Sardinia

Which beaches are worth the hype?

In July 2026, head to Spiaggia della Pelosa (Stintino) for turquoise water: entry is €8 per car, 3 EUR per person after 9am. Swim 50m to the Isola Piana sandbar. Skip Cala Mariolu if you dislike crowds, 500 people land there daily from the Golfo di Orosei ferries (€30 round trip). Instead, drive 20 minutes to Cala Goloritzé: €6 entry, 45-minute hike from the parking lot, fewer people.

Is the archaeology worth it?

Su Nuraxi in Barumini is the only UNESCO nuraghi site. 2026 ticket: €15, guided tour 45 minutes, English at 11am. Skip the generic Nuragic structures you see from the road, you need a guide to understand the 4,000 year old layout. On site, the museum is free with ticket. For a cheaper option, Nuraghe Losa (€5, self guided) lets you climb inside without a guide.

Which boat tour is the best?

My pick: La Maddalena shared tour. Bring your own snorkel gear, the rental mask costs €10 extra and is often foggy.

How do I drive the coastal roads?

Rent a small Fiat 500 from local agency Hertz (€50/day in July 2026). Avoid SUV, many mountain passes (SS125 to Cala Gonone) have hairpin turns with 0.5m clearance. Fill gas at Tamoil stations in towns: price is €1.85/liter. The SS125 from Olbia to Cagliari takes 3 hours but you stop at 8 scenic viewpoints. Warning: goats wander on the road at dawn.

What about hiking?

Hike the Selvaggio Blu trail? Only if you are an expert, 7 days, 40km, no water sources. For a short hike: Punta Cristallo in the Supramonte (€0 entry, 2 hours round trip, 400m elevation). You get a 360 view of the Gulf of Orosei. Go at 6am to avoid 35°C heat. Bring hiking boots, the limestone scree is sharp.

Is the Sardinian food tour worth it?

In Cagliari, do the Mercato di San Benedetto (free entry) at 9am. Buy culurgiones (€8 per kg) and pane carasau (€3). Skip the touristy food tour in Alghero, €80 for 3 hours, 2 glasses of wine. Instead, book a pasta class at Su Sirboni (€45 per person, 3 hours) where you make malloreddus. Reservation required 5 days early.

Practical warning

July 2026 is high season. Ferries to La Maddalena sell out by 10am. Buy online at Delcomar 7 days ahead (€12 one way for foot passengers). The queues at Cala Sinzias are 40 minutes for parking at 11am. Go by 8am or skip. Most grocery stores close from 1pm to 5pm. Buy water at the Conad before 1pm.