Sardinia’s idyllic countryside is well suited for a variety of outdoor and family activities. There are endless activities children can enjoy, whether watching the golden eagles at Gennargentu National Park, riding horses along the coast, or snorkelling above colourful reefs. Adventure sports are also catered for on Sardinia, ranging from scuba diving amid the remains of lost Roman ships or mountain biking through the interior.

Cycling
Sardinia’s network of winding country roads are especially well suited for cycling, particularly in the off-season when traffic is relatively sparse. Leisure cyclists can stick to the flatland along the coast, while those seeking a challenge can peddle for the hilly interior. Facilities also exist for off-road and mountain biking. Seasoned cyclists also have the option of circumnavigating the island, although most of this journey requires the use of the belt highway.

Diving
The clear, Mediterranean waters of Sardinia are ideal for scuba diving. Beyond the array of coral and aquatic life that hovers just under the water’s surface, divers also have the opportunity to explore ancient sunken galleys that date to the days of the Roman Empire. Capo Carbonara Marine Reservation is the best place to explore the aquatic life, while more than 100 sunken ships can be found at Villasimius.

Gennargentu National Park
This national park is situated on Sardinia’s east coast. Hikes to the summit of Punta La Marmora (Sardinia’s highest peak at 1,833 km) are particularly rewarding, and on the clearest days intrepid trekkers who make it to the peak are afforded sweeping panoramas of all but the island’s northernmost coastline. Another of the park’s worthwhile attractions, the Gola di Gorrpou Canyon, is one of Europe’s deepest. Children keep their eyes trained on the local wildlife, which includes majestic golden eagles and the more elusive European wildcat.

Golfing
Sardinia’s golf courses are popular with locals and visitors year-round. The two courses that garner the most praise are Is Molas (in Santa Margherita di Pula) and Il Pevero (to the north at Costa Smeralda). Beyond these, there are several other courses, driving greens and golfing schools where beginners and amateurs can sharpen their skills.

Horseback Riding
Children are particularly fond of touring Sardinia on horseback. Even the youngest riders can enjoy the sport by taking a pony ride at one of the many riding stables throughout Sardinia. Guided tours regularly head for the beach, the mountains or the forests, and riders of any skill level can be accommodated.

Sailing
Sardinia is a sailor’s paradise, with a diverse coastline that passes from calm, secluded beaches to startlingly dramatic rock formations. Despite the waters’ ideal sailing conditions, relatively few boats make it out here, meaning you’re likely to have a great deal of privacy. Marinas are well-spaced around the island, with roughly 50 kilometres of sea between each anchor point.

Sardinia is a culturally rich island that has persisted under the rise and fall of many ancient societies including the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans. Roman ruins and ancient Nuraghi stone monuments are fascinating, and, complemented by their outdoor location within sight of the Mediterranean. Furthermore, ancient churches and interesting museums can be found in almost every city.

Citadella dei Musei
This modern museum was constructed atop a Spanish citadel that previously sat here. The building’s modern design boasts swaths of metal, glass and concrete housing a vast collection of relics (mainly Roman, Phoenician and Carthaginian) relating to Sardinia’s cultural legacy. The primary exhibits are the National Gallery, the National Archaeological Museum, a wax figure exhibit, and the Museum of Siamese Art. Phone: +39 70 662 837

Church of the Holy Trinity
The cathedral at Saccargia is situated in the plains of Codrongianus, in the northern region of the island. Dating to the early 12th-century, the church is highlighted by its magnificent black-and-white stone façade. The frescoes inside were added 100 years after the initial construction, and the church is indicative of the Romanesque-Pisan architectural style that pervades the island.

Museum of Mining Art
The modern day city of Iglesias was known as Metalla in Roman times. Mining is a long-established industry, well known even to the ancient Carthaginians that once lived here. The Museum of Mineraria Art was once a school of mining and today the facility explores the role that this industry has played on Sardinia. Some of the exhibits examine the training tools used to teach miners, while others provide insight into what life in the mines was like. Phone: +39 78 135 0037

Museum of Sardinian Life and Traditions
Sardinia is particularly well-known for its exceptional preservation of folk culture and ancient traditions. The Museum of Sardinian Life and Traditions is dedicated to the preservation, exploration and appreciation of the island’s culture. Exhibits range from antique photographs and traditional musical instruments to collections of traditional dress. Phone: +39 78 437 484

Nuraghi 
These distinctive beehive-shaped structures are a key vestige of the ancient cultures of Sardinia. Built without mortar, these stacks of stones form truncated cones atop scenic overlooks across the island. All of these mysterious monuments date back several thousand years, and some of them are more than 20 metres tall. The most important nuraghi (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is located at Barumini, where an entire fortified village has been excavated.

Roman Ruins 
Some of the finest Roman ruins on Sardinia can be found at Nora (on the south coast) and Tharros (on the Gulf of Oirstano to the north). In both cases, the ruins carry visitors back more than 1,000 years and offer them scenic vistas of the turquoise Mediterranean and its white-sand beaches. Both of these sites are well worth visiting.

Sardinian cuisine relies heavily on the fresh, local seafood brought in daily from the Mediterranean. The cooler regions of the interior produce herbs and spices, wild game and all of the fresh produce that makes Mediterranean cuisine so evocative. The island is sprinkled with pizzerias and agro-friendly (local farm-supplied) restaurants serving up traditional fare.

Those seeking an upscale dining experience will find ample opportunity to splurge while visiting Sardinia. Five-star hotels and resorts invariably operate fine dining establishments, most of which are situated on some of the island’s best coastal real estate. Look for local specialities such as culurgiones or seada (both reminiscent of ravioli); porcheddu (aromatic roasted pig); and delicious sweet pastries.

Supermarkets and major shopping centres are situated within relatively close distance of all of Sardinia’s primary tourist areas. Visitors will find two Auchan stores as well as a Carrefour in the area surrounding Cagliari. Meanwhile, there are two Città Mercato locations, one in Sassari and the other in Olbia.

There are several open-air markets that operate on Sardinia at various times throughout the year, providing the perfect opportunity to peruse antiques, sample local food products and pick up souvenirs. Generally, you’ll find marketplaces in full operation whenever there is a parade or festival. There are also monthly markets in Cagliari (second Sunday of the month) and Sassari (last Sunday of the month).