Sardinia might be one of Italy’s 20 regions, but the Mediterranean’s second largest island is a world apart from its mainland parent. The Sardinian language is unintelligible to Italians while rural Sards still follow the old ways with many professing a quasi-belief in magic.
The unique culture alone makes Sardinia a must visit, on top of its heavenly cuisine, vibrant towns and exquisite scenery of the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) and Costa Paradiso.
In this blog, we’ll attempt to bring Sardinia’s beaches, towns and flavours to life, but in order to fully appreciate the rich and beautiful complexity of the island, plan a vacation, plant your feet down in that famous soft white sand, and let the adventure begin.
Beaches of bewitching beauty
The refined sugar-like white sandy beaches along the Emerald Coast and Costa Paradiso in northern Sardinia are truly bewitching and lure some of the world’s wealthiest and best-looking bodies in the summer months of July and August.
One of the Costa Smeralda’s most treasured beaches Spiaggia di Liscia Ruja. Strip down to your costume, sink your toes into the long stretch of white sand and slip into the incredibly light blue waters and let the views of surrounding pine tree forests and the islands of Soffi and Mortorio work its relaxing spell on you.
For families with young children or for less confident swimmers, Spiaggia Capriccioli is a must. This series of beaches offers four beautiful coves of fine white sand set against a sparkling turquoise sea popular for its shallow waters. The coves and the little rock pools filled with sea creatures will keep the kids mesmerised for hours.
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach with equally attractive bodies, Cala di Volpe is where the chic and stylish head to. Instead of white, the sands of Cala di Volpe are pinkish, while the sea comes in various shades of blue and is completely transparent in some parts. This beach also offers you access to countless activities, from water sports and nature hikes to boat rides to the nearby archipelago of La Maddalena. This cluster of with 27 islands is a national park, with its unique wildlife and lush flora a joy to behold.
Towns of pure charm
Porto Cervo is where celebrities like Beyoncé and Jay Z escape to on their luxury yachts and hit the famous nightclub of Billionaire to party. The town itself is charm personified from the marina to the Piazzetta di Porto Cervo. This town centre is perfect for people watching while the piazza is home to some of the finest haute couture boutiques, from Dolce & Gabbana and Bulgari to Versace, Prada and Valentina.
Porto Rotondo is another port village with Instagram ready pastel buildings set against turquoise waters and with the reddish rocks giving sunsets an otherworldly quality. Art galleries, designer labels and fine restaurants add to the village’s genuine appeal.
Another gem of a village and off the tourist trail is Poltu Quatu. Known for having a quieter ambience than Porto Cervo or Porto Rotondo, its where some of the richest Italians and Sardinians tie up their luxury yachts. The surrounding area is home to some of Sardinia’s most pristine beaches, with dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, swordfish and sunfish, Mediterranean mantas, and even whales regular visitors.
Food of the Gods
When it’s time to sample some the finest cuisine in Sardinia, you’ll find everything you could wish for in Porto Cervo, although it is advised to reserve tables in advance. Pull up a chair at Quattro passi Al Pescatore where Chef Antonio Mellino prepares fresh fish straight from the sea in traditional Sardinian style.
A legend from his days at Ristorante Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, Italo Bassi’s ConFusion restaurant is another Michelin starred treasure. Take a seat and admire the enchanting décor and take your pick from raw fish dishes, finest quality meats, oysters and caviar plus a host of excellent wines and celebrated champagnes.
For food prepared by a Michelin starred chef complete with live Italian music, Andrea Berton’s Terrazza Restaurant at Meraviglioso is an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for reason not to eat in Porto Cervo, its Japanese celebrity Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s restaurant in Cala di Volpe. Complete with outstanding views of Li Itriceddi and designed by architect Matteo Thun, Matsuhisa Beach is where you sample the sushi Chef Matsuhisa learned how to make in Japan, and the techniques he learned in Peru to spice it up.
If, however, you happen to be in Porto Cervo from 9-12 May in 2024, you’re in for a treat as the port town hosts its annual Wine & Food Festival, showcasing the very best of Italian and Sardinian cuisine.
Resorts of outstanding natural beauty
VCMS XP Holidays has selected two of Costa Smeralda and Costa Paradiso’s most appealing luxury five-star resorts, perfectly located for all the beaches, towns, villages and restaurants we’ve covered above.
MClub Budoni sits on a hill overlooking 18kms of coastline and is surrounded by olive groves, pine forests and salt water ponds visited by pink flamingos.
MClub Marmorata meanwhile is set in the sleepy seaside village of Santa Teresa di Gallura, right in-between Costa Smeralda and Costa Paradiso, which gives you the beautiful bay of Rene Bianca and the Blue Flag beaches of Cala Balcaccia, Santa Reparata, and La Marmorata.