SARDINIAN ISLANDS
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The Sardinian islands provide some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and some of the island region's best beaches.
La Maddalena Archipelago lies just off the northern coast of Sardinia in the Strait of Bonifacio, just south of Corsica. La Maddalena Island itself is the main island of the archipelago with other highlights including the smaller Spargi and Caprera. Sant'Antioco and San Pietro Island in south western Sardinia are two of the largest islands in Italy, while the northern half of Sardinia can boast the beautiful Asinara and Tavolara islands. |
Tavolara, Sardinia
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La Maddalena Archipelago
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The La Maddalena Archipelago, a cluster of islands off Sardinia’s northeastern coast, is a protected national park renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty.
The archipelago includes seven main islands, with La Maddalena as the largest and most populated. Its features include crystal-clear turquoise waters, secluded beaches like Cala Coticcio, and rugged granite landscapes shaped by wind and sea. Historically, the archipelago has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was later used as a strategic naval base. The islands are also famous for their connection to Napoleon and Admiral Nelson. |
Cala Corsara Beach, Spargi Island
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Sant'Antioco
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Sant’Antioco, located off the southwestern coast of Sardinia, is the largest island in the Sulcis Archipelago and connected to the mainland by a causeway. Steeped in history, it was originally settled by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BCE and later became an important Carthaginian and Roman colony.
The island’s rich past is evident in the archaeological sites, including a Punic necropolis, Roman-era tophet, and the ancient Basilica of Sant’Antioco. Known for its natural beauty, Sant’Antioco features pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, perfect for outdoor exploration. The charming town of Sant’Antioco offers lively markets and traditional crafts |
Calasetta, Sant'Antioco
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Asinara
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Asinara, a protected island in the northwestern corner of Sardinia, lies within the Asinara National Park and is celebrated for its pristine beauty and unique history.
Known as the “Island of Donkeys” for its population of rare albino donkeys, Asinara boasts rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The island features stunning beaches, hiking trails, and historic sites, including remnants of its time as a quarantine station and high-security prison. Closed to public access for much of the 20th century, it remains largely untouched. |
Asinara
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Tavolara
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Tavolara, a striking limestone island off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near Olbia, is a hidden gem known for its dramatic cliffs and rich biodiversity.
Rising majestically from the Tyrrhenian Sea in the shade of a giant stegosaurus, the island features crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and a marine protected area ideal for diving. Tavolara is steeped in quirky history, once declared the world’s smallest kingdom in the 19th century by the Bertoleoni family, whose descendants still reside there. It is part of the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Park. |
Tavolara
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San Pietro Island
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San Pietro is a charming island off the southwestern coast of Sardinia, near the town of Portoscuso. Known for its unspoiled landscapes, it boasts rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
The island’s main town, Carloforte, is a colorful fishing village with narrow streets, vibrant piazzas, and a rich culinary tradition influenced by Ligurian settlers. San Pietro’s history is shaped by its Phoenician, Roman, and Genoese past, evident in its culture and architecture. Visitors can explore the island’s salt pans, scenic trails, and tuna-fishing heritage. San Pietro offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and relaxed Mediterranean charm. |
Spiaggia La Caletta, San Pietro
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