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Discover Sardinia from a different perspective – one pint at a time. From the island’s iconic Ichnusa beer to a growing number of independent craft breweries, Sardinia has developed a surprisingly diverse beer culture. A journey through its breweries is not only about tasting great beer, but also about discovering local traditions, landscapes and people.
It all started with Ichnusa – Sardinia’s beer with a story
When talking about beer in Sardinia, there is no way around Ichnusa. The Ichnusa brewery was founded in Cagliari in 1912. The brand with its distinctive red-and-white label is now part of the international Heineken Group, but Ichnusa is still produced in Sardinia, at the brewery in Assemini near Cagliari, where production has been based since 1967.
Even the name has a distinctly Sardinian connection, although its origins are actually Greek. “Ichnusa” derives from the ancient Greek Ichnoussa, meaning something like “footprint” or “track”. The Greeks used the name for Sardinia because the shape of the island reminded them of the imprint of a foot.
Today, the classic Ichnusa is joined by several other varieties, including Ichnusa Non Filtrata, Ichnusa Cruda, Ichnusa Ambra Limpida, Ichnusa Limone and the more recent Ichnusa Metodo Lento. The range now stretches from classic golden lager to unfiltered and unpasteurised beers, as well as beer-based drinks and newer interpretations.
But Sardinia’s beer culture goes far beyond its best-known brand.
Over the past few years, a lively scene of small, independent craft breweries has emerged across the island. Many are family-run businesses that focus on small-scale production, local ingredients and a close connection to their surroundings.
Some Sardinian beers incorporate ingredients that are deeply rooted in the island’s landscape and culinary traditions, such as myrtle, strawberry-tree honey, saffron and aromatic Mediterranean herbs.
This makes a brewery tour in Sardinia much more than a simple tasting experience. It can take you away from the main tourist routes and into small villages and rural landscapes, where you can meet local producers and experience a different, more authentic side of the island.
For travellers interested in discovering Sardinia through its food and drink traditions, the island’s craft beer scene offers an exciting way to explore – from the coast to the mountains and from small inland villages to spectacular landscapes.
From North to South: A Sardinian Craft Beer Route
Our suggested route connects a selection of breweries and regions across Sardinia. It is not intended to be a complete guide to every brewery on the island. Instead, it is an inspiration for a journey that combines craft beer, local culture, food and landscapes. Travelling from north to south, the route includes several brewery stops where visits, tastings and events may be available, depending on the brewery and the season.
1. Northwest Sardinia: Sassari and Thiesi
The first stage takes you through northwestern Sardinia, around Sassari and into the surrounding countryside. This is an easy way to start your journey, combining the atmosphere of a lively Sardinian city with smaller inland communities without having to cover long distances straight away.
In Sassari, Birrificio Exmu takes a modern approach to craft beer and has facilities designed to welcome visitors and offer tastings. It is a good first stop for discovering different beer styles and getting to know the world of Sardinian craft brewing.
Further inland, in Thiesi, Birrificio Isola offers a more intimate experience closely connected to the local area. A visit focuses on the brewing process and on meeting the people behind the brewery in a relaxed atmosphere.
How to arrange your brewery visits in northern Sardinia
- Birrificio Exmu, Sassari: Advance reservation is required. Visits are available from Tuesday to Saturday, between 11 am and 6 pm. To book, call +39 328 6164807 or email info@birrificioexmu.it.
- Birrificio Isola, Thiesi: For a brewery visit and tasting, call +39 079 885042 or email birradellisola@gmail.com.
2. Into the Sardinian Interior
The journey then continues towards central Sardinia and the Barbagia, one of the island’s most distinctive inland regions. Here, the pace becomes slower, the distances greater and the surroundings considerably more rural.
In Irgoli, Birrificio Marduk is an interesting stop for discovering how craft brewing has developed away from Sardinia’s main tourist routes. A visit offers an opportunity to learn more about the brewing process, the selection of ingredients and the different beer styles produced by the brewery.
There are plenty of ways to explore the surrounding area. The nearby town of Orosei and its beautiful coastline are an obvious choice. Galtellì, not far away, is another fascinating stop, with a strong historical and literary identity closely associated with Sardinian writer Grazia Deledda. Alternatively, head to Lake Cedrino, a quieter inland destination that is ideal for spending some time surrounded by nature.
How to arrange your visit to Birrificio Marduk
- Visits to Birrificio Marduk are available by prior arrangement on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. Please call +39 0784 97557 or email info@birrificiomarduk.com.
