Days here unfold easily. Take a boat along the Costa Smeralda, discovering pink-sand beaches and glass-clear water around La Maddalena. Linger on Cala dei Gabbiani or stretch out on Capriccioli, framed by sculpted granite and Mediterranean scrub. When the sun dips, wander into a seaside town for seafood pasta, crisp white wine and a table that stretches long into the evening.
Away from the coast, Sardinia’s history reveals itself through Bronze Age nuraghes, archaeological parks and cities like Cagliari, where layered architecture meets bustling cafés and local markets.
A Taste of Sardinia
High-quality meat and fresh seafood dominate menus. 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.
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.
