Where should I go and what should I do in Sardinia?
Costa Smeralda Superyacht Scene & Porto Cervo Marina – One of the Mediterranean's largest superyacht harbors surrounded by exclusive villas, Michelin-worthy restaurants, and 55 km of pristine northeast coastline.
Second-Largest Atlantic Barrier Reef Snorkeling – Crystal-clear waters at Smith's Reef rivals the Caribbean; private boat charters reveal untouched coves and turquoise lagoons accessible only by sea.
La Maddalena Archipelago Private Boat Charters – Explore turquoise coves, pink-sand beaches, and uninhabited islands via skippered yacht with snorkeling, gourmet catering, and secluded anchorages.
Nora Archaeological Site & Ancient Nuraghi – Roman ruins set directly by the sea paired with 3,000-year-old Bronze Age stone towers; explore with private archaeologist guides for unmatched cultural immersion.
Insider's Escape: Fewer Crowds Than Mainland Italy – Quiet coves, mountain villages, and slow-meal culture that rewards curiosity without the Amalfi Coast chaos.
When should I go to Sardinia?
May–June (Late Spring Peak) – Warm 75–85°F water, wildflower blooms, fewer crowds than summer, and most hotels/restaurants fully open
September–Early October (Fall Sweet Spot) – Golden light, sea still warm (78°F), dramatic foliage in interior, and restaurants have availability without peak-season booking
June & Late August/September (Locals' Preference) – Consistent recommendation from Sardinia insiders: warm water, fewer crowds, brilliant light, island doesn't feel "compressed" like Ferragosto peak
What do I need to know for a trip to Sardinia?
Book Flights & Ferry Early – International flights to Sardinia are limited; lockdown flights 2–3 months ahead through Rome or Milan connections
Rent a Car is Essential (Unless Staying One Place) – Once on island, a rental car is mandatory for exploring beyond your resort; roads are scenic but winding and GPS unreliable in mountains
Shops Close Early Afternoon (2–4 PM) Religiously – Plan accordingly; many businesses shut down for siesta; don't expect 24/7 convenience like US cities
Combine Winery & Agriturismo Lunch – Many archaeological sites partner with local wineries or agriturismos for afternoon tastings and farm-to-table meals
Italian Primary, Limited English – Learn basic Italian phrases; northernmost Costa Smeralda resorts speak English, but southern villages and rural areas have limited English
Gologone Spring (Cala Gonone Base) – Natural freshwater spring in limestone landscape; worth visiting during shoulder season when water flow is optimal
A world of retro-glamour awaits at Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel in Costa Smeralda. Designed by famed architect Michele Busiri Vici and inaugurated by the Aga Khan IV in 1965, the Sardinian icon is a haven of whitewashed walls, flowing lines and arched windows.
On Sardinia’s dreamy north-east coast, the Baglioni Resort Sardinia is immersed in a sublime natural landscape without peer in the entire Mediterranean and stands in the Tavolara marine reserve near one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Lu Impostu.
Overlooking the medieval village of Castelsardo and the sparkling Gulf of Asinara, Bajaloglia Resort offers a sophisticated Sardinian escape surrounded by vineyards, Mediterranean landscapes, and breathtaking sea views.
Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of eastern Sardinia, a peaceful, picturesque escape hidden amidst verdant hills and scenic ravines, the fabulous boutique hotel Su Gologone is your luxurious mountain retreat...
The Best of Sardinia: Emerald Waters, Ancient Civilization, and Mediterranean Luxury
Sardinia may not be as well-known as the Amalfi Coast. Still, it’s less crowded than the Greek islands and quietly superior to both in ways that matter to the luxury traveler.
Porto Cervo in the northeast is the glamor hub. The marina village fills each summer with impressive superyachts, attracting European royalty, fashion aristocracy, and serious wealth since the 1960s. The best 5-star resorts in Sardinia are clustered along this coastline, setting the standard for luxury on private Italian beaches.
The surrounding waters along the Costa Smeralda are among the clearest in Europe. So clear that photographers consistently struggle to capture it accurately. Sardinia’s interior tells a different, equally compelling story. The island is also home to over 7,000 ancient megalithic stone towers built by the Nuragic civilization—a sight found nowhere else on earth. Private guided tours through the interior reveal a landscape and a culture untouched by the coastal glamor an hour away.
For those who prefer discretion, a handful of luxury resorts dot the quieter southern coast, while private yacht charters along the La Maddalena archipelago offer access to protected waters and uninhabited islands that even peak-season crowds rarely reach.