Sardinia experience and the best places to visit, the North is your best choice.
