Top Tips for Exploring Sardinia
A-List travel advisor Andrea Grisdale shares her best tips — including where to stay — for traveling to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia.
Sardinia, known among Italians as Sardegna, is one of Italy’s most desirable islands to visit. With stunning coastlines, intriguing history — including the UNESCO-recognized Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a stone fortress dating back 3,500 years to the Bronze Age — fabulous food and wine, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, it’s high on my radar as a longtime travel advisor.
Here are my tips for experiencing the best of the island.
When to Go
While Sardinia is often considered a summer destination, I prefer visiting in the spring or late summer to avoid the crowds. The island averages more than 300 sunny days per year. During this time, I recommend staying in the southern part of the island, near the town of Santa Margherita, renowned for its mild, subtropical climate. It also serves as a great base for quick access to the capital city of Cagliari and its nearby villages.
Where to Stay
Recently, travelers have raved about the beautiful Forte Village Resort, which includes 10 hotels, many built in the style of classic Roman architecture, and 21 restaurants that range from casual eateries to fine dining, Michelin-starred venues. The resort’s Acquaforte Thalasso Spa focuses on wellness through seawater therapy and offers a full medical-oriented program — in addition to yoga and workout classes — tailored to guests’ needs and expectations.
Another resort highlight is the gardens, where 3,000 plant species thrive, including those in the herb and vegetable garden, tended by a team of more than 80 gardeners. Most of the food prepared at the resort is sourced from local farms and fishmongers. Some Forte Village Resort herbologists collaborate with local authorities on conservation projects to protect stretches of Sardinia’s coastline.
A lot of effort goes into developing the resort’s sustainability initiatives. For instance, “grey water” produced at Forte Village is used to irrigate the 123 acres of gardens and grounds, and some hotel properties generate hot water through solar panels. The village is completely car-free: all transportation, from golf carts to bicycles, is battery-powered. In an effort to protect the Mediterranean Sea surrounding Sardinia, Forte Village Resort partners with the Italian firm Ogyre Plastic to collect approximately 2,000 pounds of plastic waste each year.
What to Eat
When traveling to Sardinia, you cannot miss tasting local delicacies. One of my favorites is a type of paper-thin bread, baked with olive oil and rosemary, known as pane carasau. Other beloved dishes include the pecorino cheese, ricotta cheese, and spinach ravioli, which are second to none. Some farms welcome visitors to enjoy suckling pig cooked over an open fire, served with rosemary potatoes. Additionally, Sardinia’s best-known dessert is the seadas, traditional honey and cheese pastries.
Healthy Living
Another interesting aspect of Sardinia is that it is considered a Blue Zone, an area of the world where there is a higher concentration of centenarians. Scientists believe this phenomenon is attributed to the local lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity, religious faith, and a strong belief in family and human connection. (I also think the amazing food and wine contribute significantly to this as well.)
Traditional Events
Throughout the year, festivals provide an excellent opportunity to experience traditional costumes and local handicrafts, enjoy local music and singing, and of course, taste local produce at food stalls. The most significant celebration is the Sant’Efisio Festival. Every May since 1657, over 100 Sardinian villages gather in traditional dress to parade through Cagliari’s streets alongside decorated carts pulled by oxen. Additionally, various equestrian events are held, like the Sa Sartiglia Carnival in the city of Oristano each February. This event is one of the most spectacular and choreographed carnivals in Sardinia — during each day of the festivities, skilled horsemen attempt to catch a star-shaped token with a sword or spear.
Andrea Grisdale is a member of GoTravelDaily’s A-List of travel advisors and creates custom trips across Italy. Contact her at andrea@icbellagio.com.
