There's no doubt about it - Sardinia's biggest appeal is 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. However, there's actually a lot more to Sardinia than simply sunbathing and snorkeling.
You'll find hiking trails to suit various levels, hidden caves and grottos for avid adventurers, plus a sumptuous cuisine and fine dining experiences to keep you fueled for all the fun ahead.
Looking to uncover everything this Italian 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.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
If you want to experience the majesty of the Caribbean without the hassle of the long-haul flight, Sardinia should be top of your holiday hit-list. A treasure trove of natural beauty with a welcome helping of history thrown in, it's the sort of place that allows you to reconnect with the world around you - because why would you want to be looking down at your phone when the views are this good?
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.
Of course, a big part of visiting Sardinia for most will be the chance to unwind on its stunning beaches. You can't go wrong with any of these awe-inspiring sandy stretches, but we'd suggest Cala Goloritzé if you're hoping to snorkel - be warned that it's a 3-hour round trip hike to get there, but well worth the effort!
If r&r is more on your mind, hit up Cala Brandinchi - known as 'Little Tahiti' for how it rivals Hawaii's incredibly clear seas. It's rivalled by Cala dei Gabbiani, a captivating cove with rocky outcrops that only add to the Caribbean-esque 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 ancient 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 - trust us on this one and give it a try.
While Sardinia may be an island, interestingly the focus here is more on meats over seafood. Pork and lamb dominate most menus, with porcetto arrosto (roasted suckling pig) and pecora in cappotto (mutton stew) proving particular favourites. However, lobster is also lovingly prepared in Alghero, where it's boiled and then served with fresh tomatoes and onion in salad form.
Of course, if you're looking to sample multiple cold cuts and cheeses at once, you can't go wrong with aperitivo - only made better when enjoyed with a glass of local wine. Serving up the likes of dry sausage and aged pecorino on a single plate, it's an integral part of Sardinian culture.
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. Often referred to as Italian couscous, these balls 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 - decadently delicious.
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 population of Alghero is said to quadruple in summertime - which should tell you something about just how desirable this spot is. A fascinating blend of Italian and Catalan cultures, it boasts a bustling medieval centre, Gothic architecture, plus ample bars and restaurants backing onto the city's beach.
This small town is located right by the Roman ruins of Nora. Boasting preserved temples, baths, a forum and ampitheatre, this mesmerising collection dates back to 4BC. In the summer months, you may even find concerts showing at the ampitheatre - a wonderful contrast of old and new you won't forget!
Capturing that classic seaside town vibe, Santa Teresa Gallura allows you to be fully immersed in local life. The Piazza Vittorio Emanuele acts as the beating heart of this place, bursting with restaurants, bars, gelato shops and souvenir stalls, while the beautiful harbour and beach will have you feeling fully relaxed.
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.
