SARDINIA
This island isn’t trying to be anything but itself. Wild, wind-shaped coastlines. Sheep-filled hills. Deep-rooted traditions. Sardinia is where Italian summer goes off-script — less Aperol, more myrtle liqueur; less strappy heels, more barefoot on a boat. From the polished marinas of Porto Cervo to the quiet coves of the Golfo di Orosei, this is a place that rewards curiosity and slows you down.
Where We Eat
Sardinian food is simple, salt-of-the-earth fare: wood-fired breads, slow-roasted meats, handmade pastas, and the freshest seafood pulled from impossibly clear water.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
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Up in the Gallurese hills, this family-run agriturismo serves rustic, homestyle Sardinian food under a canopy of vines. You’ll start with paper-thin pane carasau and end with porceddu (roast suckling pig), passing through ricotta ravioli, myrtle liqueur, and endless antipasti. Come hungry — the prix fixe menu is a multi-course, family-style feast.
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A working farm with stone buildings, antique tools, and animals on-site, Sa Mandra offers a full immersion into traditional Sardinian life — and cooking. Nearly everything you eat is grown or raised right here. It’s less a restaurant, more a folkloric feast in a living museum.
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Located inside a coastal lagoon nature reserve, this sustainable seafood restaurant feels both serene and special. Expect elegant plating, zero-kilometer fish, and surprising pairings like cuttlefish with fennel or raw prawns with citrus dust. Come for lunch to enjoy the full sea view and freshest catch.
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Stylish but grounded, Lu Stazzu brings contemporary polish to Sardinian classics like malloreddus and fregola, often with inventive twists. It’s a smart spot to unwind after a yacht day or beach afternoon. Skip the glitzier options — this is Porto Cervo with substance.
Street Food
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A charming hilltop food truck serving panini con porchetta, octopus salad, and grilled veggies with panoramic sea views. Casual, friendly, and a perfect al fresco lunch stop during a coastal drive.
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A sleek casual spot beloved for its pane spianata sandwiches stuffed with local beef, cheese, and rocket, plus sea-view outdoor tables. Anything with local cheese and rocket is a winner.
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Not one fixed vendor—but this highly praised porchetta sandwich is a festival and market staple across Cagliari’s food trucks, always crisp-skinned and herbed with myrtle and juniper. Find it at Piazza Yenne on weekends.
Go All Out
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A true destination: this Michelin-starred, sustainably minded restaurant sits inside a nature reserve with water views in every direction. Expect hyper-local seafood presented with minimal intervention and lots of reverence. Book just before sunset for the full coastal spectacle.
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An elegant fusion of Sardinian flavors and global technique, helmed by one of the island’s most celebrated chefs. The tasting menus are tight and focused, playing with tuna, bottarga, and unexpected spice — but à la carte options are just as refined. The interior feels sleek and cosmopolitan, a rarity in this corner of Sardinia.
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Modern, ambitious, and Michelin-starred — this is Sardinian fine dining in its most elevated form. Chef Stefano Deidda interprets island classics through a contemporary lens (think lobster fregola, artichoke textures, smoked mullet). A standout for those who want to understand Sardinia’s culinary future.
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This Costa Smeralda institution is all about location and elegance. A seafood-forward menu served right over the water, with polished service and a private-yacht energy. Prices are high, but the quality and setting hold up. Come for a long, slow dinner with someone you’re trying to impress.
Best Desserts
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Deep‑fried semolina pastry filled with tangy Pecorino Sardo cheese, drizzled with local citrus‑rich honey—this is Sardinia’s most iconic sweet, with roots in shepherd traditions.
Simple, rustic, and unforgettable—this is the dessert you must try on the island.
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A widely lauded gelato spot in northwest Sardinia, La Carapigna regularly earns praise for its pistachio, cheesecake, and classic coffee flavors, all crafted with local ingredients. If you make just one gelato stop in Sardinia, this seaside gem in Castelsardo should be it.
