Sardinia: Italy’s Undiscovered Luxury Island Escape

Having just spent a couple of weeks exploring the beauty of Sardinia, Maddie has shared her highlights and recommendations for your next visit to this incredible Italian island.

Whether you're dreaming of glamorous days exploring Costa Smeralda by private yacht, hiking to hidden beaches along the Gulf of Orosei, or discovering Sardinia's exceptional food and wine, this island offers the perfect balance of luxury, adventure and authentic local experiences.

Where to Stay - Costa Smeralda and Cala Gonone are our top picks for where to base yourself.

Stretching along Sardinia's northeast coast, Costa Smeralda is where superyachts anchor, designer boutiques line the marina and sophisticated beach clubs overlook crystalline bays. This is Sardinia at its most glamorous, with luxury hotels, exceptional dining and easy access to some of the island's most beautiful coastline.

Further down the east coast lies the charming seaside village of Cala Gonone. Framed by towering limestone cliffs, it offers an entirely different experience - a more rugged and authentic side of Sardinia, where the coastline is only partially accessible by road. Boat excursions and hikes are the best ways to discover some of the island's most remarkable beaches and hidden coves.

If you have more time, we’d also consider adding Alghero and San Teodoro to your itinerary. Alghero offers a beautiful blend of historic charm, Catalan influence, excellent seafood and nearby vineyards, while San Teodoro is perfect for those seeking a relaxed beach escape with easy access to some of northeast Sardinia’s most beautiful coastline.

Unforgettable Experiences

One of Maddie's favourite experiences around Cala Gonone was exploring the iconic beaches of Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu along the Gulf of Orosei. We highly recommend a boat day to discover these incredible coves from the water, with dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden beaches and some of the clearest swimming spots in Sardinia.

For those wanting to explore on foot, the hike down to Cala Goloritzé is a rewarding adventure, with visitor numbers limited each day to help preserve its natural beauty. The coastal hike from Cala Fuili to Cala Luna is another standout experience, combining breathtaking scenery with the thrill of arriving at one of the island’s most beautiful beaches by foot.

A highlight of northern Sardinia was a boat day exploring the La Maddalena Archipelago - a collection of pristine islands off the northern coast. Cruising between the islands, swimming in impossibly clear turquoise waters and discovering secluded bays made for an unforgettable day on the water and a true highlight of the Costa Smeralda region.

Taste Sardinia

A visit to a traditional agriturismo is a must, offering an authentic taste of Sardinian hospitality and farm-to-table cuisine. Our favourite was Codula Fuili, located just outside Cala Gonone, serving generous home-cooked local dishes in a peaceful countryside setting overlooking the dramatic coastline of Cala Fuili.

The experience includes a set menu showcasing traditional Sardinian flavours, accompanied by free-flowing local wine and one of the best sunset views overlooking the coastline. It is the perfect way to end the day after hiking from Cala Fuili to Cala Luna and back.

Some local delicacies to enjoy include:
- Bottarga (cured mullet roe), often called Sardinian caviar
- Culurgiones, beautifully hand-folded pasta filled with potato, pecorino and mint
- Porceddu, slow-roasted suckling pig cooked over open coals
- Local pecorino cheeses

Our Hotel Recommendations:

- La Ville del Re - Best for adults only
​- Hotel Pitrizza - Best for beach stay
- Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel - Best for luxury
- Forte Village - Best for families

From iconic luxury hotels and private boat charters to unforgettable local experiences, Sardinia offers the perfect Italian island escape for your next European summer adventure.