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Sardinia, Italy
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Northern Sardinia (Olbia & Alghero)

Sardinia

The second-largest island in the Mediterranean with over 1,800 kilometers of coastline, white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, plus rugged mountain regions and charming coastal towns in the north between Olbia and Alghero.

Dream beaches like La Cinta, Lu Impostu and Brandinchi near San TeodoroLa Pelosa near Stintino, one of Italy's best-known beachesDay trip to the island world of La MaddalenaWine tastings at wineries around Alghero
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Tickets for the most beautiful beaches like Lu Impostu or La Pelosa are released online 48 hours in advance, best to book right on time since they sell out fast.

Getting to Sardinia

With Lufthansa and Edelweiss via Zurich to Cagliari, cost around €300 to 500 per person (depending on season), about 4 to 6 hours. After landing we picked up our rental car right at the airport and headed north, the roughly three-hour drive led through varied landscapes, from Mediterranean plains to picturesque stretches of coast. Airports: Cagliari Elmas Airport (south), Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (northeast), Alghero-Fertilia Airport (northwest). By ferry: from Genoa, Livorno or Civitavecchia to Olbia or Porto Torres, also possible from Nice or Barcelona, crossing time between 6 and 10 hours depending on the route.

Accommodation in Sardinia

Hotel Sestante, Porto Rotondo

On the northeast coast, restaurants and small shops within easy walking distance (Olbia 30 min., Alghero 1.5 hrs., Cagliari 3 hrs.). €160 a night, good value for money. Modern, comfortable room, great breakfast with lactose-free and soy milk options, very friendly and helpful staff, charming, welcoming atmosphere, clean and well-kept, free underground parking.

Verdict: An excellent place to stay in an ideal location, perfect for a relaxed stay with top service and comfort, an absolute recommendation.

La Vinia Bed & Wine Experience

Idyllically located on a vineyard, perfect for wine lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful getaway. €160 a night, good value for money. High-quality wines, we couldn't resist and took a few bottles home, very friendly and helpful staff, tasty breakfast.

Verdict: A wonderful place to stay with a great atmosphere and excellent wines, ideal for connoisseurs and those seeking peace and quiet.

The Best Beaches in Sardinia

La Cinta

Near San Teodoro in the northeast, roughly 5 km long, fine sand beach with a shallow slope, especially family-friendly. White sand, crystal-clear water, an impressive lagoon inland with flamingos often visible, plenty of water sports options like kitesurfing and windsurfing. Lots of parking, €2 per hour.

Verdict: Perfect for anyone looking for a long, dreamy beach with good infrastructure, ideal for families, water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

La Cinta

Lu Impostu

Near San Teodoro, roughly 1 km long, fine sand beach with a shallow slope, crystal-clear water and surrounding dunes with Mediterranean vegetation, an adjacent lagoon. White sand, idyllic nature, enough room despite its popularity, calm water especially suited for families. Entry €2, ticket sales open 48 hours in advance daily at 6pm, parking €2 per hour.

Verdict: Perfect for anyone looking for a dreamy beach amid untouched nature.

Lu Impostu

Brandinchi ("Tahiti")

Near San Teodoro, about 700 meters long, fine white sand and a shallow, turquoise sea with a tropical feel, surrounded by pine forests and dunes. Crystal-clear water, a paradise-like atmosphere, especially family-friendly, also good for snorkeling. Entry €2, parking about €1.50 per hour.

Verdict: Ideal for anyone looking for a fine sand, picturesque beach with calm water and a beautiful natural backdrop.

Brandinchi ("Tahiti")

La Pelosa

On the northwest coast near Stintino, about 50 km from Sassari, fine white sand and shallow, turquoise water with a Caribbean feel, a view of the islands of Asinara and Piana. Gently sloping sea, especially family-friendly, also good for snorkeling, can get very crowded given its popularity. Entry €3.50, tickets released 48 hours in advance, limited parking.

Verdict: A unique beach with a breathtaking backdrop and Caribbean flair, a must despite the crowds.

La Pelosa

Spiaggia Monti d'A Rena

In the north of the island of La Maddalena, about 200 meters long, golden sand, clear water, surrounded by granite rocks. Idyllic, calm water, ideal for swimming and relaxing, usually less crowded. No entry fee, free parking along the road.

Spiaggia Monti d'A Rena

Bassa Trinita Beach

In the northwest of La Maddalena, about 300 meters long, white sand and clear, turquoise sea, surrounding dunes and Mediterranean vegetation. Soft sand, crystal-clear water, a calm, natural setting. No entry fee, free parking.

