The Ultimate Guide to Sardinia

When it came to our Italy honeymoon, Kenny and I knew we’d want to live la dolce vita on The Amalfi Coast, but we also craved a little adventure – somewhere we hadn’t been before and had only seen dreamy photos of (photos that always looked too good to be true). The island of Sardinia. This relatively unknown jewel of the Mediterranean intrigued us big time, especially since no one we knew had even been there before. What WAS this hidden gem of an island tucked between Spain and Italy?! We had to find out.

Although Sardinia has long been a favorite summer destination for the European jet-set and yachty crowd, few people outside of Europe know it exists (which is probably how the Italians want to keep it, LOL). Famous for its gorgeous beaches and sparkling, crystal-clear azure waters, and ravishing natural beauty, Sardinia has it all. It’s a little like if Spain, Italy, and the British Virgin Islands had an island baby.

The culture here on Sardinia is Italian at its core, but more rustic and stripped back. Though it’s highly sought-after by the world’s elite, it’s actually not glitzy and glam (at least not when comparing it to somewhere like Capri). No, Sardinia is more rustic, warm, more naturally beautiful, and understated. The people here don’t come to be seen, or be a part of the scene, they come to get away, to have a nice vacation with their loved ones. It seemed like to us, sometimes people go to a place like Capri or a Positano to show off a little, whereas you go to a place like Sardinia for yourself.

The people who come to Sardinia are hardly ever first-timers. They summer here, every year, and honestly, I’m pretty jealous of them. Sardinia is a paradise island that grabs your heart and blows your mind, and makes you want to return year after year. Which is why we returned four years later after our honeymoon with our family in tow as well! And saw the island from a whole new perspective. I love Sardinia and if you’re a beach and Italy lover like I am, I think you guys will, too!

So let’s get to the Ultimate Guide to Sardinia so you guys can plan your trip!

Where is the best area to stay in Sardinia?

Firstly, what many people don’t realize when planning a trip to Sardinia is that Sardinia is the second largest island in Italy and in the Mediterranean (!!!). It’s HUGE.

On the north-east coast, Costa Smeralda is known for its crowd of billionaire jet-setters and all the best beach clubs and hotels. But the mountainous mainland disguises pretty villages, too. If we had more time we might have considered a road trip from North to South (which can take up to 5 hours), but, for a honeymoon and the trip we were looking for, it was nice to base in the Costa Smeralda.

The Best Hotels in Sardinia

Where to stay in Costa Smeralda

Deluxe Room, Sea View | Terrace/patio

2 bars/lounges, beach bar

Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda, is the best choice if you’re looking for an ultra, ultra luxury resort in Sardinia. When we stayed here, Sofia Vergara and Jay Balvin were both staying there, too! This is a celeb hot spot, but it’s not a ‘scene’ at all. Understated, relaxed luxury. Located on Costa Smeralda’s pristine coastline, the hotel has stunning mediterranean architecture, with white walls and stunning, warm, elevated decor. It has a glamorous, storied history, and beautiful bouganvillea-laced rooms with private terraces and views of the sea! Guests have access to a private beach club and can enjoy delicious food at the 2 restaurants. The wellness spa, fitness center, and tennis courts all add up to a very Jetset-approved vacation. Personalized concierge services are available to assist with planning excursions and activities, too. The service was fabulous, the room was STUNNING, the pools were huge, beach club great, and I just love the vibe of this hotel. There’s also a kids club for families!! You’ll be spoiled here, to say the least!!!!

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How to get free perks when booking Romazzino, or any of these hotels:

For free breakfast for two at the Romazzino, a $100 resort credit, and a room upgrade (when available), fill out this contact form and be sure to use the referral code “JETSETCHRISTINA” if you use my referral, my agency partner will reach out with more information and can help book you with all kinds of fun perks (at no extra cost to you, and they don’t charge a fee to book!)

Hotel Abi D’oru – a great choice for families looking to be on a stunning beach!

If you’re looking for one of the best luxury beachfront hotels in Sardinia that’s as dreamy for adults as it is easy with kids, look no further than Hotel Abi d’Oru. Set right on the soft white shores of Marinella Beach, just outside Porto Rotondo, this five-star Sardinian resort nails that sweet spot between elegant escape and family-friendly resort! The beach is wide and swimmable, the rooms are spacious and breezy, and there’s an epic kids’ club (with daily programming, indoor-outdoor play areas, and sweet staff that make drop-off an actual dream). Parents can sneak off to the spa, sip spritzes by the pool, or book a long, slow lunch at one of the hotel’s multiple restaurants while the little ones are happily entertained. With its iconic views of the Golfo di Marinella and close proximity to Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda, Hotel Abi d’Oru is one of the best places to stay in Sardinia for families who want luxury and ease — no compromises required.

HOTEL ABI D'ORU - Updated 2025 Prices & Reviews (Porto Rotondo, Sardinia)

Aethos – boutique and great value!

Aethos is a great low-key, super cute home base in a great area of Sardinia. We toyed with the Uber-bougie Cala di Volpe (where we did get lunch one of the days to see what it was all about) but are definitely glad we went with the less expensive hotel (but bigger, nicer room – definitely upgrade your room at this hotel to one of the pool rooms!) since Sardinia is more about exploring and less of a destination where you’re spending all the time at the hotel, and Cala di Volpe is not very exciting, TBH!!!!