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These dainty ricotta‑filled tartlets, often perfumed with saffron, lemon, or orange zest, originated as Easter treats and are now found in local bakeries year‑round.
Sweet, chewy, and mildly citrusy—pardulas are the perfect pastry counterpart to your morning coffee.
Where We Wake Up
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A classic Cagliari breakfast spot with sweeping terrace views over the city and port. The cornetti are flakey, the cappuccinos strong, and the vantage point unmatched. Great for a lazy morning overlooking the Gulf of Angels.
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A tiny neighborhood pasticceria known for excellent pardulas, sebadas, and other Sardinian breakfast pastries. Pair it with an espresso at the counter, and you’re golden. No frills, just the real thing.
The Night Starts Here
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A beach club built into military ruins with sunset views that border on mythical. Arrive for aperitivo, stay through the night for champagne-fueled DJ sets under the stars. This is the island’s most famous open-air venue — dramatic, cinematic, and effortlessly luxe.
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Built directly into the rock, Ritual is a legendary, almost mythical Sardinian nightlife spot. Think stone towers, candlelight pathways, and a surreal, cave-like dancefloor. It’s part Sardinian folklore, part full-throttle club — and it’s unlike anything else on the island.
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A 16-seat wine bar tucked away in Castello, where the tasting menu changes weekly and the energy is always on point. You’ll overhear Italians gossiping about work, couples on anniversaries, and solo diners with notebooks. Small, precise, memorable. Click here.
Where We Sleep
Domu Antiga
A soulful countryside retreat housed in a 19th-century farmhouse, deep in Sardinia's lesser-known interior.
It's a true agriturismo experience, blending rustic charm with thoughtful design. Handmade linens, organic breakfasts, and a sense of timeless calm make it ideal for those seeking authenticity off the tourist track.
Image courtesy of Domu Antiga
From ~€150/night
Just 3 rooms, each uniquely restored with local materials
Organic farm-to-table meals served communally
Hosts offer cooking classes and breadmaking workshops
Located in the heart of the Sarcidano region
Hosts are a local couple deeply rooted in Sardinian traditions
Wi-Fi available but intentionally slow
Best reached by rental car — it’s about 90 minutes from Cagliari.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Why We Like It
Details To Know
Su Gologone
A colorful, art-filled hideaway nestled beneath the limestone peaks of the Supramonte.
Why We Like It
Equal parts boutique hotel and cultural sanctuary, Su Gologone is a love letter to Sardinian craftsmanship. Expect embroidery, ceramics, textiles, and a connection to the island's deeper rhythms.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~€200/night
Multiple dining options, including a traditional BBQ terrace
Art studio onsite offers workshops in painting and weaving
Rooms are all uniquely themed and filled with local art
Outdoor cinema and stargazing nights on the rooftop
Excellent base for hiking, climbing, and inland excursions
Try the homemade pane carasau and olive oil at breakfast.
Hotel Albero
Capovolto
A romantic, adults-only escape that feels like a Mediterranean daydream.
Why We Like It
With just a handful of rooms surrounded by olive trees and sea breeze, this boutique retreat balances bohemian luxury with privacy and quiet.
Image courtesy of Hotel Albero Capovolto
Details To Know
From ~€220/night
Just 6 rooms, all bright, white, and breezy
Breakfast is served in the garden, under fig trees
Hosts curate bespoke day trips and beach recommendations
Close to unspoiled coves and local trattorias
Adults-only for maximum peace and quiet
No TVs, minibars, or distractions — totally analog
No TVs, no kids, no stress.
Casa Clat
A polished newcomer that brings sleek design and haute hospitality to the capital.
Why We Like It
Cagliari's long-overlooked design scene finally has a flag planted. Casa Clat is both refined and deeply local, with a lush private garden, modernist interiors, and a knockout cocktail bar.
Image courtesy of Tablet
Details To Know
From ~€290/night
Only 9 rooms, each uniquely designed
Located in a converted 20th-century villa
Signature restaurant serves elevated Sardinian cuisine
Rooftop views over the Gulf of Cagliari
Walking distance to the marina and Castello district
Boutique features curated Sardinian fashion and homeware
Interiors blend art deco touches with sleek modern design
Their in-house perfume is made with Sardinian myrtle.