Verdict: Ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a picturesque, unspoiled beach on La Maddalena.

Bassa Trinita Beach

The Best Food in Sardinia

Il Diamante (Alghero)

A stylish restaurant with fresh, regional cuisine and excellent service, high-quality dishes with great attention to detail. The fish dishes and homemade pasta especially won us over, an elegant yet relaxed ambience.

Verdict: A culinary highlight in Sardinia, perfect for upscale Sardinian cuisine in beautiful surroundings.

Il Diamante (Alghero)

Vizi e Sfizi

A cozy spot, an inviting restaurant with a warm atmosphere and excellent pizza, freshly prepared dishes with high-quality ingredients, attentive and friendly service, fair prices.

Verdict: A wonderful place to enjoy pizza, an absolute recommendation for food lovers.

Vizi e Sfizi

Pizzeria Cocco (Sassari)

Authentic pizza enjoyment in an unfussy setting, besides classic pizzas also delicious folded pizza sandwiches, crispy dough, fresh ingredients.

Verdict: Ideal for a quick bite in between.

Pizzeria Cocco (Sassari)

La Furat Ristorante Pizzeria (Alghero)

Authentic Italian cuisine with a warm atmosphere, crispy, perfectly topped pizza, fresh, lovingly prepared pasta, friendly and attentive service.

Verdict: A great address for anyone looking for good pizza and pasta.

Gelateria Villi (Olbia)

A small but excellent gelateria with homemade ice cream of top quality, intense flavor, creamy texture. The pistachio and fruit flavors especially won us over, friendly service, generous portions.

Gelateria Villi (Olbia)

Gelateria BMeV

Homemade ice cream with intense flavors and a creamy texture, a wide selection from classic flavors to creative combinations, friendly service, fair prices.

Gelateria BMeV

ReGelato (Alghero)

Creamy, homemade ice cream with a large range of flavors, from classic to creative specialties.

Verdict: A must for ice cream lovers.

ReGelato (Alghero)

Gelateria 9 3/4 (Alghero)

Creative, homemade ice cream, besides classic flavors also unusual combinations that surprise.

Verdict: Perfect for anyone who wants to try unusual, high-quality ice cream creations.

Gelateria 9 3/4 (Alghero)

The Best Activities in Sardinia

Wine Tasting at Wine Resort Ledà d'Ittiri

Near Alghero, surrounded by sprawling vineyards and olive groves. €35 per person for five carefully selected wines from their own production, accompanied by regional cheese, fresh bread and high-quality olive oil. After the tasting, wines and other specialties can be bought right on site.

Verdict: We really liked the location and the tasting itself, but flavor-wise hardly any of the wines won us over, nor did the cheese. Still, a lovely place to learn about Sardinian wine culture.

Wine Tasting at La Vinia Bed & Wine Experience

Amid picturesque vineyards, tasting with a cellar tour on select days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 4pm), about 1.5 hours, €35 per person for 3 wines plus local specialties.

Verdict: An interesting experience for anyone who wants to learn more about Sardinian wine and how it's made.

Day Trip to La Maddalena

The main island of the archipelago of the same name off the north coast, known for dreamy beaches, turquoise water and a charming old town. Ferry from Palau (several operators, every 30 to 45 minutes, crossing takes about 15 minutes), free parking at the ferry harbor. Highlights: beaches like Spiaggia Bassa Trinita or Monti d'A Rena, a walk through the historic old town, onward trip to the neighboring island of Caprera possible.

Verdict: A worthwhile trip for anyone who wants to discover Sardinia's unique island world, easy to explore flexibly thanks to good connections and free parking.

Day Trip to La Maddalena

Fordongianus Thermal Springs

Known for mineral-rich, warm water already used by the Romans, a constant water temperature of about 54 degrees with a healing effect on skin and joints. Visitors can enjoy the thermal baths or explore the ancient Roman ruins, plus natural thermal pools and a modern spa.

Verdict: Ideal for anyone looking for a relaxed break from island adventures, a perfect place to recharge body and mind amid a historic backdrop.

Our Verdict on Sardinia

Sardinia truly won us over. The beaches are simply dreamy, the water turquoise and the nature so varied, there's something beautiful to discover around every corner. The food was also an absolute highlight: tasty pizza, fresh pasta and really good local wines. One small downside: planning ahead and booking tickets for the most beautiful beaches was genuinely tedious, sometimes a bit more spontaneity would have been more relaxing. Still, we'd definitely visit Sardinia again. The combination of nature, beach, good food and that laid-back Italian lifestyle simply makes the island unforgettable.

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