3. Along the Ogliastra Coast
The route continues along Sardinia’s central east coast into Ogliastra, where a brewery visit can easily be combined with some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes.
Birrificio d’Ogliastra combines its brewery with its own brew pub, allowing visitors to taste the beers right where they are produced. It is also a chance to discover how local beers pair with traditional Sardinian dishes while taking a look at the brewing equipment itself. The brewery is located in Baunei, a fantastic base for exploring this part of the island. A stay here can easily combine a brewery visit with hiking, outdoor activities and time on the beaches and coves of Sardinia’s spectacular east coast.
How to arrange your visit in Ogliastra
- For a refreshing stop at the Birrificio d’Ogliastra Brew Pub, call +39 340 5314663 or email birrificiodogliastra@gmail.com.
4. Heading West
From Ogliastra, the journey continues towards central-western Sardinia and into a less-visited part of the island. This region is particularly interesting for travellers who want to explore Sardinia’s local craft beer scene away from the major tourist destinations. The breweries here are often located in smaller towns and tend to operate on a relatively small scale, with family-run businesses being common.
In the province of Oristano, in Santa Giusta, Birrificio Puddu offers an insight into a craft brewery that places a strong emphasis on community and local connections.
Not far away, in Mogoro, you can visit BAM – Birrificio Artigianale Mogorese. The brewery is rooted in a region with a particularly strong local identity, making a visit easy to combine with other experiences centred around Sardinian craftsmanship and traditional culture.
How to arrange your visits in Santa Giusta and Mogoro
- To taste the beers of Birrificio Puddu or organise an event at Casa Birra Puddu, call +39 351 9523029 or send a message.
- For more information about BAM – Birrificio Artigianale Mogorese, call +39 346 8792841 or email info@birrabam.com.
5. Southern Sardinia
The final stage of the route takes you through southwestern Sardinia and towards Cagliari.
In Guspini, Birrificio 4 Mori is an established name within Sardinia’s craft beer scene. Its production is larger and more structured, and brewery tours offer visitors the chance to see professional brewing facilities. Tastings are also available and are particularly interesting for travellers who already have an appreciation for craft beer.
The journey ends in Cagliari, at Birrificio di Cagliari. With its own brewing facilities and an attached restaurant, it makes a fitting final stop. Here, craft beer meets Sardinian cuisine in the lively atmosphere of the island’s capital. Cagliari is also an ideal place to extend your trip, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, cultural experiences, outdoor activities and relaxing days by the sea.
How to arrange your brewery visits in the south
- At Birrificio 4 Mori, guided brewery tours are available. You can also visit the Tap Room, where a selection of beers is served alongside excellent platters of local cured meats and cheeses. Reservations are required and can be made via WhatsApp at +39 070 7050046 or through the brewery’s online booking form.
- At Birrificio di Cagliari, brewery visits can be booked directly through the brewery’s website, followed by confirmation by email. Alternatively, call +39 070 4560569 or email info@ilbirrificiodicagliari.com.
Discover Sardinia Your Way
Sardinia has many different sides. Its craft beer culture is one of them: authentic, surprising and deeply connected to the island. If you are looking for a different way to experience Sardinia, the island’s craft breweries offer an excellent opportunity to discover its landscapes, local traditions and people.
Behind every beer there is a story – a producer, a place and a connection to the territory that often reveals a side of Sardinia you might not encounter on a traditional holiday.
At SardiniaNatour, we can help you create an individual journey around your interests, combining selected brewery visits with local tastings and authentic experiences. Whether you are a passionate craft beer enthusiast or simply curious to discover another side of Sardinia, a brewery tour can be a delicious way to explore the island – one glass at a time.
Get in touch with us. We would be happy to advise you personally and help you plan your trip.
SardiniaNatour
+39 070 2040391 (also via WhatsApp)
booking@sardinianatour.com
www.sardinianatour.com
Tell us about your ideas and wishes – and let us create your very own Sardinia Experience.
About the Author
Our team consists of Katrin, Katja, and Claudia. Together, we run SardiniaNatour, an independent Sardinia Holiday Specialist based in Cagliari.
Since 2005, we’ve been helping travelers plan tailor-made trips to Sardinia. Our recommendations are based on years of experience, local expertise, and continuous on-site research. We prioritize authentic advice, sustainable tourism, and respect for people and nature.
With our blog, we aim to provide you with practical information, inspiration, and genuine insights into Sardinia—beyond guidebooks and standard tips.