Petra Segreta
A tranquil, five-star hideout in the hills with views that stretch to the sea.
Sardinia meets the Himalayas in this wellness-forward resort, where stone cottages are scattered through wild maquis and Ayurvedic treatments rule the spa.
Image courtesy of Tablet
Details To Know
From ~€340/night
Michelin-starred Il Fuoco Sacro restaurant onsite
Large spa with holistic therapies and Turkish bath
Heated pool overlooking the valley
Easy drive to Porto Cervo, but far from the flash
Yoga pavilion with daily sunrise classes
Secluded walking trails through the estate
Rooms designed as private stone cottages
Book one of the private cottages for added seclusion.
Aethos
A new arrival that redefines Costa Smeralda cool.
Why We Like It
Aethos blends barefoot elegance with eco-conscious sensibility — think neutral tones, local stone, open-air lounges, and a slow-living ethos made for post-beach aperitivos.
Image courtesy of Aethos
Details To Know
From ~€390/night
Located above Cannigione, with views of La Maddalena
Organic restaurant and wine cellar onsite
Pool, yoga deck, and outdoor firepits
Rooms feel like curated beach houses
In-house experience team arranged sailing and farm visits
Lounge music and appertivo served daily at golden hour
Sunsets from the rooftop lounge are not to be missed.
Cascioni
An ultra-private escape surrounded by olive groves and silence.
Why We Like It
Tucked inland from the glitzy Costa Smeralda, Cascioni offers full immersion in Sardinian serenity. Suites come with private plunge pools, and the vibe is high-end agriturismo.
Image courtesy of Cascioni
Details To Know
From ~€450/night
Just 15 suites with personal terraces
Spa with herbal treatments and saltwater pool
Onsite organic farm supplies the kitchen
Ideal for couples seeking total privacy
Outdoor jacuzzi and loungers in each suite
Surrounded by wild groves and myrtle
Optional private yoga, horseback rides, and foraging tours
Book a horse ride through the surrounding countryside.
Capo d’Orso
Seaside luxury with just enough polish to keep things special.
Why We Like It
Hidden coves, wooden docks, and hammocks strung between pines. This is slow Mediterranean living with a touch of Riviera glam.
Image courtesy of Condé Nast
Details To Know
From ~€470/night
Private beach platforms and direct sea access
Thalasso spa with sea-view treatment cabins
Two restaurants serving seafood and Sardinian classics
Great for boat trips to La Maddalena
Hammocks, piano bar, and scenic garden paths
Low-rise architecture preserves natural beauty
Ask for a room with a terrace facing Cala Capra.
Hotel Pitrizza
The definition of Costa Smeralda chic, carved into the rock and shaded by juniper trees.
Why We Like It
Legendary for a reason, Pitrizza offers barefoot glamour, private plunge pools, and a staff-to-guest ratio that makes everything seamless. Still a favorite of old-money Italians and in-the-know Europeans.
Image courtesy of Pitrizza
Details To Know
From ~€1,000/night
Part of Marriott's Luxury Collection
Private beach and infinity pool overlooking the bay
Design blends natural stone and luxe minimalism
Many rooms have private pools or hot tubs
Concierge arranges everything from boat charters to heli-transfers
Restaurant known for its high-end seafood and wines
The open-air piano bar is a scene in itself.
Romazzino
Whitewashed and wind-swept, this Belmond icon captures Sardinia's natural elegance.
Why We Like It
Everything feels elemental and refined — the smell of myrtle, the sea breeze, the simplicity of grilled fregola and chilled Vermentino.
Image courtesy of Romazzino
Details To Know
From ~€1,400/night
Direct access to one of the prettiest beaches on the island
Interiors by Martin Brudnizki, blending modernism with tradition
Fresh pasta made daily onsite
Sailing, snorkeling, and beach yoga available
Garden paths wind through aromatic Mediterranean plants
Their "Bar delle Palme" is perfect for aperitivo hour with a sea view.
