Travel to Sardinia – Episode 982

Hear about travel to Sardinia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Shannon O’Brien from shannon-obrien.com about her visit to this island corner of Italy.

Why should you go to Sardinia?

Shannon says, “It’s Italian, but it’s a very different vibe as well from mainland Italy. There’s insanely beautiful beaches. Some argue some of the most beautiful beaches of the world. The water is crystal blue; it looks like Windex. The white sand beaches. The interior of the island has these huge mountains that kind of bleed into the ocean. Winding coastal roads up and down both sides of the island with insane views. It exceeded my expectations for sure.” Shannon’s Recommended Sardinia Itinerary (West Coast Focus, 7–10 Days):

Start: Cagliari (1–2 nights)

• Fly into Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital.
• Explore the Castello district, including Saint Remy Bastion and Cagliari Cathedral.
• Wander cobblestone streets, historic fortifications, and viewpoints.
• Shannon recommends keeping this short; it’s a gateway, not the main event.

Southwest Coast: Chia (1–2 nights)

• Drive west along the coast.
• Beach time among sand dunes and Caribbean-clear water.
• Walk out to Capo Spartivento Lighthouse for dramatic coastal views, especially at sunset.
• Relaxed pace, swimming, coastal walks.

Island Detour: Sant’Antioco (1 night)

• Continue north through the wild, remote coastline.
• Cliff hikes, sea arches, rock pools, and swimming.
• Visible layers of Roman and Phoenician history.
• One of the quietest and least crowded stops.

West Coast Wilderness: Sinis Peninsula & Capo Mannu (1–2 nights)

• Coffee stop in Oristano.
• Explore lagoons and wetlands with flamingos.
• Hike the Su Tingiosu coastal walk.
• Continue to Capo Mannu for surfing, cliffs, and the Putzu Idu coastal walk.
• Rugged, windy, wild, and uncrowded.

Historic Colorful Town: Bosa (1–2 nights)

• Riverside town of pastel houses.
• Walk up to the Castle of Serravalle for panoramic views.
• Taste Malvasia of Bosa wine, a local dessert wine.
• Slow wandering, cafes, local food, and medieval atmosphere.

Northwest Coast Highlight: Alghero (2 nights)

• Drive the spectacular SP49 coastal road from Bosa.
• Explore Alghero’s old town, harbor, and Catalan-influenced culture.
• Walk the city walls at sunset.
• Take a boat or hike out to Capo Caccia Vertical Cliffs.
• Visit the Grotta di Nettuno sea caves.

Optional Extension: East Coast & Interior (2–3 days if time allows)

• Cross inland through Sardinia’s mountains.
• Hike Gola di Gorropu, Europe’s deepest canyon.
• Continue to the East Coast for beaches and cliffs.
• Hike or boat to Cala Luna, one of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches.

Food & Wine Highlights Along the Way

• Cannonau wine, Sardinia’s signature red, tied to the island’s longevity “Blue Zone.”
• Porceddu (suckling pig), slow-roasted with rosemary (Shannon missed it but strongly recommends it).
• Malloreddus, Sardinian pasta with sausage, tomato, and saffron.
• Fresh seafood, simply prepared.

Travel Style Tips from Shannon

• Rent a car; public transport is slow and limited.
• Do not try to see the whole island in one trip.
• Best months: May, September, or October.
• Focus on one coast for a relaxed, authentic experience.
• The West Coast offers fewer crowds and wilder scenery than the East.

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Show Notes

Shannon O’Brien
Stray: Breaking Free, Falling Hard and Growing Stronger
Sardinia
Cagliari
Saint Remy Bastion
Cagliari Cathedral
Castello district
Chia (Sardinia)
Capo Spartivento Lighthouse
Sant’Antioco
Capo Mannu
Sinis Peninsula
Su Tingiosu coastal walk
Putzu Idu coastal walk
Bosa
Malvasia of Bosa wine
Castle of Serravalle
Cannonau wine
Alghero
Capo Caccia Vertical Cliffs
Grotta di Nettuno
Porceddu (suckling pig)
Malloreddus (pasta)
Gola di Gorropu
Cala Luna
2025 Hike to Gorropu Canyon

Community

on Travel to the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe – Episode 981

Jeff Ohlfs says, ” Another episode that brought back memories.  One addition would be the champagne brunch on Livingstone Island on the lip of Victoria Falls.  You have to cross into Zambia as the island is inside the adjacent Zambia Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.  It is a thrilling adventure.  Specifically, if you are brave enough to take a dip in one of the seasonal pools perched on the edge of the falls.  I was not!”

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