A Mediterranean original—crystalline coves, living culture, and effortless indulgence
Sardinia is the Mediterranean’s most refined escape—turquoise coves, wind‑carved granite, and villages where tradition meets design. From Costa Smeralda’s glamorous marinas to La Maddalena’s protected waters and Barbagia’s timeless mountain culture, this is a destination for private villas, yacht charters, and slow, sensory travel. Explore the best places to visit in Sardinia for couples, families, and friends—curated with insider detail and luxury in mind.
Why Sardinia for luxury travel
Sardinia, an autonomous region of Italy, boasts approximately 1800 kilometers (1149 miles) of coastline, making it the second largest island in the Mediterranean and the first in beach coasts. The island is strategically positioned in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Corsica, bordered by Spain to the west, the Italian Peninsula to the east, North Africa to the south, and France to the north. It is accessible via numerous flights and ferry connections.
- The water: Turquoise shallows and calm coves, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and days at anchor.
- The stays: Design-forward luxury resorts, staffed private villas, and bespoke yacht charters.
- The soul: Nuragic towers, Roman and Phoenician coastal cities, and festivals lived—not staged.
- The ease: Strong air and ferry links, private transfers, and concierge logistics from villa to marina.
- The calm: Protected landscapes, low industry, and a remarkably unhurried rhythm.
Population: ~1.6 million
Capital: Cagliari
sq km territory
km coastline
km lenth (N-S)
km width (E-W)
Best places to visit in Sardinia
North & Northeast: Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena, Tavolara, Gallura
- Costa Smeralda: Sardinia’s luxury heart—Porto Cervo marinas, curated beach clubs, fine dining, and design boutiques. High-season buzz meets barefoot elegance.
- La Maddalena Archipelago National Park: A masterpiece of sandbars and sapphire bays—perfect for day boats or a full yacht itinerary. Snorkel, SUP, and silky-calm anchorages.
- Tavolara & Capo Coda Cavallo: A dramatic limestone crown rising from the sea; sunrise hikes, glass-clear coves, and secret beaches by tender.
- Gallura: Cork forests and sculpted granite; stone towns with serious wine lists and artisanal producers.
Northwest: Alghero, Stintino, Castelsardo, Bosa
- Alghero & Riviera del Corallo: Catalan-inflected old town, sandy arcs, and Neptune’s Grotto by sea. Aperitivi on medieval ramparts at golden hour.
- Stintino & La Pelosa: The postcard—white-sand lagoon, shallow turquoise, and a protected bay. Arrive early or by boat.
- Castelsardo: A cliff-top fortress town with panoramic terraces and excellent coastal dining.
- Bosa: Pastel riverfront, cobbled lanes, and leisurely lunches along the Temo River.
Interior & West: Sassari, Nuraghe Santu Antine, Tharros, Asinara
- Nuraghe Santu Antine (Torralba): One of the island’s grand Nuragic complexes—essential for history lovers.
- Oristano & Tharros: Phoenician-Roman coastal ruins framed by dunes and lagoons; perfect combined with a beach day.
- Asinara National Park: Wild and almost car-free—albino donkeys, translucent bays. Reach by ferry or private boat.
South & East: Cagliari, Costa del Sud, Golfo di Orosei, Barbagia
- Cagliari: A sunlit capital—Roman layers, markets, terraces, and easy city-beach days.
- Costa del Sud: Unspoiled crescents of sand and clear water; low crowds, big skies.
- Golfo di Orosei (Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé): Cliff-ringed coves reached by boat or hike, with exceptional water clarity.
- Barbagia & Nuoro: Mountain villages, living craft traditions, and Su Nuraxi in Barumini (UNESCO) within reach.
Where to stay: luxury resorts, private villas, and yacht charters
- Luxury resorts in Costa Smeralda: Discreet service, private beaches, chef-driven dining, restorative spas, and polished beach clubs.
- Sardinia luxury villas: Sea-view estates and stone-built homes with chefs, daily housekeeping, and concierge—ideal for families and friends seeking privacy.
- Yacht charter Sardinia: From day cruisers in La Maddalena to week-long crewed yachts connecting Northern Sardinia and Southern Corsica—bespoke routes, watertoys, and onboard dining.
Signature experiences
- Sail the archipelago: A progressive anchorage itinerary through La Maddalena’s lagoons and Tavolara’s shadow.
- Coastal hike to cove: Trek the Supramonte to Cala Luna or Goloritzé; return by boat for a languid swim.
- Archeology in style: Private-guided visits to Nuragic sites and coastal ruins, followed by vineyard lunches.
- Taste the island: Chef-led seafood markets in Cagliari, porceddu in Barbagia, and vertical tastings of Cannonau and Vermentino.
- Wellness days: Seafront yoga, thalasso circuits, and forest bathing in Mediterranean maquis.
- Design your day: From helicopter panoramas of Costa Smeralda to sunset horseback rides on empty beaches.
Food & wine: what to taste
- From the sea: Bottarga, lobster, sea urchin, and line-caught fish—served simply to honor the catch.
- From the land: Porceddu, pecorino, wild herbs, artichokes, and village-by-village breads like pane carasau.
- In the glass: Cannonau with depth, mineral Vermentino, and rare indigenous varietals; close with Mirto.
Culture, alive
Sardinian culture isn’t curated—it’s lived. Expect hand‑embroidered dress, polyphonic chant, candlelit processions, and horseback pageantry. Highlights include:
- Sa Sartiglia (Oristano)
- Faradda di li Candareri (Sassari, UNESCO)
- Sant’Efisio (Cagliari)
- Cavalcata Sarda (Sassari)
- S’Ardia (Sedilo)
When to visit Sardinia
- May–June and September–October: The luxury sweet spot—warm seas, bloom and color, fewer crowds, and easy reservations.
- July–August: High-season glamour on Costa Smeralda—reserve early for villas, yachts, and tables.
- Year-round: Archeology, hiking, cycling, wellness, culinary workshops, and mild coastal winters.
Who this destination is perfect for
- Couples: Secluded coves, chef’s tables, and sunset sails.
- Families: Gentle beaches, safe towns, and villas with staff and child-friendly services.
- Friends: Yacht weeks, beach-club days, and design villas with pools and views.
Our way: tailor-made Sardinia
We design Sardinia around you—hotel and villa selection with the right light and privacy, yacht routes through La Maddalena, trusted drivers for scenic coastal roads, and tables with your name at sunset. Every detail, handled with discretion.
Find answers to popular questions
What is the best time to visit Sardinia for a luxury holiday?
May–June and September–October offer warm seas, clear skies, and calmer beaches—ideal for private villas, yacht charters, and relaxed dining.
Where are the best beaches in Sardinia?
For swimmable shallows and island-hopping, head to La Maddalena and Costa Smeralda. For dramatic coves, sail or hike into the Golfo di Orosei (Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé).
What are the top areas to stay in Sardinia?
Costa Smeralda for high-season glamour; the Northeast coast for access to La Maddalena; the South for quiet, unspoiled beaches; inland Barbagia for culture-forward stays.
Can I charter a private yacht in Sardinia?
Yes—choose day boats for La Maddalena or crewed yachts for week-long itineraries linking Northern Sardinia and Southern Corsica. We tailor routes and onboard experiences.
Is Sardinia family-friendly?
Extremely—gentle beaches, safe towns, and villas with staff make Sardinia ideal for multi-generational trips.