In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea you’ll find the beautiful Italian island of Sardinia with its miles upon miles of beautiful beaches. Giving way to crystal-clear waters, these glorious stretches of sand are some of the most sought-after in Europe.
The island is also renowned for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant local culture, making it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and explore. Whether you're interested in sunbathing, hiking, or discovering ancient ruins, Sardinia has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on this magnificent Italian island.
Looking to uncover everything this iconic island has to offer? Our luxury villas in Sardinia offer the perfect base to explore and see it all.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked Sardinia villas have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking holiday homes in Sardinia that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our luxury apartments all have that exclusive ‘wow’ factor.
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Sardinia is a true paradise for travellers seeking to unwind and explore. Whether you are looking to relax on some of the world's most beautiful beaches, hike through breathtaking natural parks, indulge in delicious local cuisine, or immerse yourself in the island's rich history and culture, Sardinia has something to offer everyone.
From its ancient ruins and traditional festivals to its world-class wineries and water sports opportunities, Sardinia is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.
With our luxury Sardinia villas, you'll be at the heart of it all. But if you're hoping to explore more of the region, you can check out our full collection of holiday homes in Italy.
Getting out on the water on a boat tour is an excellent way to see the island and the awe-inspiring shoreline of the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast). Many services depart from La Maddalena towards Budelli - famous for its pink sand beach - and Isola Spargi with its shallow, turquoise waters.
If R&R is more on your mind, hit up Cala Brandinchi - known as 'Little Tahiti' for how it rivals the South Pacific's incredibly clear seas. It's rivalled by Cala dei Gabbiani, a captivating cove with rocky outcrops that only add to the almost tropical scene.
For those who can bear to tear themselves away from the coast, there's so much history to uncover on Sardinia. The island boasts several fascinating archaeological sites, while ancient edifices called nuraghes are somewhat commonplace - you'll find them scattered throughout the island, and they date back to the Bronze Age.
And no trip is complete without visiting Sardinia's capital, Cagliari. As the most populated city on the island, it has landmarks including Cagliari Cathedral and Bastione Saint Remy. It's also home to a very particular type of pizza called pizzetta sfoglia which is a must-try.
Excellent, high-quality meats and the freshest seafood dominate menus in Sardinia. Porcetto arrosto (roasted suckling pig) and pecora in cappotto (mutton stew) are particular favourites, especially when served with the crisp flatbread carasau. However, lobster is also lovingly prepared in Alghero, where it's boiled and then served with fresh tomatoes and onion in salad form and you really must try the local and deeply decadent bottarga, dried roe of mullet that is exquisite.
Vegetarian? Fear not. There are plenty of pasta dishes to choose from! Fregula is unique to Sardinia, made using a sieve which creates tiny pieces of dough that are then cooked in a manner similar to risotto. Culurgiones are also hugely popular across the island - handmade, oversized ravioli pockets boasting a potato, pecorino and mint filling.
We hope you saved room for dessert because seadas are simply irresistible - deep-fried semolina dumplings generously stuffed with pecorino cheese and lemon zest. The final touch is a drizzle of Sardinian honey on top - thoroughly delicious.
Be sure to pair it with wines from the island too, particularly Vermentino, a white wine that is widely produced in Sardinia and is known for its crisp, refreshing taste - the perfect sundowner. Also sample Cannonau, a red that is known for its rich, full-bodied flavour and is often compared to Chianti.
Great for kids: Pizza, pasta and gelato will keep even the pickiest eaters happy come mealtimes.
Great for teens: Kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and snorkeling are all on offer along the north coast - what more could they want?
You'll feel like you're somewhere far further away than Italy when lazing on one of Sardinia's beaches - prepare to fool your social media followers!
As Italy's second-largest island, Sardinia boasts so many bustling towns, colourful villages and quaint seaside spots to explore. Whether you prioritise beachside lounging, mountain hiking or museum mooching, every tourist will find something to tickle their fancy.
Want to extend your trip further? We've got holiday homes to rent across Tuscany, Sicily, Rome, and along the Amalfi Coast.
Perched atop a hill, Castelsardo offers relaxing views that even extend to Corscia on a clear day, or you can choose to hike up to the Castello dei Doria.
The principal town in Sardinia’s northeast boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times and is home to numerous archaeological sites and landmarks that are worth exploring. The old town is a charming area with narrow streets, colourful houses, and lovely piazzas. The city is also a gateway to the nearby island of Tavolara, which is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and crystal-clear waters.
This popular holiday destination for its beautiful beaches such as La Cinta, Lu Impostu, and Cala Brandinchi, and the natural parks that surround the area are a great starting point for hiking and biking in the nearby hills and exploring the island's natural beauty. The town becomes lively in the evening with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops, and also hosts a weekly market where you can find a variety of local products and souvenirs.
This seriously luxurious resort town is renowned for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and impressive, yacht-lined marina. The town is favoured by the international jet set - think Gwyneth Paltrow, Steven Speilberg and Adele - who flock to its designer boutiques, exclusive nightclubs, and five-star accommodation. Porto Cervo is also surrounded by beautiful beaches, including Liscia Ruja, Cala di Volpe, and Spiaggia del Principe, which are considered some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
Boasting over 1,800 kilometres of coastline with a variety of stunning beaches to explore, you’ll never run out of sandy stretches in Sardinia. The island’s beaches offer visitors a chance to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun, as well as to explore the island's unique natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a quiet, secluded spot or a lively beach with plenty of activities, Sardinia has something to offer every type of beachgoer.
Among the most famous on the island and part of the Gennargentu National Park protected area, Cala Goloritzé is famous for the striking rocky cliffs that descend steeply into the impossibly blue water below. Only accessible on foot, it’s an ideal destination for hikers and adventure seekers. The trek to Cala Goloritze takes around an hour and is considered moderately difficult, but the breathtaking scenery along the way is very much worth the effort.
With fine white sand and imposing granite rock formations, this beach is a paradise for nature lovers and beachgoers alike. The area is also surrounded by Mediterranean brush, creating a picturesque and relaxing atmosphere. Capriccioli is divided into several coves and bays, each with its own unique charm and character. One for each day of your holiday!
The beach is well-equipped with facilities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, and beach bars, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea. Romazzino Beach is also a great place for water sports enthusiasts, with activities like snorkelling, diving, and windsurfing readily available. With its pristine beauty and natural charm, Romazzino Beach is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Costa Smeralda.
There are three airports on Sardinia: Cagliari, on the south of the island; Alghero, in the northwest; and Olbia, in the northeast. If you can catch a direct flight, the journey time is around 2 hours 30 minutes.
However, you'll sometimes find that you have to fly into Milan, Rome or Venice first and then get a domestic flight from there. Alternatively, you can catch the ferry, which takes around 8 hours from Rome.
The roads are typically quiet in Sardinia, allowing you to quickly get around the island and hop from town to town and beach to beach. You'll also find that there are no motorways here, though there are some winding roads that require a little extra focus.
With few public transport options, we'd suggest hiring a car from whatever airport you fly into. Be sure to book yours in advance if visiting in summer.
Many of the towns are connected by bus, offering an affordable way to get around the island. Keep in mind that drivers don't always stick to the timetables you find online, and a reduced service runs on Sundays.
You may be surprised to hear that a well-connected rail network operates across the island, allowing you to visit the various major towns. There's also a traditional steam train that runs in the summer months - it may be slower, but you can't top the experience!
There's a distinctly laid-back feel to Sardinia, meaning that exploring by foot is preferable once you've arrived at your chosen destination. While beach time may be the priority, it's worth packing trainers as well in case you plan to take on a hike or two.