Aethos was super cute and felt like home! The service was great. They are not located directly on the beach but you don’t really need to be in Sardinia since all the best beaches aren’t hotel beaches! They also helped us get an amazing vespa rental for our whole trip, delivered right to the front of the hotel, which was a FAB way to see the island (you can also opt for an electric car). You will definitely need some way to get around the island whether it’s a car or a vespa!

This hotel is located in the cute Canggione neighborhood and there were lots of restaurants within walking distance!

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Hotel Pitrizza, Porto Cervo

The Pitrizza, which is now a Cheval Blanc hotel, is one of the most exclusive, luxurious places to stay in all of Sardinia. With beautiful views over the crystal-clear sea of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, impeccable, refined, service, and increeeedible villas. The best part of this hotel is that it’s right on a gorgeous beach, as well as a 10-minute drive to Porto Cervo town. The rooms are elegant and very Sardinian, with furnished terraces and marble bathrooms, and some rooms have private pools and hot tubs and 24-hour butler service.

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Cala Di Volpe

While this is a nice spot to pop by for a drink or to do some luxury shopping, it’s not where I would stay in Sardinia. It for a long time was considered the best place to stay, but there are now better properties I think you guys will like better. Friends have stayed here and all agree the service is not the best, ‘s a bit too ‘showy’, the food is not the best, and there is no beach on property! It’s pretty, and I do like swinging by for bellinis and people watching (just be aware there is a minimum per person of 80 euros!) but for me, when it comes to Romazzino vs Cala Di Volpe, I personally much prefer Romazzino for a luxury hotel in Sardinia.

Forte Village

If you’re dreaming of an ideal hotel in Sardinia, and are flying into the Southern part of the island (Cagliari), Forte Village Resort in Santa Margherita di Pula may be perfect for you. Established in 1970 by Charles Forte, this resort boasts eight luxurious hotels and 21 exceptional restaurants, including options led by Michelin-starred chefs. Dive into relaxation at the world-class Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa, or let the kids explore one of the best kids clubs in the world with their Children’s Wonderland, complete with themed activities and sports academies run by professionals. Whether you want a romantic retreat, a family fun-filled holiday, or a rejuvenating wellness break, this hotel is highly-recommended!!

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Do you need a car to get around Sardinia?

In short, yes, you do!!!! You definitely need SOME sort of transportation to get around. It is a HUGE island and everything is far apart from each other. Our first trip here (on our honeymoon), we opted to uber from the airport (not cheap, around 80-100 euros), but then rented a vespa for the rest of the time, which was much more fun, and less expensive, than relying on taxis for everything. For our second trip, since we were going with little ones, we opted to rent a car!

If you decide to stick to taxis, you’ll realize how expensive it is very quickly – just one taxi to one beach was going to cost us 80 euros one way.

What should we do in Sardinia?

The Best Things to Do in Sardinia

Take a boat ride round the Maddalena Islands

The Maddalena Islands are a MUST on any trip to Sardinia. This stunning archipelago was easily the highlight of our trip, and maybe even the whole honeymoon! Take a boat tour with this company that we used! They set us up with an amazing lunch AND aperitifs, and endless prosecco and Sardinian wine and beer! They took us around to a bunch of the absolute best spots and it was just the most relaxing, best day. Could not recommend it more.

all wearing Kenny Flowers

Shop our matching family outfits here

Go Beach-Hopping Around the Island

There are so many beaches to see on the Costa Smeralda, and even more if you’re willing to drive further down to the middle of the island. We stuck to what was nearby and had the best time! I’d recommend stopping at a market and stocking up on some sodas, snacks, rosé and supplies (this is very common in Sardinia as some of the more remote beaches don’t have restaurants) and heading to Cappricioli Beach first. There are five different beaches at Cappricioli so check them all out and then plop down at one. Warning, it can definitely get crowded here so go early and on a weekday!

After, head to more beaches. Some other favorites are Spaggia Rena Bianca, Spaggia di Cala Coticcio, Porto Istana

The Best Beach Club to base at for a day in Sardinia

We loved White Beach Club at Liscia Ruja and found it to be the perfect place to base for the day. The lunch is pricey here but really good (Kenny’s fav of the trip!) It’s a scene of yachties and billionaires, for sure. And White Beach Club was a little snobby (make a reservation before you go!) but it was a fun day!

Nikki Beach Sardinia

There’s also Nikki Beach Sardinia, which we didn’t get to during our trip but is supposed to be a fun scene too! (It’s one of my favorites in St. Tropez!)

Where to Eat & Drink in Sardinia

The Belmond bar – go and eat at the bar terrace, delicious food, amazing panoramic views, and great cocktails!

Agriturismo La Colti – a great dinner spot and super authentic, full of locals. We loved this place. Very meat-heavy so not a good place for vegetarians. Probably our most memorable meal in Sardinia.

Brezza Di Mare – just a walk down the street from Villa Del Golfo – this place was INCREDIBLE. Order the mustard-encrusted tuna & a bottle of Sardinian wine. We loved this place so much we went twice.

Cala Di Volpe – There’s a very fancy, very pricey price fixe lunch or you can sit at the bar area and have drinks/less expensive lunch items!

La Randa – for authentic Italian cooking in a cute little neighborhood restaurant, look no further.

Go wine tasting– the only thing that can pry me from the beach! We tasted at Surrau – this was a great tasting, beautiful property and tasting room, and delicious wines – we chose this winery because they are family-friendly, I also want to go back to this winery but they don’t accept children!

Is Sardinia family-friendly?

DEFINITELY! While it’s romantic for couples, it is VERY family friendly and we saw a ton of adorable families having the time of their lives throughout our trip.