What We Do
Raw elegance meets Mediterranean tradition. Sardinia is where you go to breathe — hike through ancient cork forests, ride horseback along the coast, or sail through lagoons so clear they look surreal. Everything here feels older, slower, and more sacred — which is exactly the point.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
Museo Archeologico Nazionale
Sardinia’s most important archaeological museum, tracing the Nuragic civilization and Roman-era influence through intricate jewelry, stone sculptures, and bronzes.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Cagliari
Price: €8
Vibe: Contemporary and earthy
Need to Know: Don’t skip the ‘gigante di Monte Prama’ - mysterious stone warriors older than Rome.
MURATS
The island’s textile capital houses this small but important museum documenting Sardinia’s centuries-old weaving traditions. A must for design nerds and lovers of fiber arts.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Samugheo
Price: €- €€
Vibe: Whimsical and local favorite
Need to Know: Great for small, packable souvenirs, especially the saffron-infused honey.
Antonio Marras Concept Store
The famed Sardinian designer’s concept space is part atelier, part gallery, and part cultural experience. Inside a converted garage, you’ll find rare fashion, art installations, and one-of-a-kind home goods with serious edge.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Alghero
Price: €€€
Vibe: Avant-garde meets island soul
Need to Know: They occasionally host private dinners and performance art — ask what’s on.
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena
An archipelago of 60+ islands off Sardinia’s northeast coast, where turquoise lagoons, deserted coves, and wind-sculpted granite cliffs feel almost Caribbean. Charter a boat or take a guided tour — there’s no better way to experience Sardinia by sea.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Departs from Palau
Price: €70–€150 per person for a day cruise
Vibe: Wild, cinematic, completely unplugged
Need to Know: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and cash for beach kiosks — many boats don’t dock on shore.
Capo Testa
A surreal coastal landscape of wind-carved boulders, hidden beaches, and narrow sea trails near Santa Teresa Gallura. The area feels almost lunar and is especially beautiful at golden hour.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Above Trastevere
Price: Free
Vibe: Dreamy, ancient, untamed
Need to Know: Go late afternoon and bring wine — the sunset views are pure magic.
Cala Goloritzé
One of Sardinia’s most iconic beaches, accessible only by foot or boat, Cala Goloritzé is all white pebbles and electric-blue sea, framed by towering cliffs and a famous limestone needle.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Baunei coast
Price: €6 entry + €1 booking fee (summer only)
Vibe: Pristine, protected, and postcard-perfect
Need to Know: Daily visitor limits apply — book ahead via the official app in high season.
Horseback Riding in the Sinis
Trot along ancient Roman roads, salt flats, and sand dunes on a sunset ride through one of Sardinia’s quietest coastal areas. Some rides end with wine tastings or a dip in the sea.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Cabras, western Sardinia
Price: From €50 per person
Vibe: Rustic and romantic
Need to Know: No experience needed, but let them know in advance — horses are matched to skill level.
Gola Su Gorropu
Often called “Europe’s Grand Canyon,” this dramatic limestone gorge plunges 500 meters between sheer cliffs in central Sardinia. You can hike in from several trailheads, but the route from Genna Silana is the most accessible and stunning.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Between Dorgali and Urzulei
Price: Free if self-guided; ~€30 with local guide
Vibe: Rugged, remote, and a little mystical
Need to Know: Wear real hiking shoes — the descent is steep and the rocks can be slippery.
Tiscali Archeological Site
Tucked inside a collapsed mountain in the Lanaittu Valley, the ruins of the prehistoric Tiscali village feel like a true discovery. You’ll hike through dense forest and emerge into a hollowed-out cave filled with stone dwellings.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Supramonte di Dorgali
Price: €10 entry; guided hikes from €40
Vibe: Mystical + Indiana Jones-coded
Need to Know: Not for flip-flops — the hike is a 2-hour round trip with rocky scrambles.
