Your Guide to Sardinia
No one knows travel quite like Delta people, which is why we've turned to them to curate a guide to help you discover the best that Sardinia has to offer. Unsure of where to stay? Want to know the best way to get around the island? Just go ahead and book that flight - we'll help take care of the planning.
GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND
From the airport to your hotel
Once you’ve arrived at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, there are local buses that can take you to city center as well as taxis – both of which can be found outside of arrivals. Once in city center, there are regional buses and trains that can take you to popular areas of the island, though it’s highly recommended to rent a car.
Renting a car
Arguably the best way to get around the island, renting and driving a car in Sardinia gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can pick up a car at OLB, with both larger chains, like Hertz, available as well as local companies. You can choose between automatic and manual cars, and driving on Sardinian roads is relatively easy.
Public transportation
While Sardinia does have buses and trains, most of them only go between major areas, and the journey can take several more hours longer than it would by car. Buses are best if you’re staying in a popular area and don’t plan on venturing outside of it.
WHERE TO STAY
Explore some of our favorite areas to call home during your trip
RECOMMENDED BY DELTA PEOPLE
We asked the people who live to travel to share their favorite recommendations, then sent a Delta team member to Sardinia to discover firsthand some of the island’s most unique experiences.
Located near Alghero, this stalactite cave is definitely worth the visit. If you’re able, reach the cave via the 650+ steps carved into the side of the cliff for stunning views. You can also reach the cave by boat.
Tip: Try to go as early as possible to beat some of the heat and the crowds.
A town with a little bit of everything, Bosa has lots of history, colorful buildings, great food and beautiful beaches. You can stay in the area or it’s great as a day trip from Alghero. Spend some time sunbathing and swimming at Cane Malu (just be prepared for a little hike!).
A gorgeous stretch of coastline on the east side of the island, this area features hikes, stunning beaches and perfect spots for sunbathing. Rent a dinghy and make Cala Goloritzé or Cala Gonone your starting spot.
Not far from Olbia is La Maddalena – a town on the Maddalena archipelago that can only be reached via ferry. It’s perfect as a day trip if you want to try out other beaches and explore the park. If you rent a car in Sardinia, you can take the car onto the ferry!
When looking for accommodations in Sardinia, you’re likely to come across agriturismi. These family-run farm stays are a great way to see a different side of Sardinia and can be enjoyable for families, as a lot of agriturismi offer activities. Most serve dinners of traditional Sardinian food made with local ingredients, which can be booked even if you’re not staying at the agriturismo.
Take a break from the beach and venture inland to explore this small village and the 2000-year-old history of the Mamuthones. This village is also known for its viticulture, so be sure to stop by one of several wineries in the area for a tour and a sip.
This one’s for the people who like their beach trips with a side of history. Formed during the Bronze Age, Nuragic culture is still evident all over the island through distinctive stone structures. There are thousands, so they’re not hard to miss, but a favorite is the Sacred Well of Santa Cristina.
Quick Tip
When looking for places to swim, you’ll find both cala and spiaggia, and it’s good to know what you’re getting into before picking your spot.
Cala: Typically smaller, with more rocky and intimate beaches. Usually must be reached on foot via a small hike or by boat.
Popular spots: Cala Gonone, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé
Spiaggia: This is your more typical public beach with sandy areas for sunbathing. Good for families and easier to access.
Popular spots: Spiaggia La Pelosa, Spiaggia del Principe, Spiaggia di Chia
Note that more popular spots have limited space and require reservations, so look it up before you go!
A TASTE OF SARDINIA
Our favorite quick bites, big meals and everything in between from across the island
Similar to couscous or orzo, fregula (or fregola) is one of Sardinia’s most classic pasta dishes. Try it with seafood like prawns, mussels and clams.
This ravioli-like pasta is usually stuffed with mashed potatoes, mint, pecorino and garlic and can be served several different ways, including fried with dipping sauces or sauteed in a tomato sauce.
This popular liquer is made from the myrtle plant and is meant to drink as a digestif after your meal. Murta is red and sweeter while murta arba is white and drier. Mirto can also be used to make a spritz.
Because of how intricately it is prepared and how few people know how to make it, su filindeu (loosely translated to “threads of God”) is considered the rarest pasta in the world. The incredibly thin strands are typically served in mutton broth with pecorino.
End your meal with this popular Sardinian dessert, typically made by filling flaky dough with pecorino cheese and lemon and drizzling honey over everything.
Thin and crispy, pane carasau can be dated back to the time of the Nuragic civilization. You’ll mostly find it served as table bread at restaurants or in markets, ready to be eaten as a snack with meat and cheese, but it is also used to make dishes like pane fratau.
With a crispy skin and succulent inside, porceddu is made by slow-roasting a whole pig over a wood fire. You’ll find this classic dish on the menu if you’re dining at an agriturismo or traditional Sardinian restaurant.
If wine is your drink of choice, you’ll have plenty of great options in Sardinian. The most typical kinds are Vermentino and Cannonau, but you can find more niche wine in smaller regions, like Grannaza in Mamoiada.
Your Sardinia Adventure Awaits
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