Nightlife
Nightlife
Phi Beach
Built into a coastal fortress facing the open sea, this open-air club is a Sardinian icon for a reason. Aperitivo hour melts into golden hour, and then into full-blown DJ sets by top international names.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Baja Sardinia
Price: Free entry before 7 PM; drinks from €18
Vibe: Sunset cocktails to post-midnight revelry, with a VIP edge
Need to Know: Arrive early if you’re not reserving — it fills fast.
Estasi’s
Somewhere between a champagne lounge and a live-music venue, Estasi’s brings glam energy without being over-the-top. You might catch a saxophone solo mid-DJ set, or dance beside a yacht crew on shore leave.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Porto Rotondo
Price: Cocktails from €16
Vibe: Elegant, social, and semi-secret
Need to Know: Not a club — more of a stylish scene.
Ritual Club
Set inside a surreal stone castle in the hills, Ritual feels like a fever dream: moody lighting, winding staircases, and a dance floor carved from rock. The energy here skews darker, sexier, and a little mythical. Dress codes are enforced, but creativity is welcome.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Baja Sardinia
Price: Entry from €30 depending on event
Vibe: Ethereal, hedonistic, and ultra-memorable
Need to Know: No views, but all vibes.
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 48 Hours
PART ONE: Start In Cagliari
Wake up in the capital and ease into the day with espresso and cornetti under the trees at Antico Caffè, one of the city’s oldest institutions. Wander the sun-washed alleyways of the Castello district, where limestone facades, wrought iron balconies, and panoramic overlooks set the tone. Dive into Sardinia’s ancient history at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, which houses a remarkable collection from the island’s pre-Roman past. For lunch, settle into the garden of Casa Clat — all modernist glamour, lush greenery, and haute Sardinian cuisine.
In the afternoon, head south toward the wind-sculpted dunes of Chia, where the beach at Su Giudeu offers turquoise waters and soft, cinematic sand. Check into Hotel Faro Capo Spartivento, a decommissioned lighthouse turned luxury boutique stay perched on the cliffs.
Swim in the infinity pool as the sun drops, then head back into Cagliari for dinner at Luigi Pomata, where sashimi crudo meets local tuna belly. End the night with a Negroni in Casa Clat’s velvet-wrapped cocktail lounge, or a seaside stroll under the stars.
PART TWO: Drive To The North Coast
Start early and make your way north through the island’s changing landscapes. Pause in San Pantaleo, a mountain hamlet known for its artist ateliers and low-slung stone homes. If it’s market day, browse ceramics and handwoven textiles in the main square, or stop by Galleria Altromondo for a more curated peek at local talent. Continue toward Petra Segreta, where spa terraces overlook the coastline and stone cottages are tucked into the wild maquis.
From there, wind down to Cannigione for a lazy seafood lunch by the water, then hop on a small boat to explore the La Maddalena Archipelago — a protected cluster of rose-tinted beaches, crystalline coves, and perfect snorkeling. R
eturn to shore and check in at Aethos Sardinia, where the open-air lounge is the perfect spot for aperitivo. For dinner, book a table at Frades La Terrazza, perched above the Costa Smeralda with elevated Sardinian dishes and an unbeatable wine list.
PART THREE: A Final Day Of Sea + Slowness
Sleep in and start your final day with a late breakfast at Hotel Capo d’Orso or Cascioni Eco Retreat, depending on your base. Spend the morning reading in a hammock or slipping into the sea from a wooden platform. Around midday, head to Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel for lunch at the beach club — expect fregola, Vermentino, and perfect simplicity.
If you’re up for one last outing, book a horseback ride through the coast near Arzachena with Agriturismo Canales or Centro Ippico Golden Spur. Both offer scenic, small-group rides that end near the water. Return in time for one last dip, a golden-hour glass of Cannonau, and dinner at Il Portolano in Golfo Aranci — quiet, candlelit, and perched right over the sea.
As you drive back toward the airport (or your next hotel), you’ll realize you’ve only scratched the surface.
